If your visa or permit in Canada is about to expire and you wish to extend your stay, it is important to take action before your current status expires. You can apply for an extension or a change of conditions to remain in Canada legally. Here’s how you can extend your stay:
1. Apply Before Your Current Status Expires
To remain in Canada legally, you must submit your application for an extension before your current status expires. Ideally, apply at least 30 days before your visa, work permit, study permit, or visitor status expires. However, you can apply up to 90 days before your current status ends. If your application is submitted before expiration, you can remain in Canada while your application is being processed under implied status.
Important Points to Note:
- Implied status means you can stay in Canada and continue to work or study under the same conditions as your previous visa while awaiting a decision on your extension application.
- Late applications: If you miss the deadline, you may not have implied status, and you will need to apply for restoration of status within 90 days of your visa’s expiration.
2. Determine Which Type of Extension You Need
The type of extension you apply for will depend on the type of visa or permit you currently hold:
Visitor Visa Extension
If you’re a visitor and want to extend your stay:
- You can apply for a visitor record. This allows you to stay in Canada longer for tourism, family visits, or business purposes.
- You will need to show proof that you have enough funds to support your stay and that you intend to leave Canada once your authorized stay expires.
Study Permit Extension
If you’re a student and want to extend your study permit:
- You must provide proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Canada.
- You may also need to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and return travel.
Work Permit Extension
If you want to extend your work permit:
- You need to prove that you are still employed with your current employer or, if changing employers, that you have a new job offer.
- Depending on your situation, you may also need a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or a job offer from your employer.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Extension
If you hold a temporary resident visa (TRV), you can apply for an extension to continue living in Canada as a visitor. The requirements are similar to those for other temporary permits.
3. Prepare and Submit Your Application
To extend your stay in Canada, you must submit the appropriate application online or through a paper application. The process generally involves the following steps:
- Check Your Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the requirements to extend your stay.
- Gather Required Documents: Depending on the type of extension, you will need to provide:
- Proof of funds (bank statements, pay stubs)
- Letter of enrollment (for students)
- Job offer or employment letter (for workers)
- Passport-sized photos
- Any other specific documents requested by IRCC
- Submit Your Application: Apply online or through a paper application via IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). The online application is generally faster and more convenient.
- Pay the Fees: There will be a fee for extending your visa, work permit, study permit, or visitor status. Be sure to pay the correct amount based on your application type.
4. Wait for a Decision
After submission, the processing time for your extension application will depend on the type of visa or permit you’re applying for and your location. During this time, you can remain in Canada under implied status if you applied before your permit expired.
If your application is approved, you will receive your new visa, work permit, or study permit with an updated expiration date.
5. Restoration of Status
If your visa or permit has expired and you did not apply for an extension before the expiration date, you can still apply for restoration of status within 90 days. However, you will need to explain why you didn’t apply on time and provide additional documentation to prove your eligibility.
The restoration application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and you may need to apply for a new type of permit if necessary.
6. Maintain Your Status While Waiting
If you apply on time and before your status expires, you can stay in Canada under implied status while awaiting a decision on your extension application. However, you cannot change the conditions of your stay or start a new job until your new permit is approved.