Visitor Record

Visitor Record in Canada: Extending Your Stay as a Temporary Resident

When individuals visit Canada for tourism, business, or to join family temporarily, their stay is governed by the conditions laid out in their entry documents. However, circumstances can change—perhaps you want to remain longer in Canada, shift your reason for staying, or clarify your status. In such cases, a Visitor Record becomes a crucial document.

This page outlines the purpose, process, and key information surrounding the Visitor Record in Canada, helping you better understand your options when adjusting your stay as a temporary resident.

What Is a Visitor Record?

A Visitor Record is an official immigration document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It allows particular temporary residents to legally remain in Canada for an extended period beyond what was initially authorized or to change their conditions of stay.

This document is not a travel document. It does not grant the ability to re-enter Canada after you leave, nor does it provide authorization to work or study in the country.

Why a Visitor Record May Be Needed

There are several scenarios where a Visitor Record is required:

• You would like to extend your stay as a tourist.
• Your study or work permit is expiring, and you wish to remain in Canada as a temporary resident.
• You plan to change your status (for instance, from an international student on a break to a visitor).
• You’ve entered Canada and were informed by the border officer that you need to obtain a Visitor Record to regularize your stay.

The Visitor Record is intended for those already inside Canada. It is a requirement for maintaining legal status under Canadian immigration regulations.

How a Visitor Record Is Issued

There are two primary ways a Visitor Record can be issued:

At a Port of Entry

A CBSA officer can issue a Visitor Record during your initial entry into Canada if they determine that special conditions need to be attached to your stay or if your visit requires monitoring.

From Within Canada

You can apply to IRCC while already in the country. This is common for people who wish to extend their stay or modify their existing temporary resident conditions.

Regardless of how it’s issued, the Visitor Record is a status document that shows the date until which you are permitted to remain in Canada.

What’s Included in the Visitor Record

A Visitor Record includes:

• The expiry date of your authorized stay.
• Any conditions or remarks added by the reviewing officer (such as a restriction on certain activities).
• Your personal identification details and case number.

Importantly, this document is separate from the passport stamp you might receive at the border.

Validity and Expiry Details

The duration of your stay, as indicated on the Visitor Record, is not fixed; it depends on the officer’s assessment of your case. Several factors influence this period:

• Your travel history and immigration background.
• The purpose of your extended stay.
• The validity of your passport (you cannot be granted status beyond its expiration).

In general:

• If you receive a stamp in your passport, it will indicate the date by which you must leave Canada.
• Suppose no stamp is given, and you’re not issued a Visitor Record. In that case, you’re typically allowed to remain for six months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires—whichever comes first.

How to Apply for a Visitor Record

If you’re applying from inside Canada, the process is done online through the IRCC portal. The application involves several steps:

Gather the Required Documents

This includes your current passport, proof of financial support, and any supporting evidence for your request to remain longer.

Create an Online Account with IRCC

Use your GCKey or sign-in partner to start the application.

Complete Form IMM 5708 – Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor.

Pay the Application Fee

The current processing fee is CAD 100, payable via credit or debit card.

Submit the Application Before Your Current Status Expires

You should apply at least 30 days before your current visa or permit expires. Once you apply, you may remain in Canada under implied status while waiting for a decision.