Visa extensions in Canada

How can I extend my Canadian Visa?

If you are currently in Canada and you hold valid Temporary Resident Visa, you are eligible to apply for visa extensions (some conditions apply). First thing you have to think about is, whether you would like to stay in Canada under same conditions or you would like to change your visa status for example from Visitor to Worker. Second thing is, you have to apply at least 30 days prior to your current visa expiration in order to do any of the following:

• extend your visitor, student or work status
• change the type of permit you hold (for example,  from a student to a work permit)
• change a condition of your permit (for example, if you are studying and you want to change schools, or if you are working and your want to change jobs)

Changing Visa status?

The major difference is that if you want to change your visa status, you have to apply from outside Canada. The nearest Canadian visa office from Vancouver is in Seattle and has a permission to process Visitor, Student and Work visas to Canada. Processing time is usually 1 week and applicants travel to Seattle, USA where they lodge their application and wait until it is being processed.

Where should I lodge my application if I want to extend my stay under same conditions?

If you just want to extend type of visa you currently hold, application is lodged within Canada. You have basically 2 options how to apply:

1. Applying online – on the link here
2. Mailing your application to:

Citizenship and Immigration – Visitor/Worker/Student

Case Processing Centre

6212 - 55th Avenue, Unit 303

Vegreville AB

T9C 1W1

How long does it take to process the application?

Processing times varies according to what type of Visa you are applying to and how busy the Visa office is. However, processing time of online applications is usually 80 days, processing time of paper applications are different according to type of application. Check the processing time here.

Special Tip!

If you are applying to Study & Work Permit (for Internship or Co-Op programs) you unfortunately have to apply for Study permit first and once you receive your Study permit, apply for Work permit. There is a little chance if you are lodging application online, to tick both Study and Work Permit column in field “What type of permit you’re applying to” and sometimes, officers process both permits in one.

What documents will I need for visa or permit application?

Shortcuts:

• for Multiple Visitor Visa Application
• for Student Permit Application made in Canada
• for Student Permit Application made outside Canada
• for Work Permit Application made in Canada
• for Work Permit Application made outside Canada

Multiple Visitor Visa Application (if you wish to stay as a Visitor or you have your Work or Study Permit and need visa)

• Full details of why you want to stay longer;
• Proof of identity (photocopy of passport);
• Proof of current status in Canada (photocopy of visa);
• Evidence of how you will support yourself or be supported in Canada and how will you pay for transportation to leave Canada, such as:
  • Guarantor’s letter,
  • Bank statement indicating name of account holder and account number (no particular amount is required, usually $1000/month),
  • Details how you intend to leave including the date, time and type of transportation (ex. flight ticket)
• Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada (download here) – E) Another Temporary Resident Permit
• Family information (download here)
• Schedule 1 (download here)
• Copies of permits (if applicable)
• Payment of fees (see up-to-date list of fees here) online (see step-by-step process here)

Note: This application can be mailed to nearest Visa office outside Canada, you don’t have to go there personally.

Student Permit Application made in Canada:

• LOA (Letter of Acceptance) which shows:
  • confirmation of your acceptance and/or registration as a student;
  • the course of study;
  • how many courses you will be taking and/or how many hours you will attend each week (not required if you are attending a university or college);
  • intended start date and when you expect to finish the academic program;
  • any condition related to your acceptance or registration (When there is a condition related to your registration, you may have to satisfy us that you have met the condition before a study permit can be issued); and
• Proof of financial support while you study in Canada, such as:
  • a bank statement or a letter from a Canadian bank showing how much money you have in your bank account (must indicate your name and the account number);
  • a copy of the letter giving the details about your scholarship or Canadian-funded educational program;
  • a letter from a person (describe the relationship to you) who is giving you financial help, explaining the arrangements made for your expenses
• Proof of identity (photocopy of passport);
• Proof of current status in Canada (photocopy of visa);
• Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada (download here) if you are not changing your visa status and applying from Canada;
• Payment of fees (see up-to-date list of fees here) online (see step-by-step process here)
• To ensure you have all necessary documents, see Document checklist

Note: If you are granted valid Student Permit, you have to apply for Temporary Resident Visa afterwards. Visa enables you to stay in the country, specific permit determine conditions of your stay.

Student Permit Application made outside Canada:

• All documents as mentioned in Study Permit Application made in Canada, but different application form for a Study Permit Made Outside Canada (download here)
• 2 photographs,
• Original valid passport,
• To ensure you have all necessary documents, see Document checklist

Work Permit Application made in Canada

• Job offer letter from the employer giving job title, wages and working conditions and the file number provided by HRSDC (your employer provides you with this document);
• A photocopy of HRSDC confirmation (if applicable);
• Proof of identity (photocopy of passport);
• Proof of current status in Canada (photocopy of visa);
• Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay, or Remain in Canada (download here) if you are not changing your visa status and applying from Canada;
• Payment of fees (see up-to-date list of fees here) online (see step-by-step process here)
• To ensure you have all necessary documents, see Document Checklist

Note: If you are a student applying for Off-campus Work Permit (for Study & Work programs), you won’t need job offer letter and HRSDC confirmation. Your Work Permit should be granted as a top up to your Study Permit and the decision is made based on documents provided by your school, where is described why you need Work Permit for you studies (Co-op Programs). See list of necessary documents here.

Work  Permit Application made outside Canada:

• All documents as mentioned in Work Permit Application made in Canada, but different application form for a Work Permit Made Outside Canada (download here)
• 2 photographs,
• Proof of funds,
• Original of valid passport,
• To ensure you have all necessary documents, see Document checklist