Temporary resident visa: Extending your stay

Visitor Status

Visitor Status is given to you by the BSO at the port of entry when he or she grants entry to Canada. The BSO will determine the length of your stay and record a validity date indicating the duration of your visit. The BSO will also note any special terms or conditions of your stay.

Visa Validity Date

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa along with the date the visa was issued.  The time between when the visa was issued and the visa expiration date is called your visa validity. The visa validity is the length of time you have to travel to a port of entry in Canada. A visa does not guarantee you entry to Canada. It permits you to travel to Canada.

Changing your status after coming to Canada as a visitor

When you arrive at the port of entry in Canada, a Canada Border Services Officer (BSO) will stamp your passport or travel document and record the date by which you must leave Canada. The BSO will also note any terms and conditions related to your visit. There may be times you wish to extend your visitor status or change the conditions of your visit.

If you wish to extend your status date, you should apply 30 days before your status expires in order to do any of the following:

  • extend your visitor, student or work status
  • change the type of permit you hold (for example,  from a student to a work permit)
  • change a condition of your permit (for example, if you are studying and you want to change schools, or if you are working and your want to change jobs)

Detailed information on how to apply to extend your stay is available on CIC’s website.

Please note: Some people will require a visa to come to Canada. The validity date of your Temporary Resident Visa and validity date of your Visitor Status are different. You cannot apply for a new Temporary Resident Visa from inside Canada.

Implied status

If your temporary resident visa expires after you have submitted your application for an extension of your authorization to remain in Canada, up to and including the expiry date of your visitor visa, you will be considered in status as a temporary resident until a decision is made on the application. This is known as an Implied Status.

Working or studying in Canada

Most visitors to Canada are not allowed to work or study in Canada without permission.

You must apply for a work permit or a study permit before coming to Canada. If you are visiting Canada and you want to apply to work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. However, in some cases, working without a permit or studying without a permit is allowed. For more information, see:

Becoming a permanent resident of Canada

If you wish to stay in Canada as a permanent resident, you must leave the country and apply from outside Canada. To become a permanent resident, you must meet the requirements for immigration to Canada.

You can apply to become a permanent resident from inside Canada if you are:

  • a refugee or a protected person
  • a spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • a live-in caregiver or
  • you hold a valid Temporary Residence Permit.

Find more information about becoming a permanent resident.

How to apply to extend your stay

Did you know that you can now apply online to extend your stay as a visitor?

If you prefer to continue with the paper forms, there are five steps to apply to extend your stay:

  1. Obtain an application package.
  2. Read the instruction guide.
  3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
  4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
  5. Submit the application form and documents.

1. Obtain an application package.

The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application package.

2. Read the guide.

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible to extend your stay before you apply.

3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.

The application form contains instructions. Read those instructions, and be sure to provide the required documents. If information or documents are missing, your application may be delayed.

Make sure you explain why you want to extend your visit to Canada. Collect all the documents you need. See the Application Guide for more information.

4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.

The fee is $75.

The fee is payable in Canadian funds only.

To pay your fees on the internet, you must:

  • Have a PDF Reader.
  • Have a printer.
  • Have a valid email address.
  • Pay with a Visa®, MasterCard® or American Express® credit card.
  • Print the “receipt of payment” page and include it with your application.
  • Pay your fees on the Internet when you are ready.

To pay your fees at a financial institution in Canada, you must:

  • Obtain an original payment receipt form (IMM 5401). Order it online or contact the Call Centre.
  • Fill the receipt form and bring it with you when you go to pay your fees.
  • Include the completed payment receipt form (IMM 5401) with your application.

For more detailed instructions, read the “Paying the Fees” section of the application guide.

5. Submit the application and the necessary documents.

Submit your completed application to the address given in the application package. Make sure you include the fee receipt and all the necessary documents.

You can find information on how long it will take to process your application. You can also check the status of your application by contacting the CIC Call Centre.

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