About the document: visitor record
When you first come to Canada as a visitor, you use one of these documents to enter:
- a visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa)
- an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
- a valid passport or travel document
If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor (stay in Canada longer), you need to apply for a visitor record. A visitor record is not a visa.
A visitor record
- is a document that allows you to stay in Canada longer as
- a visitor
- a worker authorized to work without a work permit in Canada or
- a student authorized to study without a study permit in Canada
- includes a new expiry date
- That’s the new date that you must leave Canada by.
When to apply for a visitor record
You must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. If you’re not sure when your status expires, find out how long you can stay in Canada.
Leaving and returning to Canada
A visitor record is a document that allows you to stay in Canada longer. It doesn’t guarantee that you can leave and then re-enter Canada.
If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States, you need a valid entry document, such as a visitor visa or an eTA, to return to Canada.
Find out what you need to travel to Canada.
Who can apply for a visitor record
A visitor record is for people who want to do either of the following:
- extend their stay in Canada as
- a visitor
- a worker authorized to work without a work permit or
- a student authorized to study without a study permit
- change their temporary resident category from
- a study permit holder to a visitor
- a work permit holder to a visitor
It doesn’t matter if you entered Canada using a visitor visa, electronic travel authorization (eTA) or another document. You need a visitor record if you want to extend your stay in Canada as either a
- visitor
- worker authorized to work without a work permit or
- student authorized to study without a study permit
When to apply
If you want to extend your stay as a visitor or change your status (from international student or worker to visitor, for example), you should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.
The expiry date for your status is on
- the stamp in your passport (This is not the date included on your visitor visa.)
- If you don’t have a stamp in your passport, the expiry date is 6 months from the day you entered Canada.
- your study permit
- your work permit or
- your visitor record (if you’ve already extended your stay)
Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.
How to apply for a visitor record
You must apply online for your visitor record to extend your stay as a
- visitor
- worker authorized to work a without work permit or
- student authorized to study without a study permit
If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States
You must meet our entry requirements to return to Canada.
Applying online
When you apply online, we get your application instantly, which can help us process your application faster. If you already applied on paper, you don’t have to resubmit your application online.
How applying online helps you
- No courier fees or mail delivery time – we get your application instantly.
- Your application may be processed more quickly.
- It helps you make sure your application is complete before you submit it.
- You can quickly submit more documents online (if we ask you to).
- You get updates on the status of your application directly in your online account.
Step 1: Make sure you have what you need
To apply online, you’ll need:
Step 2: Read the instruction guide
Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.
Venezuelan passport holders
You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application.
Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool
Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you. To apply for a visitor record, you must provide these answers in the online tool:
- For the first question “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select “Visit.”
- When asked “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada.”
Step 4: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to:
- pay your fees
- submit your application
- check your status
If you can’t apply online
You can submit a paper application in any of these situations:
- you can’t apply online because of a disability
- there’s a problem with the online application
What to do if you can’t apply online
After you apply
Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays. Find out how to give biometrics.
If your processing time has passed, you may contact us by using this Web form. For the “type of application/enquiry,” select one of the temporary residence options (online or on paper).
If your status expires
If you apply to extend your stay in Canada before the date you’re supposed to leave, you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application. In this situation, you have maintained your status.
Travelling outside Canada
A visitor record says that you have visitor status in Canada and how long you can stay.
It doesn’t guarantee that you can leave and then re-enter Canada.
If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States, you must meet our entry requirements to return to Canada.
Visa-required travellers
You need a valid visitor visa every time you want to enter Canada, unless you’re returning directly from a visit to the United States or Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.
If you’re not sure if you’re a visa-required traveller, find out if you need a visa.
Students and workers
You can apply for a new visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all the conditions below:
- you’re already in Canada
- you already hold a valid study or work permit
- you want to leave and return to Canada
- your existing visitor visa is expired or was valid for only one entry
Apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada.
Visa-exempt travellers
The documents you need to re-enter Canada depend on how you’ll travel to Canada.
Flying to a Canadian airport
If you already have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), your eTA is valid
- for 5 years or
- until the passport linked to your eTA expires
Make sure you travel with the passport that’s linked to your eTA.
Arriving in Canada by bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship)
You just need to have a valid passport or travel document.
U.S citizens
You normally need a valid passport or travel document.
NEXUS members can use their membership card when they fly to a Canadian airport or arrive by car, train, bus or boat.
FAST members can use their membership card when travelling by car, train, bus or boat only.
For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency website.