If you are a visitor in Canada and your stay is coming to an end - yes you can extend your staying

If you are a tourist in Canada and your stay is nearing to an end, you may want to think about extending your visiting visa. Fortunately, you may request for an extension from within Canada, which means you won't have to leave the country until your application is approved.

What you need to know about extending your visiting visa from within Canada is as follows:

Who is Eligible to Apply for a Visitor Visa Extension?

You must be in Canada with a valid temporary residence visa or visitor record to apply for a visiting visa extension. If your visa or record has already expired, you must apply for status restoration before asking for an extension.

You must also satisfy the following requirements:

You must not be barred from entering Canada for criminal or security grounds.
You must not have broken any of the terms of your existing visa or record.
During your lengthy stay in Canada, you must have enough money to sustain yourself and any accompanying family members.
You must be in excellent health and willing to submit to a medical checkup if necessary.

How Do I Request a Visitor Visa Extension?

To apply for a visiting visa extension from within Canada, you must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before the expiration of your existing visa or record. You have the option of submitting your application online or on paper.

Online Submission:

Register for an account on the IRCC website and fill out the application form.
Upload all needed papers, which should include your passport, current visitor record or visa, and proof of finances.
Pay the processing charge using a legitimate credit card.
Please submit your application.

Application on paper:

Fill out the application form available on the IRCC website.
Gather all of the necessary papers, such as your passport, current visitor record or visa, and proof of finances.
Include a valid credit card authorization form, certified cheque, or money order to pay the processing charge.
Submit your application to the IRCC office responsible for processing applications from within Canada, either by mail or in person.

What Happens After You Submit Your Application?

IRCC will send you a confirmation email when you submit your application. This confirmation will provide a unique application number with which you can follow the status of your application online.If IRCC needs further information or documents, they will contact you through email or postal mail. You will be given a deadline to deliver the needed information, therefore it is critical that you check your email on a frequent basis your application is successful, you will be issued a new visitor record or visa with a new expiration date. You can remain in Canada until the new expiration date. If your application is denied, you must leave Canada before the expiration of your existing visa or record.

Can You Stay in Canada While Waiting for a Decision?

Yes, you can stay in Canada while waiting for a decision on your visitor visa extension application. However, you must ensure that you do not overstay your current visa or record. If your application is refused, you will be considered out of status from the day your current visa or record expires. This can impact your ability to return to Canada in the future. It is recommended that you apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current visa or record expires to ensure that you have enough time to receive a decision before your status expires.

Conclusion

It is possible to extend your visitor visa from within Canada, which might be a handy option to extend your stay without having to leave the country. However, it is critical that you satisfy the eligibility requirements and apply before your present visa or record expires. You can improve your chances of success by following the application procedure and reviewing the status of your application on a frequent basis.