To extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, you must apply for a visitor record. Unlike a visa, a visitor record provides a new expiry date, indicating when you must depart from Canada. This guide will explain who can extend their stay with visitor records, when to apply, and the steps involved in the application process.
Who can extend their stay with visitor records?
It does not matter if you entered Canada using a visitor visa, electronic travel authorization (eTA), a valid passport or another travel document, you need a visitor record if you want to:
- Extend your stay in Canada as:
- A visitor
- A worker authorized to work without a work permit
- A student authorized to study without a study permit
- Change your temporary resident category from:
- A study permit holder to a visitor
- A work permit holder to a visitor
When to apply for a visitor record?
You must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. Accordingly, you can submit an online application even 1 day prior to expiry of your 6-month stay, but it is not recommended. If you want to extend your stay as a visitor or change your status, you should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.
You can find the expiry date for your status on:
- The stamp in your passport (This is not the date included on your visitor visa.) If you do not have a stamp in your passport, the expiry date is 6 months from the day you entered Canada.
- Your study permit
- Your work permit
- Your visitor record (if you have already extended your stay)
Processing time of Visitor Visa extending is about 85 days.
Steps to apply for a visitor record
In most cases, applying online is required to obtain a visitor record, offering several advantages.
Using the online application platform eliminates courier fees and mail delivery time, ensuring your application is received instantly. It often results in faster processing and helps ensure your application is complete before submission.
Additionally, you can quickly upload additional documents if requested and receive direct updates on your application’s status through your online account.
To apply for a visitor record, you need to follow the steps mentioned below
Step 1: Gather necessary tools
Before you start your online application, ensure you have:
- A scanner or camera to digitize your documents.
- A valid credit or debit card for payment.
Step 2: Consult the instruction guide
Read through the instruction guide from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) carefully. This essential resource provides detailed directions on how to accurately fill out each section of the application form.
Step 3: Set up or log in to your online account to finish application
To apply, you must create an online account. After registering and signing in, you can pay the necessary fees, submit your application, and track its status.
Before uploading your forms, you need to answer a series of questions. These responses will help IRCC generate a personalized document checklist for you. To apply for a visitor record, provide the following information in the online tool:
- Select “Visit” in response to “What would you like to do in Canada?”
- Choose “Canada” for “What is your current country/territory of residence?”
If you can not apply online because of a disability or because there is a problem with the online application, you can apply on paper.
For comprehensive insights and customized assistance tailored to your individual circumstances for immigrating to Canada, feel free to reach out to our experienced consultants.
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