How to Extend Your Canada Visa: What You Need to Know?
Are you visiting Canada and want to extend your stay beyond the allowed period as mentioned on your visa? This guide is for you, as it will help you apply for a visa extension in Canada, also known as a visitor record. We will also go over how to extend a visitor visa in Canada, and some helpful tips.
Canada attracts visitors from all over the world. If you're here to visit relatives, explore the country, or take a long vacation, you might want to stay longer than the six months allowed by a visitor visa. The good news is that you can lawfully extend your stay beyond six months by applying for a visitor record. This document permits you to stay in Canada as a visitor even after your visa has expired; however, you must apply for it before your current visa expires.
Here’s Everything You Need to Know When Applying for an Extension of a Visitor's Visa in Canada
How to Extend a Visitor Visa in Canada
If you are already in Canada and your visa is about to expire, you can extend your stay by taking the following steps. The process involves submitting a visitor record application through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada.
1. Online Application
The most common and direct way of applying for an extension of a visitor visa is through the Internet. Applying online saves time compared to paper applications. It also allows you to keep track of the status of your application and correct errors that may have occurred while applying online.
2. When to Apply
It is crucial to apply well in advance, at least 30 days before your current visa expires. Once you apply, you will be on what is known as implied status, which allows you to stay in Canada legally until your application is considered. It doesn't matter if your original visa expires during that period; you can stay here legally until your new application is approved.
3. Documents Needed
To apply for an extension of a visa, you will be required to submit an IMM 5708 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Visitor). Apart from filling out the application form, you may be obliged to provide accompanying documents, and these might include;
A copy of your passport
Evidence showing you have enough money to sustain yourself through the period of your stay,
Your current visitor visa.
Other documents depending on the circumstances.
4. Pay the Application Fee
There is an application fee for a visitor record. This fee is currently at CAD 100. You can pay the fee online with a credit or debit card while submitting your application.
5. Processing Time
Visa record processing time varies. But usually, it takes 151 days to process online applications. So, apply in good time before your visit and have no problems during the visit.
6. Visitor Record vs. Visa
Remember that a visitor record is not a visa. A visitor record allows one to stay for a longer period in Canada, but one cannot leave Canada or enter again based on it. If one wants to travel out of Canada, then a new visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is required before returning to the country.
Also Read:- Everything You Need to Know About Canada Visa Fees for Indians
Tips for Successful Visa Extension
Here are a few points that may improve your chances of a successful visa extension application:
Apply Early: To avoid difficulties, always submit your application at least 30 days before your visa expires. Late applications may result in you being out of status, which might cause problems when applying for future visas.
Gather All Documents: Ensure that you have all the documents before submitting your application. Remember that delays and, in some cases, rejection of an application due to a lack of documents will occur since there are individuals who do not bother to respond.
Check Application Status Frequently: If your application was properly submitted, you should be able to check its status online. This will allow you to stay updated and prepared to act whenever further documents or information are required.
Implied Status: Do not panic if your visa is set to expire while you are waiting for a decision on your application. If you apply on time, you are granted implied status, which allows you to legally remain in Canada until a decision is made.
Conclusion
Extending a stay in Canada is not particularly complicated, provided one gets everything in the right order and submits the application well in time. The application for a visitor record lets the applicant stay in the country as a visitor for a longer period without having to leave the country and re-enter. So ensure that you get all your documents in order and apply as early as you can. You can track the status of your application and, therefore, know if it will be approved.
Once you understand the process and apply early, you will be able to make for a longer stay in Canada and enjoy all of this beautiful country has to offer. Just remember to pay attention to the details mentioned above so that you know you're off to make an extended stay in Canada!
FAQs
1. What is a visitor record?
A visitor record is a document whereby you can stay in Canada longer than you initially planned or enter the country after your visa has expired. However, it does not allow re-entry if you leave Canada during the extension period.
2. How much does it cost to apply for a visitor record?
The fee for a visitor record is $100 CAD and needs to be paid online with your application process.
3. Can I apply for a visitor record after my visa has expired?
No, you need to apply before it expires; if your visa has already expired, you are out of status so you won't be able to easily get new visas.
4. How long does it take to process the visitor record application?
The processing time varies, whereas processing the online application will take 151 days.
5. Can I leave Canada and return with a visitor record? No. A visitor record is not a re-entry document. You should have a valid visa or an eTA if you are leaving.
