Maple News reports that foreign nationals currently visiting Canada on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) can apply for an extension to legally remain in the country beyond the typical six-month limit.
Visitors to Canada are generally allowed to stay for up to six months from their date of entry. After this period, their legal status expires unless they apply to extend their stay. If you wish to remain in Canada longer, you must request a visitor record from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before your existing TRV expires.
A visitor record is not the same as a visa; it is a document indicating the new date by which the individual must leave Canada. Unlike a TRV, it does not allow for re-entry if the holder chooses to leave Canada during this period. Therefore, a visitor record is for those planning to stay longer, not for those who plan to leave and return.
Applicants must submit their extension request while their current visitor status is still valid. If the initial visa expires after the application has been submitted but before a decision is made, applicants enter what is known as ‘maintained status’ (formerly called ‘implied status’). This allows visitors to legally remain in Canada under the same conditions while they await the outcome of their application.
In cases where a visitor’s status has already expired, they may still be eligible to restore their status if they meet the initial entry conditions and can justify their failure to apply before expiration. However, this must be done within 90 days of losing their status.
Unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country, most international tourists, temporary workers, and students require a TRV to enter Canada. Entry is usually granted for up to six months, but the specific departure date is either stamped in your passport or stated on your visitor record.
Overall, staying in Canada as a visitor beyond the permitted time is possible—if handled correctly. Timely application, awareness of your status, and understanding the difference between visas and visitor records are critical to maintaining legal residency in Canada as a visitor.
Maple News recommends keeping a close eye on your visa expiry date and acting proactively to ensure a smooth stay in Canada.