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Extension & Renewal
Extend Your Visit in Canada
Stay longer in Canada with a visitor record extension. Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires.
Processing Time
18 months (540 days) for online applications - Apply well in advance
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 Visa Extension
A visitor visa extension, officially called a 'visitor record,' allows foreign nationals to extend their temporary stay in Canada beyond the initial period granted upon entry (typically 6 months). This is essential if you wish to continue your visit for tourism, family visits, or other temporary purposes without leaving Canada.
You must apply for an extension before your current authorized stay expires. Most visitors are initially authorized to stay for 6 months from their entry date (check the stamp in your passport or your entry document). If no specific date is given, the default is 6 months from entry. Applying for an extension gives you implied status while waiting for a decision, allowing you to remain in Canada legally.
The visitor record extension is different from renewing your visitor visa (the sticker in your passport). The visa only allows you to enter Canada, while the visitor record determines how long you can stay. Even if your visa expires while you're in Canada, you can still extend your stay with a visitor record. Processing times for visitor extensions have increased significantly, so early application is crucial.
Important Deadlines
- Apply at least 30 days before your current authorized stay expires to maintain implied status
- Provide biometrics within 30 days if you receive a biometrics instruction letter
- If you miss the deadline, you have 90 days from expiry to apply for status restoration (with $350 additional fee)
- Respond to IRCC document requests within the specified timeframe to avoid application refusal
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 Visa Extension.
Currently in Canada with valid temporary resident status (visitor, student, or worker)
Have a valid reason for extending your stay (tourism, visiting family, etc.)
Have not engaged in unauthorized work or study
Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during the extended stay
Will leave Canada at the end of your extended authorized stay
Do not have a criminal record or pose a security risk to Canada
Documentation
Required Documents
Gather these documents before starting your extension application.
Valid passport (must be valid beyond your intended extended stay)
Copy of your current visitor visa or entry stamp/document
Detailed letter explaining the reason for your extension request
Proof of financial support (bank statements showing sufficient funds)
Proof of ties to your home country (property ownership, employment letter, family ties)
Travel history and proof of return ticket or travel plans after your visit
Police certificate (if required based on your circumstances)
Updated passport-style photographs (if submitting a paper application)
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to successfully extend your status in Canada.
1
Determine Your Current Status Expiry Date
Check your passport stamp, visitor visa, or port of entry document to determine when your current authorized stay expires. If no date is specified, it's typically 6 months from your entry date. Calculate the deadline for your extension application (at least 30 days before expiry).
2
Prepare Your Extension Justification
Write a detailed letter explaining why you need to extend your stay in Canada. Include specific reasons, planned activities, and why you cannot complete your visit within the original timeframe. Be honest and provide supporting evidence for your claims.
3
Gather Financial and Supporting Documents
Collect recent bank statements showing sufficient funds, proof of accommodation arrangements, travel insurance, and evidence of ties to your home country. Demonstrate that you can support yourself financially and will return home after your visit.
4
Create an IRCC Online Account
Register for an IRCC secure account if you don't already have one. This will be your portal for submitting the application, uploading documents, and tracking your application status.
5
Complete the Application Form
Fill out the Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor (IMM 5708) through your online account. Provide accurate information about your current status, travel history, and extension request details.
6
Upload Documents and Pay Fees
Scan and upload all required supporting documents in the correct format. Pay the $100 government processing fee and $85 biometrics fee (if applicable) using a credit or debit card through the secure portal.
7
Submit and Monitor Your Application
Review your application carefully before submitting. After submission, you'll have implied status if you applied before your current status expired. Check your IRCC account regularly for updates and respond promptly to any document requests.
Common Pitfalls
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes and avoid these common errors when applying for an extension.
Not knowing when their status expires - Check your documents carefully, not just your visa expiry
Insufficient explanation for extension - Provide detailed, credible reasons with supporting evidence
Weak proof of temporary intent - Show strong ties to home country and clear departure plans
Inadequate financial documentation - Demonstrate sufficient funds for the entire extended period
Applying too close to expiry date - Given 18-month processing times, apply as early as possible
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 Visa Extension 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 Visa Extension
What's the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?
A visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is the sticker placed in your passport that allows you to travel to Canada and request entry at the border. A visitor record is a document issued by IRCC that specifies how long you're allowed to stay in Canada once you're already here. When you apply to 'extend your visitor visa,' you're actually applying for a visitor record to extend your authorized stay. Your original visa may expire while you're in Canada, but as long as you have a valid visitor record, you can legally remain in Canada (though you'd need a new visa to re-enter if you leave).
How long can I extend my visitor status in Canada?
There's no fixed maximum for visitor extensions, but IRCC typically grants extensions of up to 6 months at a time. The length granted depends on your specific circumstances, the reason for extension, and your demonstrated ability to support yourself financially. You must show that your visit remains temporary and that you'll leave Canada when your authorized stay ends. Multiple extensions are possible, but each requires a new application and IRCC may scrutinize repeated extension requests more carefully to ensure you're not attempting to live in Canada permanently as a visitor.
Can I work while on a visitor record extension?
No, a visitor record does not authorize you to work in Canada. Visitors are only permitted to engage in tourism, visiting family and friends, and limited business activities (such as attending meetings or conferences, but not employment). If you're caught working without authorization, you could face serious consequences including deportation and being barred from returning to Canada. If you need to work, you must apply for a work permit, which is a separate process with different requirements.
Why are visitor extension processing times so long?
Visitor extension processing times have increased significantly in recent years due to high application volumes and IRCC resource allocation priorities. Currently, online applications take approximately 18 months to process. This extended timeline makes it crucial to apply as early as possible - ideally several months before your current status expires. If you applied before your status expired, you'll have implied status, allowing you to remain in Canada legally while waiting for a decision. However, you cannot leave and re-enter Canada during this period without risking being unable to return.
What happens if I leave Canada while my extension application is pending?
If you leave Canada while your visitor extension application is being processed, your application is automatically abandoned and will be closed by IRCC. This is true even if you applied before your status expired and had implied status. If you want to return to Canada, you'll need to apply for entry as a new visitor (which requires a valid visa if you're from a visa-required country). If you think you might need to leave Canada during the processing period, consider this carefully before applying for an extension. In some cases, it may be better to leave Canada and apply for a new visitor visa to return, rather than extending from within Canada.
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
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
Status Restoration
10 months (300 days) - You must wait in Canada during processing without work/study authorization
Regain your legal status within 90 days of expiry. Act quickly to restore your visitor, student, or worker status in Canada.
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