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Extension & Renewal
Apply for a Visitor Record in Canada
Extend your stay or change your status to visitor. A visitor record allows you to remain in Canada temporarily beyond your initial authorization.
Processing Time
12 months (360 days) for status change; 18 months for visitor extensions
Government Fee
$100 CAD
Biometrics Fee
$85 CAD (if required and not previously provided)
Total Cost
$185 CAD (if biometrics required)
Extension Overview
About Visitor Record
A visitor record is an official document issued by IRCC that allows you to stay in Canada as a visitor for an extended period or changes your status from another temporary category (worker or student) to visitor. Unlike a visitor visa (which allows entry to Canada), a visitor record authorizes how long you can stay once you're already in the country.
You might need a visitor record in several situations: if you want to extend your stay in Canada beyond your initial authorized period; if your work permit or study permit is expiring but you want to remain in Canada as a visitor; if you're changing your status from worker or student to visitor; or if you need formal documentation of your visitor status for specific purposes. The visitor record will specify exactly how long you're authorized to stay in Canada.
Applying for a visitor record is done from within Canada through the IRCC online portal. Processing times vary depending on whether you're extending visitor status or changing from another status. You must apply before your current status expires to maintain implied status while waiting for a decision. The visitor record does not authorize work or study - it's strictly for temporary visits.
Important Deadlines
- Apply at least 30 days before your current status expires to maintain implied status (earlier is better given processing times)
- Provide biometrics within 30 days if you receive a biometrics instruction letter from IRCC
- If your status expires before you apply, you have only 90 days to apply for restoration (with $350 additional fee)
- Respond to any IRCC requests for additional documents within the specified timeframe (typically 30 days)
- Do not leave Canada during processing or your application will be automatically abandoned
Free Extension Assessment
Not sure if you qualify for an extension? Our RCIC-licensed consultants will review your situation and guide you through the process.
Book Free ConsultationCheck Processing TimesOriginal Application InfoRCIC License: R515110
Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet these requirements to qualify for Visitor Record.
Currently in Canada with valid temporary status (visitor, worker, or student)
Have a legitimate reason to extend your stay or change to visitor status
Will not work or study without proper authorization while on visitor status
Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during your extended stay
Will leave Canada when your visitor record expires
Have not violated conditions of your current or previous status in Canada
Documentation
Required Documents
Gather these documents before starting your extension application.
Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your intended stay)
Current status document (visitor stamp, work permit, study permit, or previous visitor record)
Detailed letter explaining your reason for requesting a visitor record or extension
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, credit cards, sponsorship letter)
Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property ownership, family ties)
Travel insurance for the duration of your stay (highly recommended)
If changing from work/study status: explanation letter and proof of transition plans
Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications (for online applications)
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully extend your status in Canada.
1
Determine Your Current Status Expiry
Check your current status document (passport stamp, work permit, study permit, or previous visitor record) to find your authorized stay expiry date. If no date is specified on a visitor entry, it's typically 6 months from entry. Calculate when you need to apply (at least 30 days before expiry).
2
Prepare Your Explanation and Supporting Evidence
Write a detailed letter explaining why you need a visitor record - whether extending your visit, changing from work/study status, or other reasons. Include your plans while in Canada, why you need additional time, and when you plan to leave. Gather supporting documentation.
3
Collect Financial Documentation
Gather recent bank statements showing sufficient funds to support yourself (without working) for your entire requested stay period. Include credit card statements, sponsorship letters from family in Canada, or proof of income from outside Canada. Budget approximately $1,000-$1,500 per month for living expenses.
4
Create an IRCC Online Account
Register for an IRCC secure account if you don't already have one. This account will be used to submit your visitor record application, upload documents, pay fees, and track your application status throughout processing.
5
Complete the Online Application Form
Fill out the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor (IMM 5708) through your IRCC account. Select the appropriate option: extend your stay as a visitor or change your status to visitor from worker/student.
6
Upload Documents and Pay Fees
Scan and upload all required supporting documents including your explanation letter, financial proof, passport, current status document, and any additional evidence. Pay the $100 application fee and $85 biometrics fee (if required) through the online portal.
7
Submit and Monitor Your Application
Review your application carefully before submitting. After submission, if you applied before your status expired, you'll have implied status allowing you to remain in Canada under your current conditions. Check your account regularly for updates and respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Common Pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes and avoid these common errors when applying for an extension.
Confusing visitor record with visitor visa - The visa is for entry; the record is for staying in Canada
Not explaining change of plans - If changing from work/study to visitor, clearly explain why and your future plans
Insufficient financial proof - Show enough funds to support yourself for the entire requested visitor period without working
Requesting too long of a period - Be realistic about your visitor duration; 6 months is typical, longer requests need strong justification
Not understanding you cannot work - A visitor record does NOT authorize employment; working while on visitor status has serious consequences
Pro Tip
Work with an RCIC to avoid these common mistakes. Our consultants have helped thousands successfully extend their status. We review your application before submission to catch errors and maximize approval chances.
Costs
Extension Fees
Government fees for Visitor Record applications.
Government Fee
$100 CADBiometrics
$85 CAD (if required and not previously provided)Total
$185 CAD (if biometrics required)Fees are subject to change. Check IRCC website for current rates.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Visitor Record
What's the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
A visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is a document placed in your passport that allows you to travel to Canada and request entry at the border. It's obtained before coming to Canada. A visitor record, on the other hand, is a document issued by IRCC that authorizes how long you can stay in Canada once you're already here. You apply for a visitor record from within Canada to extend your visit or change your status to visitor. You can have a valid visitor visa in your passport but need a visitor record to extend your authorized stay. The visa gets you to Canada; the record keeps you here legally.
Can I work or study with a visitor record?
No, a visitor record does not authorize you to work or study in Canada. It only permits you to remain in Canada temporarily as a visitor for tourism, visiting family, or similar activities. If you're currently on a work or study permit and change your status to visitor, you must stop working or studying when your work/study permit expires, even if you have a visitor record. If you need to work or study, you must apply for the appropriate work permit or study permit - a visitor record is not sufficient. Working or studying while only having a visitor record can result in removal from Canada and future immigration penalties.
How long of a visitor record can I request?
There's no fixed maximum, but IRCC typically issues visitor records for up to 6 months at a time. The length granted depends on your specific circumstances, the reason for your visit, your ties to your home country, and your financial ability to support yourself. If you need to stay longer than 6 months, you should provide strong justification in your application - such as awaiting a permanent residence decision, caring for a family member, or specific travel circumstances. You can apply for multiple extensions, but each new visitor record requires a separate application, fee, and justification. IRCC may scrutinize repeated extensions to ensure you're not trying to live in Canada permanently as a visitor.
I'm on a work permit that's expiring - should I get a visitor record or extend my work permit?
This depends on your situation and goals. If you want to continue working for the same employer and are eligible, extending your work permit is the right choice. However, if your job is ending, you no longer have an LMIA, or you simply want to remain in Canada temporarily without working (perhaps while waiting for a permanent residence application decision), changing your status to visitor with a visitor record is appropriate. Many people do this as a 'bridge' - for example, if your work permit expires but you're waiting for PR, you can get a visitor record to stay legally in Canada. Be aware that once you change to visitor status, you cannot work until you get a new work permit.
What happens if I leave Canada while my visitor record application is pending?
If you leave Canada while your visitor record application is being processed, your application is automatically abandoned and will be closed by IRCC. This is true even if you applied before your previous status expired and had implied status. You cannot leave and return to continue your application. If you think you might need to travel outside Canada during the processing period, you should reconsider applying for a visitor record from within Canada. Instead, it might be better to leave Canada and apply for a new visitor visa to return. Once your visitor record is approved and you have the physical document, you can travel, but you'll need a valid visitor visa to re-enter Canada if you're from a visa-required country.
Other Extension Types
Study Permit Extension
4 months (120 days) - Apply at least 3-4 months before expiry
Continue your educational journey with a seamless study permit extension. Apply at least 3 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Visitor Visa Extension
18 months (540 days) for online applications - Apply well in advance
Stay longer in Canada with a visitor record extension. Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires.
Learn More
Work Permit Extension
15 months (450 days) - Apply at least 4 months before expiry
Continue your Canadian employment with a work permit extension. Apply at least 4 months before your current permit expires.
Learn More
Ready to Extend Your Stay in Canada?
Don't risk losing your status. Book a consultation with our RCIC-licensed consultants today. We'll help you prepare a complete application and maximize your chances of approval.
RCIC License: R515110 | Member of CICC