What to Do If Your Visitor Visa Is Expiring in Canada

If you’re visiting Canada, it’s important to keep track of your immigration status. Many people only realize at the last minute that their visitor visa or visitor status is about to expire — and wonder what they should do next. Here’s what you need to know.

1. Check When Your Status Actually Expires

A visitor visa (the counter-foil sticker or stamp in your passport) is what allows you to enter Canada. But once you are here, what matters most is your visitor status.

• For most visitors, you’re allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months from the date you entered, unless an officer wrote a different date in your passport.

• If you are unsure, check your passport stamp or your immigration documents (such as a visitor record).

Do NOT wait until the last day — make sure you know your expiry date well in advance.

2. Options Before Your Status Expires

If your visitor status is about to run out, you generally have three options:

(a)  Apply to Extend Your Stay as a Visitor

• You can apply online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

• It’s best to apply at least 30 days before your status expires.

• If you have applied to extend your status BEFORE expiry of your authorized stay in Canada, then you may be able to stay in Canada while your application is being processed under what’s called maintained (or “implied”) status.

(b) Apply to Change Your Status

• Sometimes visitors decide to apply for a different type of temporary status — for example, a work permit or a study permit, but doing so will most likely require you to apply at a visa center outside of Canada.

• In some cases, you may need to apply from outside Canada, depending on eligibility.

(c)  Prepare to Leave Canada

• If you don’t plan to extend or change your status, you should make arrangements to leave Canada before the expiry date.

• Staying past your authorized period without applying puts you out of status, which can create serious problems for future applications.

3. What If Your Status Already Expired?

If you’ve already passed your expiry date, you may still have a chance to fix it:

• You can apply to restore your status within 90 days of losing it, provided you have continued to comply with the initial requirements for your stay in Canada.

• You’ll need to explain why you overstayed and pay additional fees.

• During this period, you cannot work or study until your status is restored.

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Keep in mind, there is no guarantee that an application for restoration of status will be approved, however your application should include an explanation for your failure to comply with as much evidence as possible.

If more than 90 days have passed, you may need to leave Canada and reapply to return legally.

4. Practical Tips

• Apply early: Don’t wait until the last week to start an application.

• Keep proof: Save confirmation of your application submission.

• Be honest: Misrepresentation on applications can hurt future immigration prospects.

• Get advice: If your situation is complex (e.g., prior overstays, inadmissibility, or family sponsorships in progress), consider speaking with an immigration lawyer.

Conclusion

When your visitor visa or status in Canada is expiring, acting early is the key. You may be able to extend your stay, change your status, or prepare to leave without immigration consequences. But if you let your status lapse, your options become more limited and costly.

If you’re unsure which option is best for you, or if your status has already expired, consider reaching out to a qualified immigration lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.

ABC Lawyers LLP helps individuals and families navigate Canada’s immigration system with clear advice and personalized strategies. If your visitor status is expiring, contact us to discuss your options.