Visitor Visa Extension

If you want to stay longer in Canada as a visitor, you must apply to extend your status at least 30 days before it expires. We prepare extension applications that protect your status and avoid implied-status complications.

What's included

Visitor record applications from inside Canada
Implied status guidance while you wait
Restoration of status after expiry
Switching from visitor to study or work permit

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Overview

What this means for you.

A visitor visa extension — technically a Visitor Record — lets you stay in Canada beyond the date the border officer originally granted. It is filed from inside Canada through the IRCC portal.

If you apply before your current status expires, you keep implied status and can legally remain in Canada until a decision is made. Apply late and you fall out of status, which is much harder to fix.

We file clean extensions with a clear reason for the longer stay, updated proof of funds, and ties back home — the same things an officer looks for on a first-time visitor visa.

Eligibility

Who can apply?

A quick checklist to see if this is the right pathway for you.

You are currently in Canada with valid visitor status
You apply at least 30 days before your status expires
You have a genuine reason to stay longer
You can support yourself for the extended period
You will leave Canada at the end of the new authorized stay

Process

How we move your file forward.

Step 01

Confirm your current status

We check your stamp, eTA or visa expiry and calculate the safe filing window.

Step 02

Build the extension file

Reason for extension, updated funds, travel history and ties back home — packaged the way IRCC expects.

Step 03

File and track

We submit online, monitor implied status, and respond to any officer requests.

Step 04

Plan the next step

If your plans have changed, we look at switching to a study or work permit instead of just extending.

FAQ

Questions we hear every week.

Still wondering about your specific case? A 30-minute consultation is the fastest way to get a real answer.

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At least 30 days before your current status expires. Filing earlier is fine; filing late means you fall out of status and have to apply for restoration within 90 days.

Yes. If you apply before your status expires, you have implied status and can remain in Canada legally until IRCC decides your case.

Most visitor record applications are decided in about 3 to 5 months. Timelines change often — we share current numbers at your consultation.

You can, but you lose your implied status the moment you exit. To re-enter you'll need a valid visa or eTA and your stay restarts from the date you come back.

You may still qualify for restoration of status if it has been less than 90 days. We file a combined restoration and extension application and explain the gap.

Talk to a licensed RCIC.