Extending Your Stay in Canada

Already in Canada and need more time? You may be able to extend your authorized stay by applying for a visitor record before your current status expires.

What Is a Visitor Record

When you enter Canada as a visitor, you are typically authorized to stay for up to six months. If you need to stay longer, you can apply to extend your stay by requesting a visitor record from within Canada before your current authorized period expires.

A visitor record is an official document issued by IRCC that extends your authorized stay in Canada as a visitor. It sets out the new date by which you must leave the country. It is not a new visa and does not replace your existing travel document, but it gives you legal status to remain in Canada beyond your original authorized period.

It is important to understand that a visitor record authorizes you to stay in Canada. It does not authorize you to work or study. If your plans have changed and you now want to work or study in Canada, a different application is required.

Eligibility

Who can apply to extend their stay.

To apply for a visitor record and extend your stay in Canada, you generally need to meet the following requirements.
1. Currently in Canada. You must be physically present in Canada at the time you apply. Extensions of visitor status cannot be applied for from outside Canada.
2. Valid status at time of application. You must apply before your current authorized stay expires. If your status has already expired, you are out of status and your situation is more complex — see the restoration section below.
3. Temporary intent. You must demonstrate that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your extended stay. Officers will assess your ties to your home country and the reasons for your extension request.
4. Sufficient funds. You must show that you have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your extended stay in Canada.
5. No inadmissibility. You must not be inadmissible to Canada on criminal, medical, security, or other grounds.
6. Compliance with conditions of your current status. You must have complied with all conditions of your existing visitor status, including not working or studying without authorization.

Maintained Status

What happens while your extension application is being processed.

If you apply to extend your stay before your current authorized period expires, you are protected by what is known as maintained status. This means you can legally remain in Canada under the same conditions as your current status while IRCC processes your extension application, even if your original authorized period expires during that time.

Maintained status continues until IRCC makes a decision on your extension application. If your extension is approved, you will receive a visitor record with a new expiry date. If your extension is refused, your maintained status ends and you will need to leave Canada.

The Application Process

How to apply for a visitor record.

Step 1: Check your status expiry date. Confirm when your current authorized stay expires. This date is typically stamped in your passport at the port of entry or noted on your visitor record if you have extended before.
Step 2: Apply online before expiry. Submit your extension application through IRCC's online portal before your current authorized stay expires. Do not wait until the last few days.
Step 3: Pay the application fee. A non-refundable application fee is required at the time of submission. Confirm the current fee on the IRCC website at the time of your application.
Step 4: Submit supporting documents. Provide evidence of your reasons for extending, your financial situation, and your ties to your home country. A strong application addresses the officer's likely concerns clearly and directly.
Step 5: Wait for a decision. IRCC will review your application and notify you of the decision. While waiting, you are protected by implied status as long as you applied before your original status expired.

If Your Status Has Already Expired

Already out of status? You may still have options.

If your authorized stay has already expired and you are still in Canada, you are out of status. This is a serious situation but it does not automatically mean you have no options. In some circumstances, it may be possible to restore your visitor status if you apply within 90 days of your status expiring and you meet the restoration requirements.

Restoration is not guaranteed and the application requires careful preparation. The MyVisa Team can assess whether restoration is available in your situation and help you put together the strongest possible application.

Common Reasons Extensions Are Refused

Where extension applications run into trouble.

Need to stay in Canada longer? Act before your status expires.

Start with a free assessment. We will review your situation, confirm whether you are eligible to extend, and help you prepare an application that gives you the best chance of approval.