What a visitor record is
To stay in Canada longer as a visitor, you apply for a visitor record. It is a separate document, not placed in your passport, that shows your visitor status and the date by which you must leave. A visitor record is not a visa. The date on a visitor visa is not the end of your authorized stay.
Find your expiry date and apply 30 days ahead
IRCC asks you to apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. Your expiry date is on the stamp in your passport, not on your visitor visa. If there is no stamp, it is six months from the day you entered Canada; if you already have a study permit, work permit or visitor record, use the date on that document. Write the date in your timeline with a reminder 45 days before it.
How to apply
You must apply online with an IRCC account; paper is only for people who cannot apply online because of a disability or when there is a problem with the online application. Your answers create a personalized document checklist, and IRCC asks you to read its instruction guide first. Check the current fee on IRCC’s fee list before paying. If IRCC asks for biometrics, book the appointment as soon as you can to avoid delays.
Staying while you wait
If you apply before the date you must leave, you can legally stay in Canada until IRCC decides; this is called maintained status. Temporary resident permit applicants are the exception and do not keep status while waiting. After approval, IRCC says the visitor record should arrive by mail within six weeks of the decision letter. A visitor record does not guarantee that you can leave and re-enter: visa-required travellers need a valid visitor visa for each entry, except when returning directly from the United States or Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
If your status has already expired
In some cases, if it has been less than 90 days since your visitor status expired, you can apply to restore it. On the application (IMM 5708) you select the option to restore your status, explain why you stayed longer than allowed and pay the restoration fee. IRCC says there is no guarantee the application will be approved, so record the exact dates of expiry and of your application.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply to extend my visitor stay?
At least 30 days before your current status expires. The date is on your passport stamp, or six months after entry if there is no stamp.
Can I stay in Canada while my extension is processed?
Yes, if you applied before your status expired. IRCC calls this maintained status.
Does a visitor record let me leave and come back?
No. IRCC says it does not guarantee re-entry; you must meet the entry requirements again, including a valid visa if you need one.
Official sources
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay/eligibility.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay/apply.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay/after-apply.html
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay/return.html
- https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1250
- https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=1452