A work permit or study permit is distinct from a visa.
- Extending your work or study permit does not automatically result in the issuance of a visitor visa.
- If you require a new visitor visa, a separate application must be submitted.
Who can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada
To apply for a visitor visa within Canada, you must fulfill these conditions:
- Currently reside in Canada
- Possess a valid study or work permit
- Intend to depart and re-enter Canada soon
- Hold an expired visitor visa, a visitor visa about to expire, or a visitor visa valid for only one entry
If you already left Canada and need to apply for a new visitor visa
Instead of the way you apply while you’re already in Canada, you’ll need to use the process for applying from outside Canada. Since you’re not in Canada, there might be different things you need to do.
When to apply for your new visitor visa (in Canada)
Make sure to:
- Apply at least 2 months before you want to leave Canada.
- Don’t leave Canada until you receive your visitor visa.
If you leave Canada before you get your new visitor visa
You might have to:
- Provide extra things, like fingerprints or a medical check, if you haven’t already.
- Wait longer for your application to be processed.
- Wait longer before you can come back to Canada.
- You can only return to Canada once you get your new visitor visa in your passport. But remember, there’s no promise that your application will be accepted.
If you must leave Canada for exceptional reasons before you get your new visitor visa
Complete this web form before you leave Canada.
- IRCC might need to send your application to one of their offices in another country.
- They also need to check if you meet all the visa requirements for someone applying from outside Canada.
- If you don’t reach out to us, it could take longer to process your application, or your passport might be sent back without a visa.
If you applied online to extend your work or study permit
If your application is approved by IRCC, they’ll send you a message in your online account and mail you your new work or study permit.
After IRCC approve your application to extend your permit
Once IRCC approves your application to extend your work or study permit, you can apply for your visitor visa right away, even before receiving your new permit in the mail.
But, you need to show proof that your application was approved, like:
- A screenshot of the approval message sent to your online account.
- Your application number.
- Any other document showing you have a valid and approved study or work permit extension.
How to apply for your new visitor visa
You need to apply online in your IRCC secure account.
Get the right application form
To get the right application form, provide these answers in the online questionnaire:
- For the first question “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select
- “Study” if you have a valid study permit or
- “Work” if you have a valid work permit
- When asked “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada”.
- Answer the questions on the next pages about your work or studies.
- You may be given the option to extend your current study or work permit or to apply for a “Temporary Resident Visa”. Make sure you select “Temporary Resident Visa”.
The application form listed in your document checklist will be called Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257). This is the form you need to fill out, even when you apply from inside Canada.
Use your account to pay your fees and check your application status.
