1. Extending Your Status as a Visitor
When to Apply:
Apply at least 30 days before your current visitor status expires. Your visitor record or stamp in your passport will indicate how long you’re allowed to stay.
How to Apply:
- Submit an online application through IRCC’s website.
- Provide details on your reason for staying longer (e.g., visiting family, tourism).
- Pay the application fee.
What You Receive:
If approved, you’ll receive a visitor record, a document that indicates the new expiry date of your status. It’s not a visa and doesn’t allow re-entry if you leave Canada.
Maintained Status:
If you apply before your status expires, you may remain in Canada under maintained status (formerly called implied status) while awaiting a decision.
2. Extending a Study Permit
When to Apply:
Apply before your current study permit expires, ideally 30–90 days before. Your school must remain designated as a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
How to Apply:
- Apply online through your IRCC account.
- Provide proof of continued enrollment, academic standing, and financial support.
- Pay the fee
Maintained Status for Students:
If you apply on time, you can continue studying while waiting for a decision, as long as you remain in Canada.
3. Extending a Work Permit
When to Apply:
Apply before the expiry date of your current work permit. You’ll usually need a new job offer and possibly a new Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or LMIA-exempt offer.
Types of Extensions:
- Same employer: Apply to extend under the same job and employer.
- New employer: Submit a new employer-specific work permit application.
- Open work permit: If eligible (e.g., spouse of a skilled worker or international student), you can apply for an open work permit.
Maintained Status for Workers:
If you apply before expiry, you may keep working under the same conditions until a decision is made.
4. Restoration of Status (If Your Status Has Expired)
Who Can Apply:
If your status expired less than 90 days ago, you may apply to restore your status as a visitor, student, or worker. You cannot work or study while waiting for a decision.
How to Apply:
- Submit a restoration application online.
- Pay the restoration fee plus the regular fee for the status type
- Explain why you lost your status and why you’re applying to stay.
5. Tips for a Successful Extension or Restoration
- Track your expiry date and apply early.
- Keep documentation proving your purpose in Canada and ability to support yourself.
- Maintain communication with your employer, school, or host.
- Stay legal—do not overstay your status without applying for extension or restoration.
