You're in Canada, you're loving it—the mountains in Banff, the vibe in Toronto, or visiting family in Vancouver. You look at the calendar and a jolt of panic hits you: your 6-month stay is almost over, or your visitor visa is expiring. You're not ready to leave. You Google "Canada visa extension" and fall into a rabbit hole of confusing information.

You've got questions, and this guide has the direct, practical answers. This isn't theory; this is the genuine, step-by-step plan for how to actually stay in Canada longer.

So, What is a "Canada Visa Extension"?

First, let's clear up the single most confusing part. You are not applying to extend your visa.

This is the key. A Visitor Visa (the sticker in your passport, also called a TRV) is an entry document. Its only job is to get you on the plane and let you knock on the door at a Canadian airport.

What you really want to extend is your authorized stay or your status in Canada. The document you get for this is called a Visitor Record.

What is a "Visitor Record" (and How is it Different from a Visa)?

This is the most important question you need to understand.

• A Visitor Visa (TRV) lets you travel to Canada. It's for entry.
• A Visitor Record lets you stay in Canada longer. It's for remaining.

When you first arrived, the border officer likely stamped your passport or told you that you have six months to stay. That 6-month period is your status, and it's completely separate from the expiry date on your visa.

A Visitor Record is a new, official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that replaces your 6-month stamp. It will have a new "expiry date," which is the new date you must leave Canada by. It is not a visa and is not placed in your passport.

When Should I Apply to Extend My Stay in Canada (Visitor Record)?

This is the most time-sensitive question. The official IRCC guidance is that you must apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.

Your "current status" is that 6-month stamp or the date on your visitor record. Do not wait until last week. Applying 4-6 weeks in advance is a safe, smart move. This leads to the most important concept in all of Canadian immigration...

What is "Maintained Status" or "Implied Status" in Canada?

This is the "secret sauce" of Canadian immigration that will save you from all your panic.

If you submit your application to extend your stay (for a visitor record) before your current status expires, you are legally allowed to remain in Canada while you wait for a decision.

This is called "Maintained Status" (it used to be called "Implied Status").

So, let's say your 6-month stay expires on March 15th. You submit your visitor record application on March 1st. The processing time is 4 months. Even though your status officially expires on March 15th, you can legally stay in Canada for all of March, April, May, and June while you wait for IRCC to make a decision.

You are 100% legal. You can show proof that you applied to anyone who asks. This is why you must apply before your status expires.

How Do I Apply for Canada Visitor Record Online?

The entire process is done online. Here is the genuine plan:

1. Create Your Secure Account: You need an "IRCC secure account" (you may see it called a GCKey or you can use your Canadian bank login). This is your personal portal for all things immigration.
2. Start the Application: Once inside your account, you will find a section to "Apply to come to Canada" or "Visit, work, study."
3. Answer the Questionnaire: You will go through an eligibility questionnaire. You will answer questions like "What would you like to do in Canada?" (Answer: "Visit"), "How long are you planning to stay?" (Answer: "Temporarily - more than 6 months"), "What is your current country of residence?" (Answer: "Canada").
4. Get Your Document Checklist: Based on your answers, the system will automatically generate your personal document checklist and the correct application form. It will be an "Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor [IMM 5708]".
5. Upload Your Documents: You will scan and upload all the required documents into the portal.
6. Pay the Fees: You will pay the government fees online with a credit card.
7. Submit and Wait: After you submit, you will get a confirmation letter. This is your proof that you have "Maintained Status."

What Documents Do I Need to Extend My Stay in Canada?

Your online checklist will be personalized, but it will almost always ask for:

1. Proof of Funds: This is the most important document. You need to prove you can support yourself without working.
2. Passport Scans: Clear copies of your passport bio-data page and any pages with stamps or visas.
3. Proof of Current Status: A scan of your original visa, your 6-month entry stamp, or your current visitor record.
4. Digital Photo: A passport-style photo.
5. An Explanation Letter (The "Purpose of Travel" letter): This is your most important sales pitch.

How Much Money or "Proof of Funds" Do I Need for a Visitor Record?

IRCC does not give a magic number, but the rule is simple: you must prove you have enough money to pay for your entire extended stay.

A good, safe target is to show you have at least $1,000 - $2,000 CAD per month you are requesting to stay. If you're asking for 6 more months, you should show you have $6,000 - $12,000+ in accessible funds.

Genuine Advice: Provide your last 4-6 months of bank statements. Do NOT just deposit a large sum of money right before you apply—this is a huge red flag. They want to see a stable, consistent history of funds.

What Should I Write in My "Purpose of Extension" Letter?

This is your chance to tell your story. Don't just write "I want to stay longer." Be specific, clear, and genuine.

• Explain WHY: "I am applying to extend my stay for 6 months. I arrived in winter and my primary goal was to see Western Canada. I would love to stay for the summer to experience the 'Stampede' in Calgary and visit the national parks in Alberta."
• Explain HOW: "I have attached my bank statements showing a balance of $10,000 CAD, which is more than enough to support myself. I have also attached a draft itinerary of my planned travel."
• Explain WHEN you will leave: "I understand I cannot work in Canada and I will absolutely leave the country on or before my new requested expiry date of [DATE]."

This letter shows the officer you are a genuine visitor, not someone trying to live in Canada illegally.

How Much Does it Cost to Extend My Visitor Stay in Canada (2025)?

The government fees are very clear.

• Visitor Record Application Fee: $100 CAD
• Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD (You may not have to pay this if you've given biometrics for Canada in the last 10 years).

The total cost you will pay to the government is typically $185 CAD.

How Long Does it Take to Process a Canada Visitor Record Application?

This is the bad news: it can take a long time. Processing times for in-Canada applications can be several weeks or even 3-4 months.

But here's the good news: it doesn't matter.

Because you applied before your status expired, you are on Maintained Status. You are 100% legal to stay in Canada until you get that decision, even if it's 4 months later. The long processing time is annoying, but it doesn't mean you have to leave.

I Got My Visitor Record! Can I Leave and Re-enter Canada With It?

NO. NO. NO. This is the most dangerous and common mistake.

A Visitor Record is NOT a visa. It has zero power for entry.

If your original Visitor Visa (the sticker in your passport) is expired, and you leave Canada (even for a quick trip to the US), you will not be allowed back in. You will be stuck outside the country.

A visitor record only gives you permission to stay in Canada. It does not give you permission to enter.

Can I Work in Canada on a Visitor Record?

NO. A visitor record is for visitors. It explicitly forbids you from working. (A temporary public policy during COVID that allowed this has ended). If you are caught working, you will be removed from Canada and banned from re-entering.

What Happens if My Visitor Record Application is Refused?

If you get a refusal letter, you must read it carefully.

If your original status (your 6-month stamp) has not expired yet, you are still legal and must simply leave Canada before that original date.

If your original status has expired (and you were on Maintained Status), you are now out of status. The letter will tell you that you must leave Canada immediately. There is no appeal. You must go.

Help! My Visitor Status Already Expired. What Can I Do?

This is the "oh no" scenario. If your 6-month stay expired and you did not apply for an extension, you are "out of status" and in Canada illegally.

You have one last-ditch option: Restoration of Status.

You have 90 days from the date you lost your status to apply for restoration.

• You apply using the same online portal, but you must select "Restore my status as a visitor."
• It costs more: $239.75 (Restoration fee) + $100 (Visitor Record fee) = $339.75 (plus biometrics).
• During this time, you do NOT have Maintained Status. You are in Canada without status, and you cannot leave and re-enter.

This is an emergency option only. It is always, always better to apply before your status expires.