What is a Canada Visitor Record?

A Canada Visitor Record is a document issued by a border services officer in Canada to either extend or restrict an individual’s stay in the country. It differs from a visitor visa, which allows entry into Canada for a specific period. While the visitor visa is primarily for entry purposes, the Visitor Record is used to manage the duration of stay within Canada. If someone wishes to extend or limit their stay in Canada, he or she should submit an application for a Visitor Record.

Examples of cases where someone would have to apply for a Canada Visitor Record

– Extending or limiting the duration of your stay in the country beyond the normal six-month period at your entry port by a border services officer.

– Seafarers who want to enter the country to join a crew or sign off, people who are visiting Canada for the purpose of medical treatment, or those being extradited to Canada and allowed entry as temporary residents.

– Foreign nationals who meet the eligibility requirements as visitors and are applying to have their stay in the country extended. They are required to apply to the IRCC no less than 30 days before their current status expires.

– Individuals losing their temporary resident status within 90 days can apply to have their temporary resident status restored, and a visitor record that clearly explains the conditions of such a restoration will be issued if they are eligible.

– Cases where a border services officer determines that further examination is needed, leading to the issuance of a visitor record specifying the exact date that person has to depart from Canada.

Can I submit an application for a Canadian visitor record if I am visiting Canada on an eTA and I want to stay longer?

Yes, you can do so if you are visiting Canada on an eTA and you want to stay longer than your authorized period. It is, however, important to be aware of the following:

You should apply for the visitor record before your current authorized period of stay expires.
Applying for a visitor record does not guarantee that your request will be approved.
A visitor record allows you to stay in Canada for a longer period, but it is not the same as a visa or an eTA. If you plan to leave Canada and then re-enter, you will need a valid entry document, such as a visitor visa or an eTA, to return.

What is the process for applying for a visitor record in Canada?

To submit an application for a Canadian visitor record, a person has to follow these steps:

Determine your eligibility

Ensure that you meet the requirements for a visitor record, such as having a valid entry document like a passport, being of good health, having no criminal record, and proving strong ties to your home country.

Gather the necessary documents

Prepare the required documents for your application, including your passport, proof of financial support, and any other supporting documents. For more details see the relevant section below.

Complete the application form

Fill out an Application to Change Conditions, Extend Your Stay, Remain in Canada as a Visitor, or Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5708) form.

Pay the relevant fee

Pay the application fee for the visitor record extension.

Submit the application

Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada) at least 30 days before your authorized stay in Canada expires.

Wait for a decision

IRCC will review your application and notify you of their decision. If approved, you will receive a visitor record document.

Can a Canadian visitor record be extended beyond six months?

The good news is that a visitor record in Canada can indeed be extended beyond the standard 6-month period granted at the port of entry. If a foreign national applies to extend the duration of his or her stay in Canada and they meet all the eligibility requirements as a visitor, the IRCC officer may issue a visitor record, legally extending the temporary resident’s status in Canada.

We can’t stress enough that it’s essential to apply for an extension at least 30 days before the current Visitor Record status expires and to submit the application with the correct extension fee to initiate processing of the extended visitor record.

The validity period of the extended stay will be specified in the new visitor record issued upon approval of the application.

What documents do I have to get ready if I want to apply for a Canadian visitor record?

To apply for a Canadian Visitor Record, you will have to prepare the following documents:

Passport: For the applicant and every family member included in the application.

Two Passport Photos: For the applicant and each family member included in the application, with full name and date of birth written on the back.

Marriage Certificate: (If applicable)

Letter or Contract from Employer/Business Partner: Providing details of employment or business activities in the country of origin if you want to take up a job or become a partner in a business in Canada.

Financial Documents: Proof of sufficient funds to cover living expenses and return transportation, such as Canadian bank account statements, Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), bank statements, bank drafts, proof of payment for accommodation, or letters of financial support from business partners or family/friends.

Purpose of Visit: Clearly state whether the purpose of your visit to Canada is for tourism, business, employment, personal, or family reasons.

Clean Criminal Record: It is preferable that you have no criminal background that could pose a risk to Canadian security.

Other Required Documents: Also submit any additional documents requested by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada) to support your application.

As mentioned earlier, it is vital to have all these documents ready when applying for a Canadian Visitor Record to ensure a smooth and successful application process.

If I get a job offer while visiting Canada on an eTA, can I submit an application for a Canadian Visitor Record?

While you can explore the possibility of applying for a Visitor Record, it’s crucial to understand that this is not the recommended path if you receive a job offer in Canada while on an eTA. Here’s why:

An eTA does not authorize someone working in Canada: The primary purpose of an eTA is for tourism and short-term visits. It doesn’t grant permission to take on paid employment in Canada. Applying for a Visitor Record most likely won’t address the work authorization issue.

Dedicated route for work permit: Canada currently has a temporary policy in place until February 28, 2025, that allows visitors with valid job offers to apply for a work permit from within Canada. This streamlines the process compared to applying for a Visitor Record first.

Apply for a work permit: Consult with your potential employer regarding their willingness to sponsor your work permit application through the Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This demonstrates their effort to find a Canadian candidate first before offering the position to someone outside the country.

Remember that working without proper authorization is illegal in Canada. It’s best to follow the established procedures for obtaining a work permit to avoid potential consequences.

So what is the biggest reason why anyone would apply for a Canadian Visitor Record in the first place?

The biggest reason someone would fill out an application for a Canadian Visitor Record is to legally extend his or her authorized stay in the country beyond the period that was initially granted by their temporary resident visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Here are some specific scenarios where applying for a Visitor Record might be your best option:

Your initial visa or eTA validity period is insufficient

Perhaps your initial travel plans changed, and you require more time to complete your visit, such as attending a longer-than-expected conference or visiting family for an extended period.

Because of unforeseen circumstances

Unexpected situations like flight cancellations or medical emergencies might prevent you from leaving within the authorized timeframe. Applying for a Visitor Record allows you to regularize your status while addressing the unforeseen situation.

You are considering to transition to another immigration status

If you’re exploring opportunities to study or work in Canada, applying for a Visitor Record might provide temporary permission to stay while you pursue the necessary permits or visas for longer-term residency.

At this stage, it is very important to keep in mind that a Visitor Record is not a guarantee of re-entry into Canada after leaving the country. You will need a valid entry document such as a new eTA or visa to return.

How long does it on average take to hear whether or not your application for a Visitor Record has been approved?

At the current moment, the general processing time for Visitor Record applications submitted online and from within Canada is between 10 and 27 days. It is, however, important to understand that this is just an estimate, and your specific application may take longer, depending on the following factors:

Completeness of your application: Ensure you submit all required documents and meet the eligibility criteria to avoid delays due to missing information or requests for additional documentation.

Current workload: Processing times are constantly changing based on application volumes and available resources. We recommend that you check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date processing times.

Your individual circumstances: Complex cases involving medical checks, criminal background checks, or other additional considerations may take longer to process. Periods of as long as 3 or 4 months are not unheard of. That is why we recommend that you always send in your application for a Visitor Record as early as possible.