If you're already in Canada on a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit and want to extend your stay, you'll need to apply for an extension before your current status expires. Here's how to extend your stay based on different visa types:
1. Extending a Visitor Visa (Visitor Record)
If you entered Canada on a visitor visa and want to extend your stay as a tourist, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor Record.
Steps to Extend Your Visitor Visa:
Check Eligibility
- You must apply before your current visa expires.
- You should be in Canada when applying.
Gather Required Documents
- Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for the entire duration of your extended stay.
- Proof of Funds: Provide documents showing you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay (bank statements, financial statements, etc.).
- Purpose of Stay: A detailed explanation of why you want to extend your stay.
- Travel History: Copies of your current visa and any previous Canadian visas.
Apply Online or Paper Application
- Online Application:
- Create an account on the IRCC website: GCKey Account.
- Complete the application to extend your stay as a visitor (Form IMM 5708).
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay the application fee (currently $100 CAD).
- Paper Application:
- You can also submit a paper application by downloading the form and mailing it with the required documents. However, online is faster.
- Online Application:
Pay the Application Fee
- The fee for extending your stay as a visitor is $100 CAD.
Wait for Processing
- Processing times vary, but typically it takes a few weeks to a couple of months. You can stay in Canada while your application is being processed, even if your visa expires, under implied status.
Receive a Decision
- If approved, you will receive a Visitor Record. This document allows you to stay longer in Canada but doesn’t guarantee re-entry if you leave Canada.
2. Extending a Study Permit
If you're in Canada on a study permit and want to continue studying, you need to apply for a study permit extension.
Steps to Extend Your Study Permit:
Check Eligibility
- Apply at least 30 days before your current study permit expires.
- Ensure your passport is valid for the extended period of your stay.
Gather Required Documents
- Proof of Enrollment: An official letter from your educational institution confirming your enrollment.
- Proof of Funds: Financial documents showing you can support yourself (and any family members) during your extended stay.
- Transcript/Grades: Provide your current academic records if requested.
Apply Online
- Log in to the IRCC website and fill out the application for a study permit extension (IMM 5709).
- Upload your documents and pay the processing fee (currently $150 CAD).
Wait for Processing
- Processing times can take a few weeks to a couple of months. You can continue studying under implied status while waiting for a decision.
Receive a Decision
- If approved, you’ll receive a new study permit.
3. Extending a Work Permit
If you want to continue working in Canada and your work permit is about to expire, you can apply for an extension or a new permit, depending on your situation.
Steps to Extend Your Work Permit:
Check Eligibility
- Apply at least 30 days before your work permit expires.
- Ensure your job and employer are eligible for a work permit extension.
Gather Required Documents
- Job Offer or Contract: Provide your current job offer or employment contract.
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): If your job requires one, ensure you have a new LMIA or an exemption.
- Employer-Specific Requirements: Any additional documents required by your employer.
Apply Online
- Complete the work permit extension application (IMM 5710) on the IRCC portal.
- Upload your documents and pay the processing fee (currently $155 CAD for most work permits).
Wait for Processing
- You can keep working under implied status while your extension is being processed.
Receive a Decision
- If approved, you’ll receive a new work permit allowing you to continue working in Canada.
4. What if You Stay Too Long?
If your visa or permit expires before you apply for an extension, you may have lost your status. In this case, you have 90 days to apply for a restoration of status:
- The fee for restoration is $200 CAD, in addition to the regular application fee.
- Restoration applies only to temporary residents (visitors, students, and workers).
Summary of Application Fees:
- Visitor Visa Extension: $100 CAD
- Study Permit Extension: $150 CAD
- Work Permit Extension: $155 CAD
- Restoration of Status: $200 CAD
It’s important to apply for an extension before your current status expires to avoid complications.