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How to Extend Your Canada Visitor Visa – Complete Guide 2025

Last Update: 11-02-2025

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Aditya Jain

Canada visa extension

If you are currently in Canada and wish to extend your stay, it's important to understand the requirements and procedures for doing so legally. This blog post provides a comprehensive guide on how to extend your Canada visitor visa, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV).

In this blog:

  1. Understanding the Canada Visitor Visa
  2. What is a Visitor Record?
  3. Who is Eligible for a Canada Visitor Visa Extension?
  4. Reasons to Extend Your Stay in Canada
  5. Key Requirements for Extension
  6. Steps to Extend Your Canada Visitor Visa
  7. Canada Visa Extension Fees
  8. Processing Time for a Canada Visitor Visa Extension
  9. FAQs

Understanding the Canada Visitor Visa

A visitor visa allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a temporary period, generally for tourism, family visits, or other short-term purposes. The permitted length of stay in Canada varies, usually spanning from a few months to a year, depending on the visa specifications.

What is a Visitor Record?

A visitor record is an official document that allows you to stay in Canada longer. It is not a visa but includes a new expiry date, indicating the date by which you must leave Canada. You need a visitor record if you want to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor.


Travelling Outside Canada


A visitor record allows you to stay in Canada longer, but it doesn't guarantee re-entry if you travel to Canada outside the country. If you plan to travel to Canada outside Canada or the United States, you need a valid entry document, such as a visitor visa or an eTA, to return.

Who is Eligible for a Canada Visitor Visa Extension?

Eligibility for a visitor visa extension requires that you:

  • Are currently in Canada with a valid visitor visa.
  • Hold a valid study permit or work permit and want to change to a visitor visa.
  • Have a visitor’s visa that is unexpired or was valid for only one entry.
  • Meet the general requirements for entering Canada, including not having committed any offenses that would disqualify you from receiving a visa.

Reasons to Extend Your Stay in Canada

There are several reasons why you might want to extend your visitor visa. These include:

  • Enjoying your initial visit and wanting more time to explore Canada.
  • Needing additional time to visit family and friends.
  • Unforeseen circumstances requiring you to remain in Canada longer.

Key Requirements for Extension

Before you apply for a visitor record to extend your Canada visitor visa, ensure you meet the following requirements:

  • Maintain Legal Status: You must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current visa's expiry date. Applying after the expiry date may result in a rejected application.
  • Demonstrate Financial Stability: You need to prove you can financially support yourself during the extended stay in Canada. This can be done through bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter from a sponsor.
  • Intention to Leave: You must convince immigration authorities that you plan to leave Canada once your extended stay is over. Provide evidence of ties to your home country, such as proof of employment, family relations, or property ownership.
  • Valid Passport: Ensure your passport remains valid for the duration of your intended stay.

Steps to Extend Your Canada Visitor Visa

Here are the detailed steps to extend your visitor visa in Canada:


Step 1: Check Your Current Status: Verify your current visa status on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or by contacting a local immigration office.


Step 2:  Gather Required Documents:

  • Proof of Financial Support: Include bank statements, pay stubs, or a sponsor letter.
  • Current Visa Status: Provide your current visa documentation and any recent immigration documents.
  • Reason for Extension: Write a detailed sample letter explaining why you want to extend your stay.
  • Proof of Ties to Your Home Country: Include documents that prove you plan to return, such as employment letters or property ownership papers.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form: Fill out Form IMM 5708, the application form for a visitor record, available on the IRCC website. Provide honest and detailed information to avoid delays or denial.


Step 4: Submit Your Application: You can apply online or by mail. Online submission is generally faster.


Online:

  • Create an account or sign in on the IRCC website.
  • Upload all required documents.
  • Pay the fee online using a credit or debit card.

To apply online, you will need:

  • A scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents.
  • A valid credit or debit card to pay the fees.

By Mail:

  • Send the completed form and supporting documents to the specified address.
  • Include a bank draft or money order for the application fee.

If You Can’t Apply Online

In certain situations, such as having a disability or encountering a problem with the online application, you can submit a paper application.

Step 5: Awaiting the Decision: Processing times vary, so check your application status regularly.


Step 6: Receive Your Extended Visa: If approved, you’ll receive a visitor record with the new expiry date. Keep this document with you at all times in Canada.

Maintaining Status While Waiting

If you apply to extend your stay in Canada before your current status expires, you can legally remain in Canada until a decision is made. This is known as maintaining implied status.

Canada Visa Extension Fees

The fee to extend your stay as a visitor in Canada is CAD 100 per person. This fee covers the processing of your application. Keep in mind that fees are subject to change, so it's best to check the official Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information. If you need to restore your status as a visitor, the fee is CAD 239.75.

Processing Time for a Canada Visitor Visa Extension

The current processing time for a Canada visitor visa extension (visitor record) is around 125 days. Your actual processing time begins when we receive a complete application and concludes when a decision is made. Keep in mind that processing times can fluctuate due to the volume of applications received and the complexity of individual cases. To avoid delays or rejection, ensure your application is thorough and includes all required information.

Conclusion

Extending your Canada visitor visa requires careful attention to detail and adherence to the guidelines set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. By understanding the requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and applying in a timely manner, you can increase your chances of a successful permit application to stay in Canada longer.

FAQs

What is a visitor record and how does it differ from a visitor visa (TRV)?

A visitor record is a document that allows you to stay in Canada longer as a visitor, worker (authorized to work without a work permit), or student (authorized to study without a study permit). It is not a visa, but it includes a new expiry date, indicating when you must leave Canada. A visitor visa (or temporary resident visa) is what you use to enter Canada initially. If your temporary resident visa has expired, but you have a valid status document such as a study permit, work permit, or visitor record, you can remain in Canada.

When should I apply to extend my stay as a visitor?

You should apply to extend your stay in Canada at least 30 days before your current status expires.

Can I extend my stay to work or study?

Yes, you can apply for a visitor record to extend your stay as a worker authorized to work without a work permit, or as a student authorized to study without a study permit.

What happens if my application to extend my visitor visa is denied?

If your application for an extension is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You may have the option to appeal the decision, but if that isn't an option, you’ll need to make arrangements to leave Canada before your current visa expires.

If I extend my stay, does that guarantee I can re-enter Canada if I leave?

No, a visitor record allows you to stay in Canada longer, but it doesn’t guarantee that you can leave and then re-enter Canada. If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States, you need a valid entry document, such as a visitor visa or an eTA, to return to Canada.

How do I apply for a visitor record?

You can apply for a visitor record online through the IRCC website.

What if my visitor visa expires and I need to leave and return to Canada?

If your visitor visa expires and you need to leave Canada and return, you need to apply for a new visitor visa (not a visitor record).

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