visitor-record🇨🇦 Canada
Extending Your Stay in Canada: Visitor Record Guide
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Visitor Record & Extending Your Stay in Canada
If you are already in Canada and want to extend your stay beyond 6 months, you need to apply for a Visitor Record. A Visitor Record is a document that allows you to stay in Canada for a specified period beyond your original authorized stay.
What Is a Visitor Record?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What | A document extending your authorized stay in Canada |
| Who needs it | Visitors who want to stay beyond their initial admission period |
| When to apply | Before your current status expires |
| Result | A new document with an extended departure date |
When to Apply
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Current status expires soon | Apply at least 30 days before expiry |
| Status already expired | Apply ASAP — you may be out of status |
| Want to stay longer | Apply while still in valid status |
| Implied status | If you apply before expiry, you have implied status to stay |
Implied Status
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Implied status | If you apply before your status expires, you can stay while waiting for a decision |
| Conditions | You had valid status when you applied |
| Duration | Until you receive a decision on your extension |
| Work/study | You cannot work or study on implied visitor status |
Application Process
- Apply online — through the IRCC portal
- Complete form — IMM 5708
- Pay fees — $100
- Submit documents — proof of funds, purpose, ties to home country
- Wait for decision — processing varies
- Receive Visitor Record — with new authorized stay date
Required Documents
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Application form | IMM 5708 |
| Valid passport | Copy |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements |
| Explanation letter | Why you need to extend |
| Previous entry stamp | Showing current authorized stay |
| Return tickets | Proof of intention to leave |
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visitor Record | $100 |
| Restoration of status | $229 (if applied after expiry) |
Processing Times
| Type | Time |
|---|---|
| Extension (from within Canada) | 4–16 weeks |
| Restoration of status | 4–16 weeks |
Tips
- Apply at least 30 days before expiry — this gives you implied status
- Don't overstay — it can affect future applications
- Have sufficient funds — show you can support yourself
- Restoration is possible but harder — if you missed the deadline
- Implied status doesn't mean approval — you could still be refused
- Keep proof — keep your application confirmation as proof of implied status
Source: IRCC — Extend Your Stay
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