A visitor record is a document that allows you to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, worker, or student under certain conditions. It’s a document (not a visa) that allows you to stay longer in Canada. It includes a new expiry date, which specifies the date by which you must leave Canada.It is issued when you are:
A visitor who wants to extend your stay.
A worker authorized to work without a work permit.
A student authorized to study without a study permit.
When to Apply for a Visitor Record
You must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires.
If you’re unsure when your status expires, you can check how long you can stay in Canada.
Apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. Your status expiry date can be found on one of the following:
The stamp in your passport (not the date on your visitor visa).
Your study permit.
Your work permit.
Your visitor record (if you’ve previously extended your stay).
Leaving and returning to Canada:
A visitor record does not guarantee that you can leave and re-enter Canada.
If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States, you’ll need a valid entry document (such as a visitor visa or an eTA) to re-enter Canada.
Who Can Apply for a Visitor Record: A visitor record is for individuals who wish to either:Extend their stay in Canada as:
A visitor.
A worker authorized to work without a work permit.
A student authorized to study without a study permit.
Change their temporary resident category:
From a study permit holder to a visitor.
From a work permit holder to a visitor.
It does not matter if you entered Canada using a visitor visa, electronic travel authorization (eTA), or another document. You will need a visitor record if you want to extend your stay in Canada in the categories listed above.
