Using this complete guide on Canada visa extension for Indian tourists, you can get your Canada tourist visa extended and apply for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before your current visa expires.
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Types of Canada Visa Extension
The types of Canada tourist visas eligible for extension are:
- Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): Single or multiple-entry visas issued to tourists are extendable. You can apply for a visitor record to extend your stay.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Indians who entered Canada with a valid eTA can apply for a visitor record to continue their stay.
The duration of an extension is typically up to 6 months at a time.
However, IRCC decides the exact validity based on your Canada visa extension application for Indians.
Key grounds for granting extensions include:
- Medical reasons
- Flight issues
- Personal emergencies
- Unforeseen circumstances
- Pending applications for other visas
Canada Visa Extension Fees
Canada visa extension fees vary based on the applicant’s age. Here’s the fee structure:
| Visa Type | Age | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Record (Visitor Visa / TRV / eTA) | Adult | CAD $100 |
| Visitor Record (Visitor Visa / TRV / eTA) | Minor (under 18 years) | CAD $100 |
| Visitor Record (Visitor Visa / TRV / eTA) | Child (under 2 years) | CAD $100 |
Additional charges include:
- Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 (one-time fee for individual or family)
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Are You Eligible for a Canada Visa Extension?
You can apply for a Canada visa extension as an Indian tourist if you meet these criteria:
- Validity: Your current visa should be valid when you apply for an extension. Apply before your authorized stay period ends.
- Motive/Purpose: You must justify a valid reason for extending your stay, such as medical treatment, flight delays, or urgent personal matters. IRCC will assess your request to determine eligibility.
- Compliance with Visa Conditions: You should have followed all visa conditions, including not working illegally or overstaying. Violations can lead to the rejection of your extension request.
- Health Conditions: If you cannot travel back as planned due to a serious illness or injury, you may apply for an extension with a medical certificate.
- Sufficient Funds & Travel Insurance: Demonstrate adequate funds to support yourself during your extended stay through bank statements. Ensure your health insurance covers the entire duration.
- No Previous Visa Issues: A history of visa refusals, cancellations, or overstays can affect your eligibility negatively. A clean record is viewed favorably.
- Location: You must apply for the extension within Canada, at the nearest IRCC office. Tourist visa extensions cannot be processed outside Canada.
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Documents Required for Canada Visa Extensions
Under Canada visa extension requirements for Indians, you need to submit these documents to apply:
- Application Form IMM 5708 for Visitor Record
- Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Photocopies of Passport Pages (bio-data page, stamps, visas)
- Proof of Financial Support (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.)
- Purpose Letter Explaining Need for Extension
- Passport-sized Digital Photographs
- Photocopies of Current Visa/Entry Document
- Accommodation Proof (hotel bookings, rental agreement)
- Return Flight Ticket or Itinerary
- Medical Insurance
- Medical Certificate (if applicable)
- Biometrics (if required)
- Proof of Fee Payment
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How to Apply for a Canada Visa Extension for Indians
You must apply online for a visitor record to extend your Canada tourist visa. Let’s look at the steps in detail.
Online Application
Step 1: Visit the IRCC Website: Go to the IRCC portal and click on “Sign in to your account”.
If you don’t have an account, click on the “Visit Canada” section on the same page. Then, click on “Stay in Canada longer” and choose the heading “How to apply”. Under Step 4 of that process, you’ll find the option to “Create an account or sign in”.
Step 2: Create or Sign In to Your Account: If you don’t have an account, create one with your email ID. If you already have an account, sign in with your details. You’ll use this account to fill out forms, pay fees, and track your application.
Step 3: Complete the Online Form:
- Fill out the online form accurately with your personal details, passport information, purpose of visit, and extension reasons.
- For the question “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select “Visit”.
- For “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada”.
Step 4: Upload Documents:
- Upload clear scans or photos of all required documents, including your passport, current visa, financial proofs, and extension purpose letter.
- Refer to the document checklist generated after completing the online form.
Step 5: Pay Application Fee: Pay the CAD $100 extension fee for the visitor record using a credit or debit card. Also, pay the biometrics fee of CAD $85, if applicable.
Step 6: Submit Your Application: After filling in all details, uploading documents, and paying fees, submit your Canada visa extension application online. You’ll receive a confirmation with instructions on the next steps.
Step 7: Give Biometrics, If Required: In some cases, you may have to give your biometrics after submitting the application. Book an appointment at the nearest biometrics collection center and provide your fingerprints and photo.
Offline Application
Currently, there is no option to apply for a Canada tourist visa extension offline by paper application. You must apply online through the IRCC web portal.
However, after submitting your online application, you may have to visit an application center to give biometrics, if needed:
- Calgary: Unit 450, 145-9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1X6
- Toronto: 55 Town Centre Court, Suite 600, Toronto, ON M1P 4X4
- Montreal: 1255 rue Peel, Montreal, QC H3B 2T9
- Vancouver: 1095 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 2M6
- Halifax: Suite 202, 1496 Bedford Highway, Bedford, NS B4A 1E5
Canada Visa Extension Processing Time & Next Steps
For online applications, the processing time for Canada tourist visa extensions is approximately 110-126 days.
While your extension application is being processed, you can stay in Canada under implied status. However, you cannot travel outside Canada during this time.
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FAQs
1. How can an Indian apply for a Canada visa extension?
Indian citizens can apply online for a Canada tourist visa extension by submitting an application for a visitor record. The steps include:
- Creating or logging into an IRCC account
- Filling out the IMM 5708 form
- Uploading supporting documents
- Paying fees
- Submitting the application
- Giving biometrics, if needed
2. What are the reasons for granting a Canada visa extension to Indians?
Canada visa extensions may be granted to Indians:
- Serious medical issues
- Flight cancellations or delays
- Natural calamities that disrupt travel plans.
- Personal emergencies
3. What documents are needed for a Canada visa extension for Indians?
The Canada visa extension documents for Indians applying for a tourist visa extension include:
- Valid passport
- Application form IMM 5708
- Proof of funds
- Purpose letter
- Passport-size photographs
- Photocopies of passport and current visa
- Accommodation proof
- Return flight booking
- Medical insurance
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
- Biometrics (if needed)
- Fee payment receipt
4. How long before expiration should Indians apply for a Canada visa extension?
It’s recommended that Indian applicants apply for a Canada visa extension at least 30 days before their current visa expires.
5. How much does it cost for an Indian to extend a Canada tourist visa?
The fees for a Canada tourist visa extension for Indian applicants are:
- Visitor record fee: CAD $100
- Biometrics fee (if applicable): CAD $85
6. How long does it take to get a Canada tourist visa extension for Indians?
The processing time for a Canada visa extension for Indian applicants is around 107 days for online applications. However, actual timelines may vary based on case-specific factors.
