Did your visa expire, and do you still wish to have more time to stay in Canada? Look no further than the extend Canada visa program, an impeccable solution that prolongs your duration of residence to help you continue your journey in this gorgeous and prosperous country. Do not waste any more time, sit back, relax, and let us provide you with all the information you need to know about this program.

WHY YOU NEED TO EXTEND CANADA VISA? 

The benefits of holding a Canada visa are numerous, including the ability to participate in business activities, travel across the country, seek employment, pursue educational opportunities, and much more. Given these advantages, it is understandable that some individuals may wish to extend Canada visa to fully enjoy these benefits for longer. 

However, it is against the law if you are overstaying your permitted duration of stay in Canada. Hence, if you intend to continue working, studying, or searching for employment in the country, it is imperative to apply for an extension of your Canada visa program.

ABOUT DOCUMENTS TO EXTEND CANADA VISA

Should you aim to extend Canada visa, be well-prepared beforehand, as it is a complex and time-consuming process that requires a significant amount of paperwork. To make things easier for you, we have put together a comprehensive list of necessary documents that you should have on hand.

• A copy of your passport (compulsory): You need to submit a scanned copy of your valid passport as part of the identity verification process. It should be valid for the next 6 months and display your personal information, including your passport number, as well as the page with the entry stamp from your most recent visit to Canada.

• Photographs (compulsory): Along with your application, you will need to include two recent passport-sized photographs. These photographs should not have been taken more than 6 months ago and must meet the specific requirements set by the IRCC.

• Biometrics (compulsory): Depending on your country of residence, you might need to provide fingerprints at a Visa Application Center as part of the biometrics process. However, if you have already provided your fingerprints within the last 10 years, there is no need to do so again.

• Birth certificate (compulsory): You are required to provide your birth certificate as a part of the identity verification process. Ensure that it is an official document containing your full name, date of birth, and place of birth.

• Letter of explanation (compulsory): Drafting a letter of explanation is necessary to clarify the reasons behind your request to extend Canada visa and to outline your travel plans during the extended duration. 

• Financial documents (compulsory): Provide bank statements, an employment letter, or any other evidence showing that you have the means to support yourself throughout your extended stay.

• Proof of current status in Canada (compulsory): You will need to present your visa status, including the expiry and the validation date, to the officer at the time you apply for the extension. 

• Health declaration (compulsory): You are asked to present your health declaration, a document that accurately reflects your health status for the last 14 days prior to your trip. 

• Driver's license or national identity card (if applicable): You may also need to provide your driver's license or national identity card as an additional form of identification. This is to further verify your identity during the application process.

• Letter of acceptance (if applicable): If you are attending specific Canadian schools, it is vital to secure a letter of acceptance. This document serves as proof of your admission and grants you the opportunity to extend Canada visa for study purposes.

Some required documents to extend Canada visa

HOW TO EXTEND CANADA VISA? 

Being eligible to extend Canada visa is a breeze, provided that you meet the prepositive conditions and have valid reasons. Take a glance at the subsequent sections to gain a comprehensive understanding of the requirements and what is required of you.

Valid conditions to extend Canada visa

Applicants applying to extend Canada visa should meet all the prerequisites for the assessment stage, as required by the IRCC. Having a holistic awareness of your condition can enable you to properly arrange in advance and ensure the award of the extension. 

Hence, maintain your concentration and go through further details in the following to prevent any possibility of being rejected in your application. 

• Your visa expiration must be more than 30 days away to apply to extend Canada visa. In some situations, it is allowed to send the application one day before the expiration of your current stay, but do not rely on this option. 

• Your requirements for entry to Canada have not been broken or compromised.

• Your passport will be valid throughout your visit and for the following 6 months.

• Your visa status remains lawful and valid throughout your application period.

• Your application to extend Canada visa is conducted from within the borders of Canada.

• Your historical background is squeaky clean, with zero record of any wrongdoing or involvement in criminal activities in the past.

• Your purpose for extension should be the same as the initial application or fall under the admissible activities of your visa.

• Your documentation has included the visitor record. 

• Your physical condition is good enough to allow you to move around freely and without any potential health risks.

Valid reasons to extend Canada visa 

As part of the assessment stage to extend Canada visa, providing a reasonable explanation behind the purpose of an extension is also very crucial. This practice will greatly assist immigration officers in comprehending your specific needs and requirements. 

Read on to grasp some valid reasons that are preferred for approval.

• A delay in travel plans: In some circumstances, events like sudden flight cancellations or immigration problems can throw a wrench in your travel plans. In these cases, a request to extend Canada visa to remain in the country longer would be accepted. 

• Continued studies or higher education: Educational purposes are viable when you are enrolled in a Canadian educational institution and require more time to complete your studies. In addition to this, the pursuit of a supplementary or advanced program can also be eligible. 

• Business-related needs: There are situations where unexpected delays in business meetings or longer conferences may need extended days. However, it should be noted that these business activities must serve critical purposes, such as contributing to global medical initiatives or addressing urgent proposals.

• Medical treatment: If you need to care for the illness of a family member or treat your medical well-being, it is within your prerogative to seek an extension of your visa. Such instances demand additional documentation and meet specific eligibility criteria.

• Search for employment opportunity: Canada has recently opened its welcoming doors to foreign visitors who are interested in the Canadian workforce. Should you be seeking employment opportunities or have already received a job offer, it may indeed serve as a valid and compelling reason to extend Canada visa. 

• Family reunion: If you have close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible to extend your visa to stay and reunite with them.

• Humanitarian reasons: In cases of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies in your home country, such as natural disasters or political unrest, you can apply to extend your visa to remain in Canada until the situation stabilizes.

EXTEND CANADA VISA PROCESS  

To extend Canada visa, there are two acceptable application methods: either by submitting online via the governmental online portal or by submitting a paper application at the designated embassy. Let's head over together to explore the process of applying for an extension and learn more about some important things to bear in mind.

Extend Canada visa via an online application

Online applications are widely regarded as the best and most recommendable method to extend Canada visa, thanks to their convenience and ease of submission. Nevertheless, it is still a complex procedure, requiring a series of essential steps you have to follow unless you want to successfully obtain approval for an extension.

Sadly, there are no set rules or foolproof guidelines that illustrate the step-by-step procedure from initial preparation to the submission stage. But worry-free, with our seasoned expertise, we have crafted the list below containing all the guidelines and considerable points to help you equip efficiently.  

• Step 1: Determine your eligibility 

Take a moment to consult the provided list of eligibility criteria and identify which category you fall under. It is crucial to fully understand these requirements and make an informed decision before proceeding.

• Step 2: Prepare the documentation

Gather all compulsory documents, as mentioned earlier, adequately and correctly that show your genuine information without deception. Any errors or imprecise statements can fail to extend Canada visa.

• Step 3: Visit the official authority website 

Head over to the official website of the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) and verify its authenticity. Be cautious that there have been various fake websites; therefore, look all around the landing page and see whether there are any suspicious signs. 

• Step 4: Create or sign in to your online portal account 

Register an account with either GCKey or a Sign-in Partner if you are new to the website. Remember to keep your login details secure by storing them in a safe place. If you already have an account, simply sign in using your user ID and password.

• Step 5: Fill out the application form

Download the application form IMM5708 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder) and genuinely fill out all the asked questions. Once you have completed it, you must register the signature and date at the bottom of the application. 

• Step 6: Fill out the additional form (if applicable)

In addition to the IMM5708 form, you might need to fill out the IMM5476 form (Use of a Representative) if you are using or revoking the authorized representative services. 

Furthermore, the authorities may request that you complete the IMM5409 form (Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union) and the IMM5475 form (Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual) when deemed necessary.

• Step 7: Complete the form

Should you finish providing all the necessary information in the forms, it is time to validate your submission. Simply click on the "Validate" button located either at the top or bottom of the form. This action will generate a barcode page, ensuring that your application is properly processed.

• Step 8: Make the payment for fees

Visit "My application" and navigate to the section labeled "Pay your fees online". From there, simply enter your banking details and finalize the transaction using any of the following debit or credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and UnionPay. Please note that all payments must be completed online, and any other cards outside of these will not be accepted.

• Step 9: Provide additional documents

Refer to the document checklist (IMM5558) and ensure that all the requested documents are compiled accurately in the form with precise details. If you have finished gathering the materials as required, kindly include them along with the other forms mentioned above.

• Step 10: Check all the forms and submit them

Thoroughly review all the information you have provided and ultimately utilize a scanner or camera to generate electronic copies of your documents for uploading.

How to extend Canada visa via an online application

Extend Canada visa via the paper-based application

The paper-based application, also known as the in-person application method, caters to specific individuals with unique circumstances. It is the least common option, as it is exclusively reserved for those who are unable to apply online due to a disability or technical difficulties. 

To apply to extend Canada visa through the paper application process, follow these steps.

• Step 1: Determine your eligibility 

Start by reviewing the provided list of eligibility criteria and identifying the category that applies to you. It is essential to fully comprehend these requirements and make an informed decision before proceeding.

• Step 2: Prepare the documentation 

Gather all compulsory documents, as mentioned earlier, adequately and correctly to demonstrate your genuine information without any deception. Any errors or imprecise statements can fail to extend Canada visa.

• Step 3: Fill out the application form

Visit the IRCC website and download the application form IMM5708 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder). Fill out all the questions and print them out.

• Step 4: Fill out the additional form, if applicable

Apart from the IMM5708 form, it may be necessary for you to complete the IMM5476 form (Use of a Representative) if you are utilizing or canceling the authorized representative services.

Additionally, if deemed necessary, the authorities may require you to fill out the IMM5409 form (Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union) and the IMM5475 form (Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual).

• Step 5: Complete the form

Should you finish providing all the necessary information in the forms, it is time to validate your submission. Simply click on the "Validate" button located either at the top or bottom of the form. This action will generate a barcode page, ensuring that your application is properly processed.

• Step 6: Make the payment for fees

Visit "My application" and navigate to the section labeled "Pay your fees online". From there, simply enter your banking details and finalize the transaction using any of the following debit or credit cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, and UnionPay. Please note that all payments must be completed online, and any other cards outside of these will not be accepted.

• Step 7: Prepare the mailing envelope

Prepare a 23 cm x 30.5 cm (9″ x 12″) envelope with your name and address appended in the top left corner.

• Step 8: Attach all documentation to the envelope

Place the completed forms together with supporting documents (if applicable) and a receipt for fee payment in the envelope.

• Step 9: Submit the envelope 

Once everything is ready, mail your envelope to the Case Processing Centre of Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in Edmonton.

How to extend Canada visa via a paper-based application

SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT EXTEND CANADA VISA 

The extend Canada visa program contains a myriad of valuable information that should not be taken lightly. Getting everything about this program will not only help you prepare adequately but also apply with confidence.

To do so, stay composed and read through all the following information to ensure you don't miss any important details.

• Processing time: The amount of time it takes to process the application to extend Canada visa depends on the form of the application. Generally, from the day of submission to receiving the final decision, applying via online applications will take about 107 days, and around 116 days for paper-based ones. 

• Fees: A standard fee of $100 CAD is required per person for the application process, and an additional biometric fee of $85 CAD may also be necessary. Remember, these costs are only refundable if a withdrawal request is submitted to the Case Processing Center (CPC) before the application process has commenced.

• Additional documents: Besides the required documentation, there might be a need for supplementary materials, depending on your specific case. These could include an invitation letter, conference information, evidence of past travel, and much more.

• Definition of the visitor record: A visitor record is a compulsory document that you need to have on hand if you aspire to stay in Canada as it is used to extend your visa status. It is carefully reviewed and issued either by the border services officer of the Canada Border Services Agency or Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Some additional information about extend Canada visa

In conclusion, dreaming of the chance to extend Canada visa is a pushover, yet being able to fulfill all its requirements is difficult. If you are determined to pursue this opportunity, it is of the utmost importance to thoroughly read and follow our guidelines to ensure a successful outcome.

If you are finished reading our article, it is now the opportune moment to apply and attain your extension. Waste no more time planning your next trips to this exquisite and affluent nation. 

For any inquiries or problems you may have, just shoot us an email at [email protected]. We commit to providing you with a swift response to your query and the most effective solution.