Visitor Visa Extension
Visitor Visa Extension
As you may know, visitors can usually stay in Canada for 6 months. However, if your plans have changed and you need to stay longer – there is a solution.
Regardless of whether you used a visa, passport, or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to come to Canada, you can apply for the extension of your stay, which is called visitor record. The difference between visitor visa and visitor record is that the latter is usually issued to those who are already in Canada, or by an officer at the border. Also, visitor visa is a sticker in your passport, and visitor record looks like a paper document that outlines the conditions of your stay in Canada.
You must apply for the visitor record while you are still in status. This means applying within 6 months from the moment you entered the country or before your passport expires, whichever happens earlier. Sometimes, an immigration officer might stamp your passport when you enter the country. In that case, the date on the stamp is the date your status expires.
Visitor Visa Extension
Remember, even if you visitor visa (the sticker in your passport) is valid for several years, the “6-month or date on the stamp” rule still applies.
The visitor record costs $100, and you can apply online. The system will ask you some questions and provide you with a document checklist. Remember that even though you are already in Canada, you still have to show that you are a genuine visitor and you’re able to support yourself in Canada. Our team of registered immigration consultants can help you make a strong application and advise you if you want to extend your stay for more than 6 months.
Once you submit your application, you can check online to find out visitor record processing time. You don’t need to worry if you stay in Canada longer than 6 months before you get the answer. After you apply, you automatically get implied status – which means that you can legally stay in Canada while your application is being processed. However, be mindful that you lose implied status if you leave the country, so plan your travels accordingly.
You might be wondering if you can save some money, leave Canada, and re-enter to get another 6 months of status. While there are no rules that forbid this, it can be a stressful experience – the border agent has the power to request additional documentation and refuse entry even if you have a valid visa.
Therefore, the best way to extend your status with the least amount of stress is to pay attention to the validity of your documents and submit your application at least 30 days before your status expires. However, if you miss a deadline or your visitor record is refused, it does not have to be the end of the world. Contact our team of registered immigration consultants to get help with your application.
Regards,
International Experience Club (Visitor Visa Extension)
