Temporary Residence Visa
A Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) is usually good for six months. When you arrive in Canada, the visa’s expiry date will be stamped in your passport, as will the expiry dates of any permits for which you have applied. If you stay in Canada past the TRV expiry date, you will be asked to leave the country.
Extending Your Stay
If you wish to stay in Canada longer than your visa permits, you will need to apply for an extension. This must be done at least 30 days before your TRV expires. If you wish to change the type of visa you hold, you will need to send in a fresh application. Likewise, if you change your job or your child’s school you will need to send in a revision to the applicable visa. Applications can be downloaded at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visitor.asp. Once the application has been filled out, you will need to send it to a Canadian Visa Office in your area. For a complete list of Canadian Visa Offices, their locations, and websites, click here.
In brief, you must apply for an extension if:
- You wish to stay longer in Canada.
- You wish to change the status of your permit (eg: You have finished your studies and now wish to work in Canada)
- You wish to change the conditions of your stay (eg: changing to a new school or workplace)
Click here for the TRV extension application form: www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visitor.asp. There is an application fee of $75.
Once you have filled out the application form, send it to:
Citizenship and Immigration: TRV Extension
Visitor Case Processing Centre
6212 – 55th Avenue, Unit 303
Vegreville, AB
T9C IX6
Work Permit Extension
Anyone wishing to extend their eligibility to work in Canada must fill out an Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Worker. It is important to apply for an extension at least 30 days prior to the expiration of your current permit.
You must apply for an extension if:
- You wish to stay longer in Canada
- You wish to change the conditions of your stay in Canada (eg: You switch jobs)
- You wish to alter your type of temporary status
- There is a problem with your current status that needs to be corrected.
Once you filled out your application, mail it to:
Citizenship and Immigration: Work Permit
Visitor Case Processing Centre
6212 – 55th Avenue, Unit 202
Vegreville, AB
T9C IX6
Study Permit Extension
All students who wish to lengthen their stay and studies in Canada must fill out an Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Student. You will need to make sure that you apply 30 days prior to your permit’s expiration date.
If your application for extension is not answered before your permit expires, you may continue to study under the existing conditions until a decision is reached.
You must apply for a study permit extension if:
- You wish to study longer in Canada
- You are traveling outside of Canada when your permit expires
You cannot extend your study permit past the date that your visa expires. If you do not leave Canada after your visa expires, you will be asked to leave the country.
Once you have completed the application, Mail it to:
Citizenship and Immigration: Study Permit
Visitor Case Processing Centre
6212 – 55th Avenue, Unit 101
Vegreville, AB
T9C IX6
There have been cases, in the past, where students were able to restore their status within 90 days of losing it. This, however, is very rare. To be eligible for status restoration, you must meet the requirements that existed when you were allowed to enter Canada and follow the conditions that are outlined on your study permit. All applications are treated on a case-by-case basis. The fee for this service is $200. For more information regarding this issue, go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5552E4.asp.
Spouses and Dependents
If you have brought family to Canada (spouse or common-law partner, or dependent children), and all of you wish to extend your stay, you all must apply for permission. You will not have to a submit separate application forms if you all apply at the same time. Just fill in one form including your details and those of your immediate family. Remember to also include all appropriate documentation and fee payments.
