Visitor Record Lawyer in Canada
Need to extend your stay in Canada? Ayodele Law provides strategic legal support to visitors, students, and workers applying for or restoring Visitor Records—helping maintain legal status and avoid interruptions in stay across Canada.
What is a Visitor Record in Canada and Why Is It Important?
If you plan to visit Canada and want to extend your stay or clarify your visitor status, obtaining a Visitor Record can be essential. At Ayodele Law, we guide clients through the process of applying for and maintaining legal visitor status in Canada.
What is a Visitor Record?
A Visitor Record is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to stay in Canada legally as visitors beyond their initial entry period. Unlike a visa, a Visitor Record does not grant entry but confirms your legal status and authorized duration of stay once you are inside Canada.
Visitor Record vs Visitor Visa vs eTA: What’s the Difference?
A visitor record is often confused with a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), but they serve different purposes. A visitor visa or eTA allows entry to Canada, while a visitor record allows you to stay longer once you are already inside Canada.
A visitor record does not authorize re-entry if you leave Canada. If you exit the country, you must still hold a valid visitor visa or eTA to return, even if your visitor record has not expired.
When Do You Need a Visitor Record?
To extend your stay in Canada beyond the date authorized at entry.
To change conditions of your stay (for example, extending your visitor status if your initial visa is expiring).
To have official proof of your status in Canada while you remain a visitor
Can I Leave Canada While My Visitor Record Application Is Pending?
Leaving Canada while your visitor record application is in progress can be risky. If you leave Canada, you may lose maintained status, and approval of the visitor record does not guarantee you will be allowed to re-enter.
To return to Canada, you must still meet entry requirements and hold a valid visitor visa or eTA. In many cases, travelers are advised to remain in Canada until a decision is made or seek legal advice before travelling.
How to Apply for a Visitor Record
Submit an application to IRCC before your current status expires (ideally at least 30 days in advance).
Provide supporting documents like your passport, explanation for extension, and proof of financial support.
Pay the required application fee.
Wait for approval before your current visitor status expires to maintain legal status
Maintained Status While Your Visitor Record Is Processing
If you apply for a visitor record before your current status expires, you may remain in Canada legally while IRCC processes your application. This is known as maintained status (previously called implied status).
While on maintained status, you must continue to respect the conditions of your previous status as a visitor. If your visitor record application is approved, your stay will be extended. If it is refused, your legal status generally ends on the date of refusal, and you may be required to leave Canada or assess whether you qualify for status restoration.
What Happens If You Stay Without a Visitor Record?
Remaining in Canada after your authorized stay expires without applying for a Visitor Record can lead to:
Loss of legal status
Inadmissibility to Canada in future visits
Possible removal or deportation proceedings
Can I Change My Status While on a Visitor Record?
In some situations, visitors may be eligible to apply for a study permit, work permit, or permanent residence while remaining in Canada. Eligibility depends on your current status, application timing, and compliance with immigration rules.
Applying incorrectly can result in refusal or loss of status, which is why legal guidance is recommended before changing status.
Common Reasons Visitor Record Applications Are Refused
Visitor record applications may be refused if an officer is not satisfied that the applicant:
Has sufficient financial support
Will leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay
Has a consistent immigration history
Provided clear and credible reasons for extending their stay
Refusals can affect future visa or permit applications, making it important to address these concerns before applying.
Why choose Ayodele Law for your visitor record application
Extending your stay in Canada as a visitor requires careful timing and clear documentation. Mistakes—such as applying too late, misunderstanding maintained status, or failing to address temporary intent—can lead to refusal or loss of legal status. At Ayodele Law, our Toronto-based immigration law firm provides strategic, detail-focused guidance for visitor record applications, extensions, and status-related issues. Whether you are searching for a visitor record lawyer near you or need trusted legal support in Toronto or anywhere across Canada, we focus on protecting your status and minimizing future immigration risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Extending your stay in Canada as a visitor requires careful attention to timing, documentation, and compliance with immigration rules. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about visitor records, maintained status, and visitor visa extensions. If your status is close to expiring, you have previously been refused, or you are unsure how a visitor record affects future applications, speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer can help protect your legal status in Canada.
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A visitor visa or eTA allows you to enter Canada, while a visitor record allows you to stay longer in Canada after entry. A visitor record does not permit re-entry if you leave Canada and does not replace a visa or eTA. It simply confirms your legal visitor status and authorized length of stay inside Canada.
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You must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. For most visitors, this is either the date stamped in your passport or six months from your date of entry if no specific date was given. Applying before expiry allows you to remain in Canada under maintained status while IRCC processes your application.
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Yes. If you submit your visitor record application before your authorized stay expires, you may legally remain in Canada under maintained status until a decision is made. However, if your application is refused, your legal status usually ends on the date of refusal, making timing and application quality critical.
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No. A visitor record only allows you to remain in Canada as a visitor. It does not authorize employment or studies. If you intend to work or study, you must apply for the appropriate work permit or study permit before engaging in those activities.
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If your visitor record is refused and you had maintained status, you are generally required to leave Canada immediately or assess whether you qualify for status restoration within 90 days. In some cases, a refusal may affect future visa applications, which is why legal advice is recommended before reapplying.
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You are not required to hire a lawyer, but many visitors choose to work with a visitor record lawyer near them to avoid refusal or status loss. Legal assistance is especially important if you have prior refusals, limited financial documentation, complex immigration history, or plan to transition to another status while in Canada.
From Our ClientsFrom start to finish, Tracy's professionalism and personalized approach made a significant difference in my case and my life. She was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely supportive, ensuring that every step of the process was handled with care and attention to detail.
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In person or virtual consultations available. Your case is important to us. We will get back to you within 24 hours of your submission.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday | 10am - 5pm
Telephone: 647-937-4330
Fax: 416-486-7747
Email: admin@ayodelelaw.ca