There are numerous circumstances where a foreign national may require an extension of their stay in Canada. If you arrived in Canada as a visitor or temporary resident and need to prolong your stay, it is essential to take steps to extend your visitor status legally.
STUDENTS
The Student Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay program enables international students currently in Canada to apply for changes to their existing conditions or extensions to their permitted period of stay. Designed for students who need to modify their study arrangements or extend their stay beyond the initially authorized duration, this program allows applicants to complete the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada. Applicants specify their desired changes or extensions and provide relevant details about their circumstances.
WORKERS
The Worker Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay program allows individuals currently in Canada under a work permit to request changes to their existing conditions or extensions to their authorized period of stay. Additionally, workers needing to restore their status and obtain a new work permit can seek assistance through this program. It is important to note that the expiry date on the work permit indicates when individuals must cease working in Canada, and in most cases, it also signifies the end of their temporary resident status. If there is a specified “Must leave Canada by” date on the work permit, individuals’ status in Canada expires accordingly, even if it differs from the permit’s expiry date. Failing to adhere to the conditions on the work permit or to apply for an extension or change before its expiration may result in the loss of status.
SPECIAL MEASURES FOR IRANIAN NATIONALS
IRCC has extended temporary special measures for Iranian nationals in Canada until March 31, 2027. The measures now apply only to Iranian work permit holders who are in Canada with a valid work permit issued on or before February 28, 2025, and who have not already received an extension under the measures that began on March 1, 2026. Eligible applicants can apply for a work permit extension of up to two years (not beyond their passport’s expiry date) and must still meet the usual eligibility and admissibility requirements, including proof of funds. Iranian visitors, students and temporary resident permit holders can no longer use these special measures and must apply through the regular extension process.
TRP HOLDERS
The Remain in Canada as a Temporary Resident Permit Holder program provides individuals with the opportunity to extend their stay in Canada under specific circumstances. Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) are issued to individuals who do not meet the regular requirements for entry or stay in Canada but have compelling reasons to be allowed to remain temporarily. This program allows TRP holders to continue staying in Canada beyond their initial authorized period, providing them with the opportunity to address their unique situations, such as humanitarian or compassionate grounds, or for purposes like work or study. By offering flexibility and consideration for individual circumstances, the program ensures that those with valid reasons can maintain their status in Canada while adhering to immigration regulations.
VISITORS
Visitors who want to stay longer, or change the conditions of their stay, must apply for a visitor record before their current status expires, using the Application to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada (IMM 5708), usually online. If you apply on time, you can generally remain in Canada under the same conditions while IRCC processes your application (maintained status). If your status has already expired, you may be able to apply to restore it within 90 days. Please note that, in general, visitors can no longer apply for a work permit from inside Canada; the temporary policy that allowed this ended on August 28, 2024.
SCHEDULE CONSULTATION
Schedule a meeting with Mehraneh Tabatabaee to analyze your situation and help you to choose immigration program.