Visitor visa Canada
Article Navigation:
- What is a visitor visa?
- Does Having a Visitor Visa Automatically Guarantee Entry to Canada?
- Types of Visitor Visas in Canada
- How Long can I stay in Canada as a Temporary Visitor?
- Is it Possible to Extend the Validity of my Termporary Visitor Visa?
- Visitor Visa Extension Canada
- What is a Visitor Record Canada
- Visitor Visa Extension Fees
- Visitor Visa Extension: Processing Time
- Reasons to Extend your Visitor Visa in Canada
- How to Apply for a Visitor Visa Extension
- What if My Visitor Status Expires While I’m in Canada?
- Can I get Help with my Visa Application or Extending my Temporary Visitor Status in Canada?
What is a visitor visa?
A visitor visa (officially called a ‘temporary resident visa’ – or TRV for short), is a document issued by the immigration officer that authorizes you to enter the territory of Canada.
An official counterfoil is placed in an individuals’ passport and must be presented at the Canadian border at the port of entry.
Does Having a Visitor Visa Automatically Guarantee Entry to Canada?
No, the final decision is made by the Canadian Border Services Agency Officer at the port of entry. The border services officer must be satisfied that the foreign national will have the ability and willingness to leave Canada at the end of their stay.
If the office is not satisfied you meet all these requirements, you may be denied entry to the country. In reality, however, this is a rare occasion.
Types of Visitor Visas in Canada
Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) are divided into two main categories: single entry or multiple entry visas.
Single entry visa allows you to enter Canada just once, after which you will be required to apply for a new entry visa.
Multiple entry visa allows you to enter Canada more than once. It is usually issued for 10 years and its validity will be limited by validity of your passport (usually visa ends one month before your passport expires).
How Long can I stay in Canada as a Temporary Visitor?
Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. Parents on Super Visa may stay 5 years.This is a recent change from 2 years.
Is it Possible to Extend the Validity of my Termporary Visitor Visa?
Yes, the border services officer can allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. In this case they will put the date you need to leave by in your passport. If the border services officer hasn’t put any date in your passport, you must leave before the expiration date in your visa or 6 months, whatever is earlier..
If you need to extend your visitor visa, you must apply for an extension 30 days before your visa expires. The expiry date for your status is one of the following:
- The stamp in your passport (or if you don’t have a stamp on the passport, it’s 6 months from the day you crossed the Canadian border)
- The end date on your study permit
- The end data on your work permit
- The end date on your visitor record (if you applied for it)
Visitor Visa Extension Canada
If you want to extend your say as a temporary visitor once in Canada, you will need to apply for a visitor of record.
What is a Visitor Record Canada
Your visitor record is a document that officially extends your stay in Canada and will state the new day by which you will need to leave Canada.
Visitor Visa Extension Fees
To extend your visitor visa, you will need to apply for a visitor record. The fee associated with your visitor record will start from $100.
Visitor Visa Extension: Processing Time
Current processing time is 204 days, so plan your steps in advance.
Reasons to Extend your Visitor Visa in Canada
There are three cases when you may want to extend your visitor visa and apply for a visitor record:
- You want to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor
- You want to extend your study permit
- You want to extend your work permit
In all three cases you will need to apply for a visitor record 30 days before your official status expires.
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa Extension
The recommended and the more efficient way to apply is to apply electronically (you can also submit paper documents).
- First, make sure you have what you need to apply (document scanner/camera) to create electronic documents. You will also need to have a valid credit or debit card.
- Second, read the full guide to familiarize yourself with the entire process.
- Create an account with IRCC and follow the steps.
What if My Visitor Status Expires While I’m in Canada?
If your visitor status expires while you’re still in Canada, formally this is a breach of the temporary residence rules. To comply with entry conditions -, you should leave the country before your status expires.
If it’s been less than 90 days since your visitor status expired, in most cases you can apply for a restoration of your status. You will have to explain the reasons why you stayed in Canada beyond your visa expiry as part of the restoration process. Restoration of your status is not guaranteed in this case.
Can I get Help with my Visa Application or Extending my Temporary Visitor Status in Canada?
Yes, we would be happy to help you with your application to get your original Canadian visa, or to extend your stay in Canada as a temporary visitor, student or worker.
LIVIN Immigration Services & Consulting is the best immigration company in Edmonton. Our regulated immigration consultants provide full suite of visa-related services, and more.
Contact us today for a consultation!
