Visitor Status Expired

Overview

Use this guide if you are already in Canada and your authorized stay as a visitor has expired, is about to expire, or you are unsure of the leave-by date. Timing decides whether you are on maintained status or need restoration.

Common situations

I applied to extend before the leave-by date

You may have maintained status while IRCC decides. Keep your submission receipt. See Visitor Record in Canada.

My stamp date passed and I have not applied

You have likely lost status. Calculate the 90-day restoration window. See Restore Visitor Status.

I thought six months was automatic

Entry stamps and visitor records control your stay. Always read the date written for your entry or record.

I need to leave Canada urgently

Leaving after loss of status can affect future entries. Get advice before travel if status is already expired.

First check: dates

Compare:

1. Authorized stay end date (stamp / visitor record / permit conditions)
2. Date IRCC received any extension application

If you never applied, you are not on maintained status.

If status is still valid or maintained

• Stay in Canada while a timely extension is processed
• Do not work
• Confirm study limits for visitors
• Avoid travel without a re-entry plan

If status already expired

• You generally cannot assume visitor rights continue
• You may apply to restore within 90 days if you qualify
• Confirm fees on IRCC
• Approval is not guaranteed

What this means in practice

• Photograph or scan your stamp / visitor record leave-by date now.
• Do not “wait and see” through the 90-day window without a package.
• Family members each need their own status plan.
• A TRV in your passport does not by itself extend how long you may stay.

When to get help

Seek help urgently if you are inside the restoration window, already overstayed, need to travel, or previously held student/worker status and are unsure which date controls your stay.

Next steps by path

On-time extension pending: keep proof of filing and wait for the visitor record decision.

Already expired: stop unauthorized activities, start a restore + visitor package if still within 90 days, and confirm live IRCC checklists and fees.

Related guides

• Visitor Record in Canada
• Restore Visitor Status
• TRV Application From Inside Canada
• Can I Stay After My Permit Expires?

This guide summarizes official IRCC sources listed above. Requirements change. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.

Before you apply

• Confirmed the leave-by date on your stamp, visitor record, or other status document
• Checked whether an extension was submitted before that date
• Stopped any unauthorized work or study
• Confirmed current visitor extension or restoration fees on IRCC
• Gathered passport, funds, and explanation documents
• Checked travel plans—leaving can affect options
• Drafted an explanation if status was already lost

Frequently asked questions

How do I know when my visitor status expired?

Check the date on your passport stamp, visitor record, or other IRCC document that sets how long you may stay. Do not assume every entry is exactly six months without reading the document.

Can I stay if I applied before expiry?

If IRCC received your visitor extension before expiry, you may have maintained status while waiting for a decision.

How long do I have to restore?

IRCC generally cites 90 days to apply to restore temporary resident status. Do not wait until the last day without a complete package.

Can I work while visitor status is expired?

No. Visitors are not authorized to work, and loss of status makes unauthorized work worse.

Is restoration guaranteed within 90 days?

No. Meeting the deadline lets you apply; officers still assess the full application.

Do I need a TRV after restoration?

A restored visitor status / visitor record addresses stay inside Canada. Re-entry may still require a valid TRV or eTA.

Is this legal advice?

No. This guide summarizes official IRCC guidance. Outcomes depend on your full facts and officer assessment.

See also

• Visitor Record in Canada
• Restore Visitor Status
• TRV Application From Inside Canada

References

1. Extend your stay in Canada as a visitor
2. Restore your status
3. Visitor record
4. Temporary residents: Maintained status

Note: This guide is general information, not legal advice. Outcomes depend on your facts and IRCC’s assessment. Confirm current rules on Canada.ca before you apply.