Stay Longer. Stay In Status.
Plan a visitor-record application around your authorized stay, reason for remaining in Canada, financial support and clear intention to leave when required.
Know What You Are Extending.
The expiry of a travel document and the end of authorized visitor status are different. Start with the document or entry record that controls your stay.
Visitor Record
An independent status document showing how long you may remain in Canada and any conditions.
Authorized Stay
Find the correct end date on your entry stamp, permit or existing visitor record.
Maintained Status
A complete extension filed before expiry can allow you to remain until IRCC decides.
Financial Capacity
Show how you will support yourself and pay for transportation to leave Canada.
Visitor Record Versus Visitor Visa.
These documents are separate. A visitor record concerns authorized status inside Canada, while a visitor visa concerns travel to Canada and seeking entry or re-entry.
Visitor Record
A status document showing how long a person may remain in Canada as a visitor and any conditions attached to that stay.
- Status inside Canada
- Used for an extended stay
- Not a travel document
Visitor Visa
A Temporary Resident Visa placed in a passport that allows a visa-required traveller to travel to Canada and request entry or re-entry.
- Travel document
- Used before entry or re-entry
- Does not extend status
Which Expiry Date Matters?
For an extension, use the end date of the authorized stay shown by the entry decision, passport stamp, permit or visitor record—not the TRV expiry date.
- Confirm status expiry
- Apply before that date
- Keep submission records
Planning To Leave Canada?
A visitor record does not guarantee re-entry. Before travelling, separately confirm whether you need a valid visitor visa or eTA.
- Check travel-document validity
- Prepare for border assessment
- Do not rely on the visitor record
Choose The Right Status Path.
Select the closest situation. This organizes the next questions; it does not determine eligibility or approval.
Apply Before Your Authorized Stay Ends
Explain the reason for staying longer, the requested period, financial support and your plan to leave Canada.
Build A Reasoned Request.
The application should connect your present status, reason for remaining, available support and proposed departure plan.
Status & Identity
Document your passport, most recent entry and current immigration status accurately.
- Passport pages
- Entry stamp
- Current document
Purpose & Time
Explain why the extension is needed, what you will do and how long you request.
- Purpose letter
- Requested date
- Supporting proof
Funds & Support
Show accessible funds or credible support for living costs and onward travel.
- Bank records
- Host support
- Departure funds
Temporary Intent
Address why the stay remains temporary and how your wider circumstances support departure.
- Home ties
- Future obligations
- Exit plan
Organize The Status File.
Use this private checklist to identify the central items for a visitor-record or change-to-visitor application.
How Urgent Is Your Filing?
Enter the end date of your current authorized stay. The tool highlights the official 30-day recommendation and possible restoration timing.
Extend With A Clear Sequence.
Confirm the controlling date, prepare a coherent explanation, submit a complete online file and protect the decision record.
Find The Status Date
Review your entry stamp, permit or visitor record and passport validity.
Define The Extension
Choose a reasonable requested date and explain why more time is needed.
Submit Before Expiry
Complete IMM 5708 online, pay the correct fee and upload the evidence.
Keep Your Records
Retain submission proof and follow any IRCC requests while a decision is pending.
File On Time. Stay Informed.
If IRCC receives a complete extension application before your status ends, you can generally remain in Canada as a visitor until a decision. Leaving Canada can change the practical position.
Read official after-apply guidance ↗Submit A Complete File
An incomplete application may be treated as never submitted, which can affect maintained status.
Remain As A Visitor
Visitor status does not authorize work or studies that require a separate permit.
Plan Re-Entry Separately
A visitor record is not a travel document. Check passport, TRV or eTA requirements before leaving.
Follow The New Date
If approved, the visitor record states the new expiry date and any conditions on your stay.
Extension And Restoration Are Different.
If status has expired, a normal extension is no longer the correct request. Restoration may be available within 90 days in some cases, but approval is not guaranteed.
- Calculate precisely when status was lost.
- Explain the circumstances and demonstrate continued eligibility.
- Do not work or study without valid authorization.
Get Clear Answers.
Understand timing, maintained status, travel, family applications, change-to-visitor requests and restoration.
Discuss your status →No. A visitor record shows your authorized stay and conditions inside Canada. A TRV is a travel document used to seek entry or re-entry.
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before your current status expires. The relevant expiry date is on your stamp, visitor record or permit.
If a complete application was submitted before the authorized stay ended, you can generally remain in Canada under maintained status until a decision.
A visitor record is not a travel document and does not guarantee re-entry. You may need a valid TRV or eTA, and a border officer decides admission.
A person in Canada may apply to change from worker or student status to visitor before their current status expires, if they meet the requirements.
You may be eligible to apply for restoration within 90 days of losing status. Restoration is discretionary, requires the correct application and fees, and is not guaranteed.
Protect Your Time In Canada.
Review the correct expiry date, extension purpose, financial support, family applications and status risks before you submit.