To extend your Canada visitor visa, you must apply 30 days before the visa expires. An extension of your visitor visa is called a visitor record and it can allow you to stay in Canada longer. A visitor visa usually lets you stay for 6 months in the country, but if you want to spend a little more time, just apply for a visitor record.
In this blog, we will discuss how to extend a Canada visitor visa or apply for a visitor record which is basically its extension.
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Steps to Extend a Canada Visitor Visa
Follow these steps to extend a visitor visa in Canada:
Step 1: You will be applying online so you must have a camera, a scanner, and a debit or credit card
Step 2: Create your online account on the IRCC portal and prepare to answer all the questions that the tool will ask you. We have answered some questions for you.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What would you like to do in Canada? | Visit |
| What is your current country/territory of residence? | Canada |
Step 3: Once you have filled out the application form, pay CAN $100 and submit it.
NOTE: Remember to submit the form for visitor record before your visitor visa expires. You must apply to extend your Canada visitor visa at least 30 days before its expiry date.
While you have applied to extend your stay, you can keep on living in Canada. This time period is called “maintaining your stay”.
Who is Eligible to Extend Canada Visitor Visa?
You can apply to extend your Canada visitor visa if you are going through any of these conditions:
- You want to stay longer in Canada as a
- Visitor
- Student (without a study permit but you have been authorized to study without it)
- Worker (without a work permit but you have been authorized to work without it)
- You want to change your status to a visitor from a student or a work permit holder
When does Canada Visitor Visa Expire?
Usually, a Canada visitor visa expires in 6 months, however, you can get it extended by applying for a visitor record. If your visitor record is approved, the new expiry date will be stamped on the document.
You have to leave Canada by that date then.
Canada Visitor Visa vs Visitor Record
We have broken down the differences between a Canadian visitor visa and a visitor record so you can understand it better.
| Canada Visitor Visa | Canada Visitor Record |
|---|---|
| Official document used to enter or return to Canada | Official document used to extend one’s stay as a temporary resident |
| Let’s one stay in Canada for up to 6 months | Let’s one stay for longer period than 6 months |
| Processing time – 53 days (from India) | Processing time – 102 days |
We hope now you understand the steps to extend a Canadian visitor visa or apply for a visitor record. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at +91 844-838-6496 or +91 875-005-9500.
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