Extend your stay – Visit Canada

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)

Find out how to apply to extend your stay.

Implied status

If your visitor visa expires after you have submitted your application for an extension of your authorization to remain in Canada, you will be considered in status as a temporary resident (visitor) until a decision is made on the application. This is known as 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 work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. However, in some cases, working or studying without a permit is allowed. For more information, see:

• Studying in Canada
• Working in Canada

Getting a visitor visa from within Canada

If you are currently a temporary resident in Canada with a valid status (i.e. study or work permit), you can apply for a new visitor visa to return to Canada before you leave.

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, except in the special circumstances listed below. 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
• you are a spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• you are a live-in caregiver
• you hold a valid Temporary Residence Permit or
• you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class.

Find more information about becoming a permanent resident.