CANADIAN VISA EXTENSION
IMPORTANT: If your visitor visa, study permit, or work permit has already expired, you cannot apply for a visa extension. You need to apply for restoration of status asap. Contact us today.
Can I extend my visitor visa?
You can extend your stay in Canada if you apply at least 30 days before your status expires. This includes students and workers who are in Canada on a study permit or work permit.
If you are in Canada on a work permit, your employer may need to submit a new offer of employment to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you still need to apply for an extension of your stay.
What if my temporary resident status expires before I receive the decision on my application for extension?
If your temporary resident status expires after you submitted your application for a visa extension but before you receive a decision on your application, you can stay in Canada under implied status. This means that under Canadian law, it is implied that you remain a valid temporary resident. This status ends when a decision is made on your application. The same applies to students and workers who are in Canada on a study permit or work permit.
Can students travel outside Canada while their visa extension applications are in process?
Students can leave Canada and come back. However, please note the following:
- You may be admitted to Canada as a visitor, if no decision has been made regarding your visa extension application. You cannot study until you receive your new permit.
- You may be admitted to Canada as a student, if the border services officer can confirm that a positive decision was made regarding your visa extension application while you were away.
- You may be asked to apply for a new study permit at the port of entry.
It is also possible that you will not be able to enter Canada. The final decision is made at the port of entry by the border services officer.
Can workers travel outside Canada while their visa extension applications are in process?
Workers can leave Canada and come back. However, please note the following:
- You may be allowed to come back to Canada as a visitor, if no decision has been made regarding your visa extension application. You cannot work until you get your work permit extension.
- You may be admitted to Canada as a worker, if the border services officer can confirm that a positive decision was made regarding your visa extension application while you were away.
- You may be asked to apply for a new work permit at the port of entry.
It is also possible that you will be able to enter Canada. The final decision is made at the port of entry by the border services officer.
How long is the processing time and what are the processing fees?
Processing times can range between 2-4 months.
The processing fee for a Canadian temporary visa extension is C$100.
What are the key considerations in submitting an application?
The requirements might look simple on paper, but often applications are rejected because the documents submitted were inaccurate, incomplete, or non-compliant. Here are some key considerations when applying for a post-graduation work permit in Canada:
- Based on your purpose, when is the best time to file an application for visa extension?
- Do the standard regulations apply to you or are there any exceptions you need to be aware of?
- What if you are applying for a visa extension because you are changing schools or employers?
LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN.
We firmly believe that our clients’ success is our success. We’ll check that it’s the right application for you, ensure you file your visa extension on time, and advice you on regulation compliance.
We commit to ensuring that each application package is accurate, complete, and at its strongest to avoid delays and errors that waste your time and resources.
