Applying to change conditions or extend your stay in Canada — Visitor (IMM 5551)

Overview

This guide is designed to help you determine if you are eligible to apply for an extension or change conditions of your stay in Canada as a visitor. It provides all the necessary information, instructions, and application forms for you to complete and submit.

You cannot apply for an initial Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) using this application guide. Application for an initial TRV is always made outside Canada and the TRV is issued outside of Canada. For further information on applying for a TRV, refer to the guide Visiting Canada - Applying for a Temporary Resident Visa Outside Canada (IMM 5256) on our website or contact the canadian consulate, embassy or high commission responsible for your area of residence.

Determining eligibility

Visitors are a class of temporary resident who are legally authorized to enter Canada temporarily to holiday, visit family, conduct business, etc. They are restricted in length of stay and are subject to various other conditions.

This application guide is for temporary residents who are already in Canada and wish to:

• extend their stay;
• change conditions of their stay; or
• correct problems in their status.

If your current temporary resident status is still valid you can apply for an extension of your stay providing you apply at least 30 days before the expiry date of your current status. Your original temporary status as a visitor continues under the same conditions until your application is finalized and you have been notified of the decision.

Note: The validity of your temporary resident status cannot exceed the validity of your passport. Therefore, you should ensure that your passport will be valid for at least the same amount of time as your requested extension.

Each member of your immediate family (spouse or common-law partner, dependent children) who wishes to remain longer in Canada must apply for permission to do so. If you all apply at the same time for an extension, each person will not have to a submit separate application form. Instead, fill in one form including your details and those of your immediate family. All appropriate documentation and the required fee for each person must also be included.

If your status has expired or if you did not respect one of the conditions of your permit or you have worked or studied without a required permit, you have committed an offence under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. You may be subject to an admissibility hearing that could lead to removal from Canada. If your temporary resident status has expired, do not apply for an extension as you are not eligible. However, if you wish to stay in Canada after your status has expired you may apply for restoration of status within 90 days of your offence (loss of status) or you must leave Canada. If you wish to apply for restoration, complete the enclosed application providing full details of how you came to commit the offence. There is no guarantee that your application will be accepted. See the section Restoration of Status.

It is illegal to remain in Canada beyond the validity of your status in Canada.

It is illegal to work without a required work permit.

It is illegal to study without a required study permit.

After reading this guide, if you believe you are eligible to apply then you should proceed as instructed below:

• Gather all the necessary documents. They are listed on the Document Checklist.
• Calculate and pay the fees.
• Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep it for your records.
• Fill in the forms carefully and completely.
• Sign and date your forms.
• Mail your application to the Case Processing Centre-Vegreville

Processing times for your application

The Case Processing Centre-Vegreville (CPC-Vegreville) will review your application to determine if it is complete. If your application is not signed or if the required fee is missing, your application will be returned to you and you will have to re-apply. If other information is missing, your application may be returned or refused.

CPC-Vegreville will send you either:

• a letter refusing your application; or
• notification that your application has been referred to a local Canada Immigration Centre for further assessment.

CPC-Vegreville completes most of the applications it receives, however, a small number are referred to a local office for further clarification. If your application is referred to a local office, they will contact you to obtain additional information or clarification. It may take up to three months for them to contact you.

Note: The Case Processing Centre receives large volumes of applications in the temporary resident categories each year. It is recommended that you apply at least 30 days before the expiry of your current document. However, you may want to apply in advance of this recommended period since processing delays vary. Contact the Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100 or check our current processing times.

Once they receive the additional information or clarification, the local office will complete the final stages of processing and if required, invite you to an interview. Once processing is complete, the local office will notify you by mail of their decision.

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