How to extend a visa for relatives who are already in Canada?

When the period of authorized stay is coming to an end, visiting relatives must take care of extending their status in order not to lose their legal right to remain in the country. Below is a step-by-step guide for Calgary residents explaining when, how, and what documents to submit, as well as what to do in case of overstay.

Why a “visa extension” is actually a Visitor Record

The CBSA stamp in your passport or your first Visitor Record determines the date until which you are authorized to remain in Canada. To stay longer, you must submit an electronic application IMM 5708. This is not a new visa, but a Visitor Record with a new expiry date. Those who apply on time retain their maintained status and can legally remain under the same conditions until IRCC makes a decision.

When to submit IMM 5708

  • At least 30 days before the expiry of your current status.
  • If your passport expires before the desired date, renew it first: the duration of the Visitor Record cannot exceed the validity of your passport.
  • You can apply as many times as you like, but each time you must justify the temporary nature of your stay and pay the fee.

Who is eligible for an extension

  • Visitors with a valid TRV or eTA who are in Canada as tourists.
  • Super Visa holders who need to extend their five-year stay or apply for an additional two years.
  • Individuals with changed plans (e.g., former students or workers transitioning to visitor status).

List of documents

  • Form IMM 5708 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend My Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor).
  • Passport (scan of pages with personal details and entry stamp).
  • Proof of current status (CBSA stamp or valid Visitor Record).
  • Explanatory letter:
  • reason for extension (grandchild care, medical treatment, delayed flight, etc.);
  • plans to leave after the end of the stay.
  • Financial proof: bank statements, sponsor's letter of guarantee with copies of the latest Notice of Assessment, pay stubs, or employment letter.
  • Proof of medical insurance (required for Super Visa holders; recommended for others, as AHCIP is not available).
  • Digital photo (50×70 mm).
  • Application fee: CAD 100 per application; biometrics – CAD 85 if not submitted in the last 10 years.

Each family member must submit a separate application and pay a separate fee.

Online application steps

  1. Register or log in to your IRCC Secure Account.
  2. Answer the filter questions and receive your personal Document Checklist IMM 5558.
  3. Download and validate the IMM 5708 PDF form (after validation, a page with barcodes will be generated).
  4. Add scans of the documents from the checklist.
  5. Pay the fee by card.
  6. After receiving the BIL, submit your biometrics at VAC Calgary (Macleod Trail); the results will be automatically added to your application.
  7. Receive confirmation of submission and wait for a decision.

Processing times in 2025

  • Visitor Record (inside Canada): 125 days – IRCC's official indicator for April–July 2025.
  • Super Visa extensions are processed in the same Visitor Record pool, so the processing time is the same.
  • During the waiting period, you will have maintained status, so you can stay, but it is not recommended to leave: upon return, you will have to apply for a new TRV at the embassy.

What to do if your status has expired

If you apply after the expiry date, your status will be lost. You can:

  • Restore your status within 90 days by paying CAD 100 for the Visitor Record + CAD 200 for restoration and completing IMM 5708 (option “restore”).
  • If more than 90 days have passed, you must leave and apply for a new visa abroad.

Common reasons for refusal

  • Submitted less than 30 days before the end of status, and the officer considers that there is insufficient time for review.
  • Insufficient funds or no clear plan for return.
  • Unjustified multiple “series” of extensions without a change in circumstances — doubt about the temporary nature of the stay.
  • Passport is valid for less than the period for which the extension is requested.

Practical advice for Calgary residents

  • Start collecting documents two months before the end of your status: the queue for Super Visa medical insurance and biometrics can take weeks.
  • Renew your parents' passports in advance: the officer will not issue a Visitor Record for longer than the remaining period of validity.
  • Include a letter of explanation with arguments for the temporary nature of your stay and financial support — this reduces requests for additional information.
  • Use the free clinics at CCIS / Centre for Newcomers / ISC to check your forms.

Conclusion

Extending the stay of relatives in Canada is a “30 days, IMM 5708, proof of finances and departure plan” algorithm. While the application is being processed, maintained status applies, but late submission or incorrect information can cost you your status and lead to forced departure. Advance planning, correctly completed forms, and a realistic financial package will ensure that your guests will not be required to pack their bags in a hurry and that you will not have to pay for expensive appeals.