PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Maintaining Legal Temporary Resident Status in Canada: For Visitors, Study Permit Holders, and Work Permit Holders

Understanding the complexities of the temporary residency program in Canada is crucial for immigrants holding visitor visas, study permits, or work permits. Ensuring that your legal status remains valid throughout your stay is essential to avoid complications and to allow you to enjoy your time in Canada or pursue your studies or work without interruption. Below is a helpful guide on how to keep your temporary residency status valid in Canada.

 

Understanding Your Temporary Residency Status

First, it is important to clearly understand what your temporary residency status entails. This status is granted to individuals in Canada for specific purposes and limited durations, such as tourists, students, or foreign workers:

  • Visitor Visa Holders: Typically allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months, visitors must be aware of their visa expiration date and must leave Canada before this date or apply for an extension if they wish to stay longer.
  • Study Permit Holders: Issued to international students enrolled in designated educational institutions, the study permit is valid for the duration of the studies, plus an additional 90 days. This period allows students to prepare to leave Canada or apply for an extension to stay longer.
  • Work Permit Holders: The work permit is granted for varying durations depending on the individual worker’s circumstances. The duration can range from a few months to several years. Workers must comply with the conditions in their permits and apply for an extension if they plan to continue working after the expiration date.

Applying for an Extension

To maintain your legal status in Canada, it is essential to apply for an extension before your current visa or permit expires. The application for extension must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration date to ensure you remain legally in Canada while your application is being processed. This is known as implied status, meaning if your permit expires while waiting for a decision on your extension application, you are still allowed to remain in Canada legally under the old conditions until a decision is made.

Compliance with Conditions

Maintaining your temporary residency also means adhering to the conditions of your visa or permit. For example:

  • Visitors are not permitted to work in Canada.
  • Students must actively pursue their studies.
  • Workers must comply with the labor terms specified in their work permits. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to being deemed inadmissible and may affect future applications to stay in Canada.

Keeping Records and Documentation

It is crucial to keep detailed records of your status, including copies of original permits, any extension applications, and supporting documents. These records will be helpful if you are required to provide evidence of your legal status during your time in Canada.

Seeking Professional Representation

The process of extending your stay and maintaining legal status in Canada can be complex, requiring in-depth legal knowledge of immigration laws and regulations. We offer assistance by liaising with government officials, accurately preparing all necessary documents, and addressing any concerns that may arise during the application process. With our expertise in immigration law, we can provide strategic guidance and representation, significantly increasing your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in your temporary residency extension application.

Founders

Ms. Yen Dao

Managing Director

Alireza Motahari

Immigration Consultant

Giovanni Mariella

Immigration Consultant

Jaehyun Park

Immigration Consultant

OUR WORKING PROCESS

PAYMENT PROCESS

  • This service requires a single payment, after which the company will assist the customer in preparing and submitting the renewal application. After submitting, the customer will wait for a processing time of about 4 months to receive the result of the extension of the Visitor Visa or Study Permit, ensuring the maintenance of legal status in Canada.

    $700 USD

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I extend my temporary visa in Canada?

    Yes, you can apply to extend a temporary visa while in Canada, including a visitor, student, or work visa, as long as you apply before your current visa expires.

  • When should I apply for a temporary visa extension?

    You should apply for an extension at least 30 days before your visa expires. Applying early will give you enough time to process and avoid violating your stay rules.

  • Can I stay in Canada while my extension application is processed?

    Yes, if you applied for an extension before your visa expired, you can stay in Canada on maintained status until a final decision is made.

  • How much is the fee for temporary visa extension?

    The fee for extending a temporary visa will depend on the type of visa:

    • Visitor Visa: 100 CAD.
    • Study Permit: 150 CAD.
    • Work Permit: 155 CAD. You may need to pay an additional biometric fee (85 CAD) if required.
  • Can I extend my tourist visa multiple times?

    Yes, you can apply to extend your visitor visa multiple times, as long as you demonstrate a valid reason to continue staying in Canada and meet the financial requirements for the extended stay.

  • What should I do if my visa has expired and has not been renewed?

    If your visa has expired, you can apply to have your status restored within 90 days of expiration. You will need to apply and pay a restoration fee (CAD 200) along with the corresponding visa extension fee.

  • How long does it take to process a temporary visa extension?

    The processing time for a temporary visa extension application depends on the visa type and the processing status at that time. Typically, extensions can take between 2 and 4 months. You should check the IRCC website for updated processing times.

  • If my renewal application is denied, what should I do?

    If your extension application is refused, you will be informed of the reason for the refusal. You may apply for a review of the decision or, if your visa has expired, you will be required to leave Canada immediately or apply to restore your status within 90 days.

Clients talk about us
GCA made my temporary visa extension process seamless and stress-free.
Their expert team guided me through every step of extending my stay in Canada.
Thanks to GCA, my visa extension was approved quickly and without issues.
GCA provided clear and professional advice, ensuring my extension application was successful.
With GCA’s help, I navigated the visa extension process with ease and confidence.
Their support and expertise made extending my temporary visa straightforward and efficient.