Visitor record or visitor visa: which one do you need?
A visitor record is the document IRCC may issue to let you stay in Canada longer as a visitor. A visitor visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) is used to travel to Canada and seek entry. Renewing a travel document does not, by itself, extend your stay. IRCC explains the difference between a visitor record and a visa.
The dates serve different purposes:
- Visitor visa expiry: How long that visa is valid for travel to Canada. It is not your stay deadline.
- Current authorized-stay deadline: The date to check before asking to stay longer. Look at the date set when you entered Canada or on your current visitor record or permit.
- Date on an approved new visitor record: The new date IRCC has authorized for your visitor stay. An application in progress is not this approval.
Which date says how long you can stay in Canada?
Check the entry stamp or the date an officer set when you entered Canada. If you have a current visitor record or permit, check its expiry date too. Do not use the visa's travel-validity date as permission to stay. An entry without a stamp often follows a six-month rule, but your documents and entry circumstances can change the answer. IRCC's visitor-record guidance explains which date to check.
When should you apply to extend your stay?
Apply before your current authorized stay expires. IRCC advises applying at least 30 days ahead, but that advice does not replace your actual expiry date. The timing matters because a timely application may let you remain in Canada while IRCC decides. Read IRCC's visitor-record application steps for the current instructions.
What happens while IRCC decides?
If IRCC receives a visitor extension application before your status expires, you may be able to stay in Canada under maintained status until it decides. A pending application is not an approved visitor record and does not itself give you permission to work. Keep the submission record and read IRCC's guidance on what happens after you apply.
What if you need to travel or your stay has already expired?
A visitor record does not guarantee that you can re-enter Canada after travel. Check IRCC's guidance on returning to Canada before making plans. If your authorized stay has already expired, the question is different; read about restoring status in Canada.
If you want to explain your dates and documents to Immigreen, you can share your stay question. The choice is editable, and you may request a 15-minute call with Mehdi.