Visitor Record: How to Extend Your Stay in Canada
To stay in Canada longer as a visitor, you apply for a visitor record, not a new visa. Apply at least 30 days before your status expires and you keep your right to stay while IRCC decides. If your status already expired, you may be able to restore it within 90 days.
since 1991
Who needs a visitor record?
You need one if you want to extend your stay as a visitor, as a worker authorized to work without a work permit, or as a student authorized to study without a study permit. You also use it to change from a study or work permit to visitor status. It does not matter whether you entered with a visa, an eTA or another document (IRCC).
When does your status expire?
Your status expires on the date stamped in your passport, not the date on your visa. With no stamp, it is 6 months from the day you entered. If you got a visitor record before, use its date. Read our visitor visa guide, the Visiting Canada hub and the visitor visa refused guide.
Key rules at a glance
- Apply in time: apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.
- Maintained status: if you apply before it expires, you can legally stay until IRCC decides. Temporary resident permit applicants do not get maintained status.
- Online: you must apply online unless you have a disability or the online system has a problem.
- Leaving Canada: a record does not guarantee that you can leave and re-enter. You need a valid entry document.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
A visitor record fits if
- You are a visitor who wants to stay longer.
- Your status has not expired yet.
- You can show money, ties and a reason for the extra time.
Another route fits if
- Your status already expired: you may restore it within 90 days with the restoration fee.
- You want to work or study: see the work permits hub and the Study in Canada hub.
- You are a parent or grandparent: see the Super Visa page and the comparison guide.
See the Visiting Canada hub and the family sponsorship hub for longer plans.
Why visitor record applications get refused or fail
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Applied after expiry
If you apply after your status expires, you lose maintained status and may need to restore it. You must apply within 90 days of losing status.
Wrong expiry date
Your status date comes from the passport stamp, not your visa. Check the stamp before you count days.
No clear reason or funds
Officers look for a clear reason for more time, enough money and plans to leave.
Leaving Canada without a valid entry document
A visitor record does not guarantee re-entry. You need a valid visa or eTA to return in many cases.
Applying for the wrong thing
Workers and students with permits use other applications. A visitor record is for visitors and some people authorized to work or study without a permit.
Not sure your dates work?
We check your status date and your reason before you apply.
Deadlines you cannot miss
30 days before expiry
You should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. The expiry date is on the stamp in your passport.
You may apply to restore your status if you apply within 90 days of losing it. Select restore my status on the application and explain what happened. You must pay the restoration fee and approval is not guaranteed.
If you leave Canada after applying, you must meet the entry requirements to return. Many visa-required visitors need a valid visitor visa every time they enter.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a checklist. Start with these.
How to apply for a visitor record, step by step
Six stages from your dates to your record.
Check your expiry date
Look at the stamp in your passport and count back 30 days.
Open your IRCC account
Use the online application.
Answer the questions
Select visit and Canada as your country of residence.
Upload your documents
Add funds, ties and a note on why you need more time.
Pay the fees
Pay the visitor record fee, and biometrics if asked.
Stay in Canada
Your maintained status lets you stay while IRCC decides.
Visitor record costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Visitor record FAQs
What is a visitor record?
A visitor record is a document that lets you stay in Canada longer as a visitor, or as a worker or student authorized to work or study without a permit. It lists a new expiry date, which is your new deadline to leave. It is not a visa.
When should I apply 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. That is called maintained status.
How do I find my expiry date?
Look at the stamp in your passport from when you entered. If you have no stamp, it is 6 months from the day you entered. If you already have a visitor record, use its expiry date.
Can I apply for a visitor record on paper?
Only if you cannot apply online because of a disability, or if there is a problem with the online application. Everyone else must apply online.
How much does a visitor record cost?
The IRCC fee list shows the current fee, so check it on the day you apply. If your status expired, you also pay the restoration fee. Biometrics cost CAD$85 if needed.
What if my status already expired?
If it has been 90 days or less, you may apply to restore your status. Select restore my status on the application, explain why you stayed, and pay the restoration fee. Approval is not guaranteed. See our restore status guide.
Can I leave Canada after I apply?
You can, but be careful. A visitor record does not guarantee re-entry. You must meet the entry requirements, such as a valid visa or eTA, to return.
Do I need a new visa to come back?
Many visa-required visitors need a valid visitor visa each time they enter, unless they return directly from the US or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon. Check the IRCC rules before you travel.
Can workers or students use a visitor record?
Yes, if they are authorized to work or study without a permit and want to extend their stay, or if a permit holder wants to change to visitor status. Permit holders extend their permits another way.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary. Check the IRCC processing times tool. If the time has passed, you can contact IRCC through the web form.
When do I get my record?
If approved, you should get your visitor record in the mail within 6 weeks of the decision letter. If you do not, contact IRCC.
What if my visitor record is refused?
You can reapply with new information or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. You may need to leave Canada. See our visitor visa refused guide.