How to extend your stay as a visitor in Canada?
Just a few weeks prior, the Canadian government stated it would no longer accept work permit applications from visitors inside Canada. Until August 28 in temporary COVID-19 regulation, visitors could apply for a work permit within the country. This policy was adopted to enable trapped immigrants unable to travel back home due to restrictions to meet the demand for available jobs.
In June 2024, the unemployment rate was 6%; 138% of the jobs lost during the pandemic have been regained, immigration minister Marc Miller said. As the recovery has, however, started, most of the measures adopted during the pandemic are being reversed, and this is one of them. Of course, things become a little tougher insofar as the applicant is concerned; still, there are avenues that the visitor can take to remain in Canada legally as per the law.
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Entering Canada as a visitor
Arriving in Canada as a visitor does not grant you the right to work or study, and you must depart by the expiry date on your visitor record.
For all the people who fall under this category, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) provides the visitor visa even though not every nationality requires it. Some people who are from other countries may be able to use Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter the country. In most cases, the visitor visa can be granted for up to ten years; they are multiple- entries, but there are some exceptions.
Visitor record criteria
Before traveling to Canada, one needs to meet the criteria of the visitor record and its effects.
- Issuance: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) assigns most foreign nationals who arrive in Canada a visitor record upon arrival. However, this is not always necessary for every visitor.
- Document Details: The record of visitors is a distinct feature from your passport, usually letting you stay for a total of 183 days. In particular situations, the border officer may award a shorter period of stay, and the record will show a deadline by which you need to depart Canada.
- Extension of Stay: If you want to extend your visitor record beyond the allowed time, you can request an extension. This entails applying with Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before the current status has elapsed. However, it is advised to apply for legal visitor status at least 30 days before their status expires.
If your temporary resident status has expired
According to IRCC, if your temporary resident status (either of work permits, visitor visas, or study permits) has come to an end, you are no longer able to apply for a renewal. In case your status expires, you could be eligible for an application for restoration if you submit it within 90 days of that expiration. If more than 90 days have passed, you will be obligated to exit Canada.
Renewing work or study permits
If you are currently in Canada on a work or study permit and wish to extend your stay, here are the important details to consider:
Application for Extension
Qualified candidates who want to keep their status in Canada can apply for a status extension if they follow the qualifications of their permits.
Maintained Status
After IRCC receives your application, you will have “maintained status,” which allows you to stay in Canada while your application is being processed, as long as you remain in the country. This status enables you to continue working or studying.
Proof of Status
You can show that you have maintained your status by providing proof of your application for the permit extension.
Because of ongoing policy changes, navigating your time in Canada as a visitor is more challenging now since it effectively removes the option to apply for work permits while traveling. Even so, there are legal avenues accessible to you to stretch your visit time, such as pursuing a visitor record extension. To observe immigration rules, it’s important to take quick steps by applying not less than 30 days in advance of your current status end date. Knowing what’s going on and having the right tools gives you the freedom to capitalize on your Canadian experience and smoothly steer your decisions.
