Extend Your Stay
in Canada:
the visitor record explained
The visitor record is the official way to stay in Canada longer than originally authorized. Apply online from inside Canada before your status expires to keep your legal stay uninterrupted.
How to Extend Your Stay in Canada with a visitor record
The official process to legally remain in Canada beyond your authorized entry period.
To extend your stay in Canada beyond the period originally authorized at the port of entry, you must apply for a visitor record from inside Canada. The visitor record is the official document that allows foreign nationals to legally extend their stay as visitors. Unlike a visitor visa or an eTA, it is not a travel document. It is a status document that confirms your right to remain in Canada for a defined additional period, typically up to one year per approval.
Anyone present in Canada with valid temporary resident status can apply to extend their stay. This includes tourists, family visitors, parents and grandparents under the Super Visa, and visitors awaiting decisions on family sponsorship or other immigration applications. The application to extend your visitor visa in Canada must be submitted online through the IRCC portal from inside the country. It cannot be requested from abroad or at a port of entry.
If you apply to extend your stay before your current status expires, IRCC grants you implied status. Implied status allows you to remain in Canada legally under the same conditions as your previous authorization while your visitor record application is being processed, even after your original entry date has passed. If you apply late, after your status has expired, you lose implied status and may be considered out of status, which carries serious consequences for future Canadian immigration applications.
Extending your stay in Canada with a visitor record does not allow you to work or study. It also does not function as a travel document: if you leave Canada with only a visitor record and your original TRV has expired, you will need a valid visa to return. The visitor record extends your authorized stay as a visitor, but does not change the underlying nature of your status.
When and why to extend your stay in Canada
Apply for a visitor record well before your current status expires. IRCC recommends submitting at least 30 days in advance to allow processing time while maintaining your legal stay through implied status.
Awaiting a spousal sponsorship decision
Most commonApplicants typically wait 15 to 24 months for permanent residence. Maintaining valid status through visitor record extensions is essential during this period, especially before the spousal open work permit is approved.
When to apply
- At least 30 days before your current authorized stay expires
- As soon as you know you need more time, even earlier than 30 days
- Before any planned travel outside Canada
- Before applying for other immigration programs that require valid status
- Never after your status has already expired
Other common reasons
- Receiving medical treatment in Canada
- Visiting or caring for family members
- Continuing tourism or sightseeing
- Attending a wedding, graduation or family event
- Recovering from illness or unforeseen circumstances
- Conducting permitted business visitor activities
Extend your visitor record in three steps
The application is online through the IRCC portal. Each applicant submits separately with a $100 CAD fee. Biometrics may apply depending on your country and recent submissions.
Create an account or sign in with your existing one
Submit the application with supporting documents and pay $100 CAD
Stay legally in Canada while IRCC processes your application
Opens canada.ca · the only official site to extend your stay
Source: canada.ca · IRCC · Extend your stay as a visitor · Updated 2026
If your case involves restoration, a refused visitor record, or repeated extensions
Most visitor record applications are routine. But some cases require professional handling: applying after status expired, medical extensions with supporting documentation, sponsorship pending applicants, or appealing a refusal. A licensed RCIC can review your situation.
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