Extending your visit or applying for a visa from within Canada can be a complex and daunting process, especially for work and study permit holders. Many applicants find themselves overwhelmed by the details involved—choosing the correct application forms, understanding the documentation requirements, and ensuring all materials are accurately prepared. Mistakes at any stage can lead to delays, complications, or even refusals.

At Khidma Immigration, we specialize in providing professional, end-to-end support for in-Canada applications, ensuring a streamlined and hassle-free experience. Here’s how we can assist you in every aspect of the process:

1. Comprehensive Application Management: We oversee the entire application process, ensuring each step is completed correctly and promptly. Our team will help you select the right application form, whether you’re extending your stay or seeking a new visa. We verify each document for accuracy and completeness to minimize any risk of error that could impact the outcome of your application.

2. Expert Guidance on Documentation: Documentation requirements can be intricate. We help you gather all necessary supporting materials for your application, providing clear checklists and advice. Whether it’s proof of funds, immigration documents, or additional certifications, we ensure everything is in order.

3. Custom Letters of Explanation and Submission: We assist in crafting a well-structured letter of explanation to accompany your application. This letter clarifies the purpose of your stay or extension, adding credibility and clarity to your application. Additionally, our services include a submission letter from a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), adding further authority to your application.

4. Sample Enrollment and Employment Reference Letters: For students and workers, proof of enrollment or employment is often required. We offer sample templates and guidance to help you secure enrollment confirmation from educational institutions or employment reference letters from employers. Our samples are crafted to align with IRCC requirements, ensuring they meet Canadian immigration standards.

5. Spousal Support Letters: For applicants who require a spousal support letter, we provide assistance in drafting a precise and compelling letter. This document affirms the relationship and financial support from your spouse, an essential component for applications that involve family sponsorship or financial backing.

6. Unmatched Success Rate and Quick Processing Times: Our team at Khidma Immigration has a 100% success rate in handling in-Canada applications, supported by our deep expertise and meticulous attention to detail. We understand the importance of minimizing processing times, and our experience ensures applications are processed with maximum efficiency.

By choosing Khidma Immigration, you’re selecting a partner dedicated to making your in-Canada application as straightforward as possible. With our expertise, you can have peace of mind knowing your application is handled by professionals who prioritize accuracy, clarity, and timeliness at every step.

Visitor Visa for Work and Study Permit Holders in Canada

If you hold a work or study permit in Canada, it’s important to note that this permit alone is not a visa. Extending your work or study permit does not automatically grant you a visitor visa. To obtain a visitor visa, you must submit a separate application.

# Eligibility to Apply for a Visitor Visa from Within Canada

You may apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada only if you meet all of the following criteria:
– You are currently in Canada.
– You hold a valid study or work permit.
– You plan to leave and re-enter Canada in the near future.
– Your existing visitor visa is expired, is about to expire, or was only valid for single entry.

# Applying from Outside Canada

If you’ve already left Canada and need a new visitor visa, you must apply from outside Canada and follow the specific requirements for applicants abroad.

Timing Your Visitor Visa Application (Within Canada)

For the best results, we recommend:
– Submitting your visitor visa application at least 2 months before you plan to leave Canada.
– Staying in Canada until you receive your new visitor visa.

# If You Leave Canada Before Receiving Your Visitor Visa

Leaving Canada before your new visitor visa is issued may lead to:
– Additional requirements, such as providing biometrics (if not already on file) or undergoing a medical exam.
– Increased processing times and possible delays in your return to Canada.

You may only return to Canada once your new visitor visa is issued and affixed to your passport. Approval of your visa application is not guaranteed.

# Exceptional Circumstances Requiring You to Leave Canada Early

If you must leave Canada before your visitor visa is issued due to exceptional circumstances:
– Submit a request through the web form before departing Canada.

In such cases, we may transfer your application to an overseas office and re-assess your eligibility under the visa requirements for applicants outside Canada. Failure to notify us may result in processing delays or having your passport returned without a visa.

Applying for a Visitor Visa After Extending Your Work or Study Permit

If you’ve applied online to extend your work or study permit, we’ll notify you of the decision through your online account, and mail your updated permit.

Once your permit extension is approved, you can apply for a visitor visa immediately by providing proof of approval, such as:
– A screenshot of the approval message in your online account.
– Your application number.
– Any document confirming a valid and approved extension of your study or work permit.

# Required Form

When applying for a visitor visa—even from within Canada—complete the Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257).

Document Checklist:

Document Checklist for Temporary Resident Visa (In Canada Applicant)

1. Forms Required

Complete, sign, and date the following forms:
– Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257): If completed on a computer, click “validate” to generate a barcode page. Print and place this barcode on top of your application (or each individual application if applying as a family/group).
– Use of a Representative (IMM 5476): Only needed if you are using an authorized representative or appointing/canceling one.
– Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475): Complete if you authorize IRCC or CBSA to release information from your case file to another person.
– Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409): If applicable.

2. Documents to Include

– Passport Copy: A photocopy of the information page of your valid passport, showing:

– Passport number
– Issuance and expiry dates
– Photo, name, date, and place of birth 
(Note: Ensure at least one blank page, excluding the last page, is available in your passport. A physical passport copy may be requested later.)

– Photos: Submit two recent photos that meet the Appendix A specifications, with your name and date of birth on the back of each photo.

– Proof of Legal Status in Canada: Include a photocopy of your current immigration document, such as a study or work permit.

– National ID Card and/or Birth Certificate: Provide a photocopy of your National ID card and/or birth certificate.

– Marriage Certificate: If applicable, attach a photocopy of your marriage license or certificate.

– Proof of Current Studies: If you are currently a student in Canada, provide a current letter and original transcript from your educational institution, confirming attendance.

– Proof of Current Employment: If you are working in Canada, include a letter from your employer confirming your employment status.

Additional Requirements if Outside Canada 

– If the applicant is currently outside Canada, they may also need to provide:

– Police Certificate: A recent police clearance certificate to confirm no criminal record.

– Medical Exam Report: A report from a medical exam as required by IRCC.

Note: This checklist is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be requested during the application process.

Visitor Record

When you enter Canada as a visitor, you use one of the following documents to gain entry:

• A visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa)
• An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
• A valid passport or travel document

If you wish to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, you must apply for a visitor record. Note that a visitor record is not a visa.

What is a Visitor Record?

A visitor record is a document that allows you to legally stay in Canada longer as:

• A visitor
• A worker authorized to work without a work permit
• A student authorized to study without a study permit

It includes a new expiry date, which is the date by which you must leave Canada.

When to Apply for a Visitor Record

You need to apply for a visitor record before your current status in Canada expires. If you’re unsure of your current status expiry, check how long you are permitted to stay in Canada.

Leaving and Returning to Canada

A visitor record allows you to extend your stay in Canada but does not guarantee re-entry if you leave. If you plan to travel outside Canada (excluding the United States), you will need a valid entry document, such as a visitor visa or eTA, to return.

Who Can Apply for a Visitor Record?

A visitor record is for individuals who wish to:

• Extend their stay in Canada as:
  • A visitor
  • A worker authorized to work without a work permit
  • A student authorized to study without a study permit
• Change their temporary resident category, for example:
  • From a study permit holder to a visitor
  • From a work permit holder to a visitor

Regardless of how you entered Canada—whether with a visitor visa, eTA, or another document—you will need a visitor record to extend your stay as either a visitor, a worker without a work permit, or a student without a study permit.

When to Apply

To extend your stay as a visitor or to change your status (such as from international student or worker to visitor), it’s best to apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.

Your status expiry date can be found on:

• The stamp in your passport (not to be confused with the date on your visitor visa). If no stamp is present, your status expires 6 months from your entry date.
• Your study permit
• Your work permit

The requirements for a visitor record are as follows:

Forms Required

1. Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

– Complete this form only if you are using an authorized representative or appointing/canceling a representative.

2. Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)

– Complete this form if you authorize IRCC or CBSA to release information from your case file to another person.

3. Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay, or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5708)

– If completing this form on a computer, it must be validated to generate a barcode page. Print and place the barcode page (page 5 of 5) on top of your application (or each application in a group submission).

 Documents Required

1. Proof of Payment

– Include a photocopy of your payment receipt.

2. Photocopies of Passport Pages

– Include copies showing:
– Passport number
– Dates of issue and expiry
– Your name and date of birth
– Stamp from Canadian authorities on your most recent entry into Canada
– Any other marked pages in your passport

3. Current Immigration Document

– A photocopy of any current immigration document you hold in Canada (e.g., study or work permit).

4. Marriage License or Certificate

   – Required if applicable.

5. Proof of Means of Support

– Provide evidence of your financial means to support yourself during your extended stay.

Ensure all documents not in English or French are accompanied by a certified translation.