Visitor Visa Extension to Maintain Status

Staying in Canada legally is extremely important. Many people inside Canada forget to renew their temporary status on time and later face serious immigration problems. If your visitor status is about to expire, you must apply for a Visitor Visa Extension to maintain your legal status.

This process is often called “maintained status” (previously known as implied status). In this guide, Globexa Immigration explains how visitors inside Canada can extend their stay and remain legal.

1. What Does “Maintain Status” Mean?

Maintained status means you applied to extend your stay before your current status expired.

If your application is submitted on time, you can:

✔ Legally stay in Canada
✔ Remain until IRCC makes a decision
✔ Avoid overstaying issues

This is a legal protection given to applicants who apply properly.

2. Who Needs to Apply for a Visitor Extension?

You should apply if:

Your visitor status is expiring soon
You want to stay longer with family
You are waiting for PR, work permit, study permit, or SOWP decision
Travel back home is not possible
You need more time for personal or medical reasons

If you stay after your status expires without applying, you become out of status, which can affect future visas.

3. What is a Visitor Record?

When your extension is approved, you receive a Visitor Record, which:

Shows your legal status
Provides a new expiry date
Confirms you can stay longer in Canada

It does not allow work or study.

4. When Should You Apply?

You must apply before the expiry date on your:

Entry stamp
Visitor record
Passport note

Applying even one day late can create serious complications.

5. Documents Required

A strong application is essential. You must show you are still a genuine visitor.

Common documents include:

Passport copies
Current visitor status proof
Bank statements (proof of funds)
Reason for extension
Invitation letter (if staying with family)
Proof of ties to home country
Cover letter explaining your situation

The explanation letter is one of the most important parts of the file.

6. Valid Reasons to Extend Visitor Status

IRCC may approve extensions for:

Family visits
Tourism
Waiting for immigration decisions
Medical treatment
Special family situations

Weak or unclear reasons often lead to refusal.

7. What You Cannot Do While on Maintained Status

If you applied for a visitor extension:

1. You cannot work
2. You cannot study long-term
3. You must follow visitor conditions

Breaking conditions can affect future applications.

8. Processing Time

Visitor extensions usually take 1–4 months, depending on the case.

You must stay inside Canada while waiting.

9. What Happens If You Apply Late?

If you apply after your status expires, you may need to apply for status restoration, which is more difficult and not always approved.

Avoid this situation by applying early.

Why Choose Globexa Immigration?

At Globexa Immigration, we help you stay legal and stress-free.

We provide:

✔ Status assessment
✔ Proper extension strategy
✔ Strong cover letter drafting
✔ Complete document checklist
✔ Professional submission
✔ Ongoing support

We focus on protecting your legal status in Canada.

Final Words

Maintaining your status in Canada is your responsibility. A small mistake can cause big immigration problems.

If your visitor status is expiring, do not wait. Apply early and apply correctly.

Contact Globexa Immigration today to extend your stay and maintain your legal status in Canada.