Nothing checked off yet

First visit? Here's how the map works.

Steps run in order. A dashed step is blocked: something before it has to be finished first.

Check a step off when it's done. Whatever it was blocking unlocks by itself.

Some steps are IRCC's to make, not yours. Those show as waiting and can't be checked off.

Start with step 1: Find out what you actually need

Visitors and eTAWhile you're hereStep · of 5

BlockedOptionalYou are here

·. Extend your stay, if you need to

To stay longer you apply online for a visitor record, which costs $100.

Waiting on: Know the date you have to leave by

Open this step

The rest of the pathway, folded up

This view fits the whole pathway on one screen: the step you're on is enlarged, its neighbours are shown small, and everything further out is folded into a summary bar you can open. The idea is borrowed from degree-of-interest trees (Card and Nation, 2002).

Times and fees on this page are rough and change without notice. Check canada.ca before you pay for anything or make a plan around a date.

Step · of 5 · OptionalClose

Extend your stay, if you need to

BlockedOptional

The authority on this stepExtend your stay in Canada (visitor record)canada.ca · Government of Canada

IRCC is the only authority here. Our summary is here to help you find your way. If anything below differs from the official page, the official page is right. Requirements, fees and processing times change without notice.

Our plain-language summaryLast reviewed 29 July 2026

To stay longer you apply online for a visitor record, which costs $100. A visitor record is not a visa: it lets you remain in Canada, but it does not let you back in if you leave.

Why it's required: Apply before your current status expires. Leaving that too late turns a routine extension into a restoration, which costs more and is not always granted.

Fee$100 per personRestoring status after it lapses costs $246.25 instead.

Not a visaNo re-entryTo come back after leaving you still need a valid eTA or visa.

ApplyOnlineBefore your current status expires, not after.

Documents you'll need

Your passport and current status document
Proof you can support yourself for the longer stay
Your reason for staying longer

Before this step

BlockedKnow the date you have to leave by

This is the last step of the pathway.