How to extend your visitor status in Canada (visitor record)

By Deepika Minhas, Class L3 RCIC-IRB (CICC licence R706527) · Published November 5, 2026 · Last reviewed November 5, 2026

Quick answer: Apply online for a visitor record at least 30 days before your current status expires. If you apply before it expires, you can legally stay in Canada until IRCC makes a decision (maintained status). If your status has already expired, you may be able to apply to restore it if it has been less than 90 days.

Visitor visa or visitor record: which one do I need?

They are different documents. IRCC’s help centre explains that a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) lets people from visa-required countries travel to and enter Canada. A visitor record is a document that extends or restricts your stay inside Canada. A visitor record is not a visa, so it doesn’t replace a visitor visa if you leave and want to return.

When does my visitor status expire?

IRCC’s visitor record eligibility page says your expiry date is on your passport stamp, study permit, work permit or visitor record (if you already extended). If you have no stamp in your passport, the expiry date is 6 months from the day you entered Canada.

When should I apply to extend my stay?

IRCC says you should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. You must apply online through your IRCC secure account. You need a scanner or camera to make electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card to pay the fees.

A visitor record can be used to extend your stay as a visitor. It can also be used by people who are allowed to work or study without a permit, or who are changing from a study or work permit to visitor status.

Can I stay in Canada while my extension is processed?

Yes, if you applied before your status expired. IRCC’s after you apply page says you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application. This is called maintained status. People applying for a temporary resident permit (TRP) can’t maintain status this way.

If you leave Canada while waiting, check IRCC’s travel guidance first. A visitor record doesn’t guarantee that you can leave and then re-enter Canada.

What happens when I get a visitor record?

IRCC’s visitor record page says it includes a new expiry date. That is your new deadline to leave Canada.

What if my visitor status already expired?

IRCC’s help centre says that if it has been less than 90 days since your visitor status expired, you can apply to restore it. You use the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Visitor (IMM 5708), choose “Restore my status as a visitor,” explain your situation in the background section, and pay the restoration fee. IRCC states that there is no guarantee the application will be approved.

That page only describes restoration within 90 days. If more time has passed, get advice about your situation before you take any other step.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until the last few days before your status ends.
• Not checking the expiry date on your passport stamp, permit or visitor record.
• Travelling while waiting without checking IRCC’s travel guidance.
• Missing the 90-day restoration window.

Parents or grandparents who want longer stays may look at the Super Visa instead; see our visitor visa and Super Visa page. If you are a spouse or partner being sponsored, see inland spousal sponsorship and the open work permit.

How UW can help

In a paid consultation we check your status dates, explain whether an extension or restoration applies to you, and review your application and supporting documents before you submit. IRCC decides all applications and no outcome is guaranteed.

Deepika Minhas is a Class L3 RCIC-IRB, CICC licence R706527. You can check her licence on the College’s public register before you book. Paid consultations are available in English, Punjabi and Hindi, in person in Greater Vancouver or online. Request a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I apply for a visitor visa extension in Canada?

IRCC says to apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.

Can I stay in Canada after my status expires if I applied for an extension?

Yes, if you applied before it expired. You can legally stay until IRCC decides, which is called maintained status.

How long do I have to restore expired visitor status?

IRCC says you can apply to restore it if it has been less than 90 days since your visitor status expired.

Is a visitor record the same as a visitor visa?

No. A visitor visa lets you travel to and enter Canada. A visitor record extends or restricts your stay once you are here.

If I didn’t get a stamp, when does my status expire?

Six months from the day you entered Canada, according to IRCC.

Sources (checked November 5, 2026)

• IRCC, Visitor record: Who can apply (date modified 2026-01-09)
• IRCC, Visitor record: How to apply (date modified 2026-01-09)
• IRCC, Visitor record: After you apply (date modified 2026-01-27)
• IRCC, Visitor record: About the document (date modified 2026-01-09)
• IRCC help centre, I stayed in Canada longer than I was supposed to. How do I restore my status as a visitor? (date modified 2026-11-03)
• IRCC help centre, How can I extend my stay as a visitor? (date modified 2026-10-30)
• IRCC help centre, What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record? (date modified 2026-09-01)

General information only, not legal advice. Immigration rules change; check IRCC’s website or speak with a licensed professional about your situation. IRCC decides all applications. United World Immigration Services Inc. does not guarantee any application outcome.