Visitor & Tourist Visa
Visitor Extension & Visitor Record in Canada
If you are already in Canada as a visitor and want to stay longer, you normally need to apply for a Visitor Record before your current authorized stay ends.
Visitor Record ≠ Visitor VisaOne extends your authorized stay inside Canada. The other is an entry document used to travel to Canada.
Visitor Record
- Extends or sets the period you may remain in Canada as a visitor.
- Shows the date by which you must leave Canada or apply again.
- Can also be used by eligible workers or students changing their temporary resident category to visitor.
Visitor Visa / eTA
- Used to travel to Canada when required by nationality and travel circumstances.
- Does not determine how long you may remain after entry.
- A valid Visitor Record does not replace a required visa or eTA for re-entry.
1. Check Status ExpiryUse your entry stamp, Visitor Record or other status document.
2. Apply EarlyIRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry.
3. Remain in CanadaIf eligible and filed before expiry, maintained status may apply.
4. Receive DecisionIf approved, IRCC issues a Visitor Record with a new expiry date.
Maintained status: if you submit an eligible visitor extension application before your current status expires, you may legally remain in Canada as a temporary resident while IRCC processes the application.
Travel and re-entry: a Visitor Record does not guarantee re-entry to Canada. If you leave Canada, you must meet the applicable entry requirements and have a valid TRV or eTA where required.
Restoring Visitor Status
If your visitor status has already expired, you may in some cases apply to restore it within 90 days of losing status, provided you meet the restoration requirements. Restoration is not guaranteed.
$100current Visitor Record / extension fee
$246.25current visitor restoration fee
Important: visitor status does not by itself authorize employment or long-term study. Work and study authorization are governed by separate IRCC rules.
Visitor Extension AssessmentVisit us in British Columbia
Our Locations
Meet our team in Surrey or Kamloops. Choose the office most convenient for you.
