Visiting Canada? Learn How to Extend Your Stay

Gurpreet singh
Apr 30
4 min read

Happy traveler holding Canadian visitor visa with Toronto skyline in background

Canada is a dream destination for many travelers. With its vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder visitors often wish they could stay longer. Canada Visitor Visa and Stay Longer? If you’re already in Canada and want to extend your visit, the good news is—you can! However, it’s essential to meet certain criteria and follow the right steps to ensure your extension request is accepted.

For What Reasons Will You Get Your Extension Request Accepted?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluates each extension request carefully. To improve your chances of approval, you must provide a genuine reason for staying longer. Some acceptable reasons include:

Medical Treatment: If you require extended medical care in Canada that you can’t easily access in your home country.
Family Support: If you need to stay longer to support a family member who is ill, elderly, or facing a personal crisis.
Tourism Purposes: If you can show that you have sufficient funds and a well-planned itinerary to explore more of Canada.
Unforeseen Circumstances: Events such as canceled flights, political instability in your home country, or other emergencies may justify your extended stay.
Educational Activities: Attending short-term courses (not leading to a degree) can also be a valid reason.

Make sure you apply at least 30 days before your current visa expires and submit strong supporting documents, such as proof of funds, a detailed plan of activities, and evidence of ties to your home country to show you will return after your visit.

Canada Visit Visa Requirements for Indian Citizens

If you're planning to visit Canada from India, you must meet specific eligibility requirements. Here’s what you need:

Valid Passport: It should remain valid for the duration of your stay.
Proof of Funds: Bank statements, income tax returns, and employment letters to prove that you can financially support yourself during your trip.
Travel Itinerary: Details of your flight bookings, hotel reservations, and planned activities.
Letter of Invitation (if applicable): If you're visiting family or friends, they can provide a letter inviting you to Canada.
Purpose of Visit: A clear explanation outlining why you are visiting and how long you plan to stay.
Ties to Home Country: Proof such as property documents, employment letters, or family ties showing your intention to return home.
Medical Exam and Police Clearance: In some cases, applicants may need to provide medical exam reports and a police clearance certificate.

Ensuring all documents are complete and truthful is critical to a successful application.

Canada Visa Application Process

The process for applying for a Canadian visitor visa is straightforward but requires attention to detail:

Determine Visa Type: Most travelers from India apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada.
Gather Required Documents: Prepare your passport, financial proof, travel itinerary, and other supporting documents.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) application accurately.
Pay the Visa Fee: The application fee must be paid online through the official website.
Submit Biometrics: After submitting your application, you’ll likely receive a request to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photograph).
Attend an Interview (if required): Some applicants may be called for an interview at the visa office.
Wait for Processing: Processing times vary but typically take a few weeks.
Receive Decision: If approved, your visa will be stamped into your passport.

It’s important to ensure that you apply well in advance of your intended travel dates.

Can I Apply for a Canada Visa Online?

Yes, you can apply for a Canada visit visa online! Applying online is now the preferred and most efficient method. Here’s why:

Convenience: Submit your application from anywhere, without the need to visit a visa office.
Faster Processing: Online applications are often processed more quickly than paper-based ones.
Secure Tracking: You can track your application status online easily.
Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of all your required documents without mailing physical copies.
Instant Updates: Receive immediate notifications for biometric appointments or additional document requests.

To apply online, you’ll need to create an account on the IRCC official portal, complete your forms, upload documents, pay the fee, and follow instructions for biometrics collection.

How Can Go-Global Immigration Services Help You?

Applying for a Canada visitor visa or extending your stay can sometimes feel overwhelming due to the strict requirements and detailed paperwork.

That’s where Go-Global Immigration Services steps in.

Here’s how we can assist you:

Personalized Guidance: Our experienced consultants assess your profile and help you choose the best strategy to strengthen your visa or extension application.
Document Verification: We thoroughly check all your documents to ensure completeness and compliance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Application Assistance: From filling out forms to writing a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP), we handle all aspects of your application process.
Follow-up Support: We monitor your application and provide updates, ensuring you are informed at every stage.
Extension Services: If you’re already in Canada, we can help you submit a flawless application to extend your stay, avoiding last-minute stress or rejections.