Learn about the entire process of extending your stay in Canada using a visiting visa. According to the requirements, a person requesting a Visitor Visa extension must file 30 days before the visa expires. The first stage is to apply online for a Visitor Record to extend your stay as a visitor, authorized worker without a work permit, or student with the right to study without a study permit. When individuals initially enter Canada, they do so with a visitor visa, ETA, valid passport, or travel document. Most tourists to Canada can remain for up to six months. Visitors must leave on the date shown on their stamped passport.
Overview: Canada Visitor Visa Extension
A visitor is an individual who is either lawfully present in Canada or intends to enter the country for a transitory purpose (e.g., work, study, or visit) but is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of ministerial permission.
Before entering a Port of Entry (POE), all travelers are required to register for and obtain a visa, unless they are exempt. Upon their arrival at a POE, all visitors who are required to obtain a visa must possess it.
The application process for a tourist visa in Canada consists of two stages:
Initial Step: The foreign national must initially submit a visit visa application to the appropriate Canadian visa office in the country or region of their residence. At this juncture, the applicant may be required to participate in an interview with the visa officer, who will evaluate the applicant’s overall admissibility to Canada, the applicant’s ability or wish to depart Canada within the visa validity period, and the applicant’s reasons for visiting Canada.
Second Step: The applicant is permitted to enter Canada upon the acquisition of a visit visa. At the port of entry, an immigration official will interview the applicant to verify their eligibility for admission.
A visitor visa may be valid for a single or multiple entries. Single-entry visas may be issued up to six months before the anticipated travel date. The utmost validity period for multiple-entry visitor visas is five years or one month before the expiration of the passport/re-entry visa, whichever occurs first. Tourist entrance permits are frequently issued by POE officials for six months.
A temporary residence visa may be requested by a foreign national who is currently in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa.
The entire process of Canada Visitor Visa Extension – Online application
By submitting your application online, you guarantee that the immigration department receives it promptly, which expedites the application process. Individuals who have already submitted their applications on paper will not be required to resubmit them online.
The importance of applying online
- There is no need to pay for courier services or wait for letter delivery.
- The processing of applications may be speedier.
- You can confirm that you have submitted a full application.
- It is far more convenient to submit a larger number of papers digitally.
- Your digital account gives you access to the current status of your application.
What are the stages in applying for a visitor record?
To apply for a visitor record, ensure that you adhere to the following procedures:
Keep the forms ready.
Before applying for a visitor record, each individual is required to peruse an online instruction booklet that is provided by the IRCC. This will help them understand the documentation requirements that are unique to their case. The following documents must be completed by students after they have read the instructions:
- This is the Application to Change Conditions, Extension of Stay in Form IMM 5708.
- Canada as a Temporary Resident Permit Holder or guest.
- Fill out Form IMM 636.51 only if it is applicable. This is the Statutory Declaration of the Common-Law Union.
- (If applicable.) Representative Use Form IMM 5476
Note: These forms are not accessible through a simple click; therefore, they must be downloaded by the individual. Utilize a PDF editor to complete the forms.
Check Also: Canadian Startup Visa Myths
Stay ready with your responses for the online tool.
Before uploading the documents, you must respond to a few inquiries. Upon completion of the inquiries, you will be granted access to a personalized document checklist.
To obtain your distinctive document checklist, please respond to the inquiries below:
After migrating to Canada, you will be requested to specify your objectives.
It will be necessary for you to disclose your current country of residence or territory.
Create an account.
The GCKey Account must be completed by the applicant. Thereafter, you are required to opt in for the subsequent activities:
- Expenses associated with the application
- submitting the application
- confirming its current status.
To apply for a visitor record, a credit or debit card is necessary, as the fee is $100.Conversely, you may request a visitor record through a paper application in the following scenarios:
- Inability to submit an online application due to a disability or
- In the event of an issue with the online application system.
What happens when you apply?
Please note that a visitor record is not the same as a tourist visa; the date listed on the visitor record is the date of departure from Canada. Additionally, a visitor record cannot be used for employment or studies; to do so, you must apply for a work or study permit individually. If you find that the processing time restriction has been reached, you can contact IRCC via the Web form. The typical processing time for the visitor record online application is 151 days, while the processing time for paper applications is 106 days.
Is it feasible to leave Canada and return with only a visitor record?
A visitor record does not authorize somebody to re-enter Canada because it is not valid as an entry document. As a result, a visiting visa or electronic travel authorization is required to return to Canada after departure.
Benefits of Canada Visitor Visa Extension in 2024
- Multiple Entry Option: Numerous visitor visas are issued as multiple-entry visas, which permit the holder to enter and depart Canada as frequently as desired during the visa’s validity period, which typically extends to a maximum of 10 years.
- Prolonged Residency Duration: Each visit to Canada is permitted to last for a maximum of six months, providing you with sufficient time to visit family, conduct business, or explore the country.
- Tourism and Exploration: The visa enables you to explore the cultural attractions, vibrant cities, and diverse landscapes of Canada, including the Rocky Mountains and historic Quebec City.
- Visit Family and Friends: The visitor visa enables you to strengthen relationships, attend special occasions, and spend quality time with family or friends in Canada.
- Business Meetings and Conferences: The visa allows you to attend business meetings, conferences, and trade fairs in Canada, which can be invaluable for professional development and networking.
- Exploration of Future Opportunities: A visitor visa to Canada can be a means of investigating potential future opportunities, including the possibility of studying, working, or immigrating to the country. Before making long-term arrangements, it is possible to acquire a sense of the country.
- Participation in Short-Term Courses: You are permitted to enroll in short-term courses that are six months or less in duration, without the necessity of a study permit. This enables you to acquire new skills or knowledge during your visit.
- Health and Safety: Canada is renowned for its stringent health and safety regulations, which provide visitors with a sense of tranquility during their visit.
- Cultural Exchange: You have the opportunity to directly experience Canadian culture, traditions, and festivals, which will broaden your global perspective and provide a diverse cultural exchange.
- Easy Access to Neighboring Countries: Canada’s proximity to the United States allows for the exploration of neighboring regions, particularly if you are eligible for the Visa Waiver Program or possess a U.S. visa.
- Extensions: It is feasible to request an extension of your visitor status while in Canada, which would permit you to remain legally in the country for an extended period.
- No Permanent Commitment: In contrast to other visas, a visitor visa does not necessitate a long-term commitment, rendering it the optimal choice for brief visits that do not necessitate permanent residency or employment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is it possible to extend a visitor visa in Canada?
If you are a visitor to Canada and want to extend your visit because your current authorized entry is about to expire, you can apply for a visitor record. A visitor’s record is not a visa.
Can I stay in Canada after my visitor visa expires?
People sometimes refer to a TRV as a “visitor visa” or “entry visa.” You can remain in Canada even if your TRV has expired, as long as you have a valid status document (e.g., a valid study permit, work permit, visitor record, or visitor stamp in your passport).
Can I apply twice for a visitor visa in Canada?
If we refuse your application to come to Canada, you can apply again at any time, unless your decision letter says you can’t. You should only reapply if you can add new information.
