Canadian Temporary Visa & Extensions

Visitor (Temporary Resident) Visa & Extension

 

Extension (for those who are in Canada)

You can apply to change your current status to stay in Canada longer. To change or extend your status as a temporary resident/visitor, you will need enough funds to cover your expenses.

 

Visa Validity Date

When you arrive at the port of entry in Canada, the Officer will stamp your passport or travel document and record the expiration date which is the date you must leave Canada. The visa expiration date is shown on the passport or traveling document along with the date the visa was issued. The time between when the visa issuance and the visa expiration date is called your visa validity. The issued visa does not mean that you can entre Canada but permits you to travel to Canada.

Are visitors allowed to extend their stay in Canada?

Visitors are not allowed to stay in Canada more than their validity visa period. But visitors may apply for extension to stay longer. If you decide to stay longer, you must apply for your visa extension 30 days before your Temporary Resident Visa expires. If you stay longer than the period you are allowed, you may lose your temporary resident status and you could be asked to leave Canada.

Visitor (Temporary Resident) Visa

To visit or transit Canada, all citizens of the countries need to apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) if they do not fall in the list of visitor visa exemption countries (as below).

Visitor (Temporary Resident) Visa

Citizens of the countries that do not fall within one of the visitor visa exemption countries need to apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) to visit or transit Canada. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Exemption Countries:

  • Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, and Western Samoa
  • US green card holders (permanent residents)
  • British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who are re-admissible to the United Kingdom
  • Citizens of British dependent territories who derive their citizenship through birth, descent, registration or naturalization in one of the British dependent territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena or the Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Persons holding a valid and subsisting Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
  • Persons holding passports or travel documents issued by the Holy See.
Visa-Exempt Countries & TerritoriesSpecial Conditions
Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, South Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, Western SamoaMay still require eTA for air travel
US Green Card holdersMust present proof of status
British citizens & overseas citizens re-admissible to the UKMust have valid UK re-entry rights
Citizens of British dependent territories (e.g., Bermuda, Cayman Islands)Must hold citizenship through birth, descent, registration or naturalization in one of the territories
Holders of Hong Kong SAR passportPassport must be issued by HKSAR government
Holders of Holy See passportNone

Professional Assistance for Your Application

The process of applying for a Canadian Temporary Visa & Extensions can be complex, especially if you are also considering long-term options such as Canadian Citizenship or transitioning into a Work Visa. Our experienced immigration consultants can guide you through each step, ensuring your application is complete and compliant. Whether you are visiting family, exploring study opportunities like the Student Visa, or looking to extend your stay, we provide the expertise you need to maximize your chances of success.

 

 

CategoryKey RequirementsNotes
Extension (inside Canada)Apply before current visa expiresMust have funds for stay
Visa Validity DateShown on passport/travel documentDefines permitted stay
Visitor VisaRequired for non-exempt countriesApply before travel
Exemption CountriesListed aboveNo visitor visa required