Who can apply

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, an 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)