Can you work, study, or leave Canada on a visitor record?
No. A visitor record does not let you work or study in Canada. If you want to work, you need a work permit; if you want to study a program longer than six months, you need a study permit. A visitor record also does not guarantee re-entry. If you leave Canada, you need a valid visitor visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on your nationality, to come back, and leaving while your extension is pending ends your maintained status.
What should you do to avoid losing your status?
Apply for the visitor record online at least 30 days before your current status expires, stay in Canada while the application is processed, and keep proof that you applied on time. Set a reminder well ahead of your expiry date, because the single most common mistake is applying late and falling out of status. If your status has already lapsed, you have 90 days to apply to restore it as a visitor, with an extra restoration fee. If your case is complex, speak to a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) before you submit.
Go Far Global is a licensed RCIC firm in Toronto, and our consultants handle visitor extensions and status problems every week.
Frequently asked questions
How long can you extend a visitor record in Canada?
A visitor record usually extends your stay for up to six months from the decision date. IRCC can grant less or more depending on your reason and how long your passport is valid. You can apply again before each new period ends, as long as you remain a genuine temporary visitor.
Can I leave Canada while waiting for a visitor record extension?
You can leave, but it is risky. Leaving Canada while your visitor record application is pending ends your maintained status, and you will need a valid visitor visa or eTA to return. If you must travel, wait for a decision first where possible.
How long does it take to get a visitor record extension in Canada?
Processing times vary with volume, and recent online visitor extensions have taken several months. Check the current estimate on IRCC's processing times tool, and apply early so that maintained status covers you while you wait.
What is a valid reason to extend a visitor visa in Canada?
Common accepted reasons include continuing a family visit, recovering from a medical issue, waiting on another application, or tourism that runs longer than planned. You must show that you are a genuine temporary visitor, that you can support yourself, and that you will leave at the end of the extended stay.
Do I need a new visitor visa to extend my stay?
No. To stay longer inside Canada you apply for a visitor record, not a new visitor visa. You only need a new visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) if you leave Canada and need to re-enter.
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