Extend your visitor status while in Canada. Apply at least 30 days before your current status expires to maintain legal status.

Important: You must be inside Canada. Do not leave during processing or your application will be abandoned.

When to Apply

Apply before expiry to maintain implied status while processing.

Late applications (within 90 days after expiry):

  • Require restoration of status

  • No maintained status (previously implied status) during processing

More than 90 days late: Cannot apply from Canada; must leave.

Principal Applicant: Required Documents

Identity and Status Documents

Valid passport

  • All biography, signature, visa, and stamp pages

  • Must be valid beyond requested extension period

Current Canadian immigration documents

  • Current visitor record, permit (study or work) or entry stamp

  • Previous visitor records (if extended before)

Digital photo

Application Forms

Explanation Letter (Critical)

Must address:

  • Original purpose of visit and what you've been doing

  • Specific reason you need more time

  • How much additional time needed and why

  • What you'll do during extended stay

  • Ties to home country (employment, family, property)

  • How you'll support yourself financially

  • Confirmation you won't work illegally

  • Specific return plans

Common reasons:

  • Extended family visit (include invitation letter from Canadian host)

  • Medical treatment (include doctor's letter and appointment confirmations)

  • Extended tourism (include itinerary)

  • Awaiting another permit (include proof of pending application)

Financial Documents

Demonstrate funds for extended stay:

Bank statements (6 months from all accounts)

Income sources:

  • Pension statements

  • Investment income

  • Rental income from abroad

  • Employment income from home country

Assets:

  • Fixed deposits, bonds, stocks

  • Net worth certificate

  • Property ownership

Estimated requirement: $1,000-2,000 CAD per person per week for extended period

Financial Sponsor Documents (if applicable)

If someone is supporting you:

  • Affidavit of financial support

  • Sponsor's bank statements (6 months)

  • Sponsor's Canadian status document

  • Proof of relationship

  • Proof of fund transfers (if applicable)

Dependent Spouse Documents

If spouse is also extending:

Dependent Children Documents

For each child under 22 (not married):

Key Information

Application fee: $100 CAD per person (or $246.25 restoration if late)

Processing time: 60-180+ days

Impact on status: You can stay legally while waiting if you applied before expiry, but cannot leave Canada or work.

Medical exam: Not required upfront, but IRCC may request immigration medical exam during processing.