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How long can you stay in Canada as a visitor?

Visa days · AmericasChecked Updated

Canada 6 months

Visa days
6months as a visitor, or the period an officer sets

A visitor's authorized stay is six months, or another period fixed by an officer.1

Starts
The authorized period begins on the day you first enter Canada after being authorized to enter and remain on a temporary basis.2
Your date
The expiry date of your status is on the stamp in your passport.3
No stamp
With no stamp in your passport, the expiry date is 6 months from the day you entered Canada.4
Condition
Every temporary resident must leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for the stay.5
Extension
To stay longer as a visitor you apply for a visitor record, at least 30 days before your current status expires.67
While you wait
If you apply before the date you are supposed to leave, you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application.8

Questions people ask

How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?

A visitor's authorized stay is six months, or another period fixed by an officer.1

When does my Canadian visitor stay start?

The authorized period begins on the day you first enter Canada after being authorized to enter and remain on a temporary basis.2

Where do I find my expiry date?

The expiry date of your status is on the stamp in your passport.3 With no stamp in your passport, the expiry date is 6 months from the day you entered Canada.4

How do I stay longer in Canada as a visitor?

To stay longer as a visitor you apply for a visitor record, at least 30 days before your current status expires.67

Can I stay while my extension is processed?

If you apply before the date you are supposed to leave, you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application.8

Sources

3 laws and 5 official pages, each with its exact words
  1. IRPR, s. 183 · Department of Justice Canada, Justice Laws website · read 26 Oct 2026
    Exact words the period authorized for the stay of a temporary resident is six months or any other period that is fixed by an officer
  2. IRPR, s. 183 · Department of Justice Canada, Justice Laws website · read 26 Oct 2026
    Exact words the day on which they first enter Canada after they are so authorized
  3. IRCC, extend your stay · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · read 26 Oct 2026
    Exact words The expiry date for your status is on the stamp in your passport
  4. IRCC, extend your stay · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · read 26 Oct 2026
    Exact words If you don't have a stamp in your passport, the expiry date is 6 months from the day you entered Canada.
  5. IRPR, s. 183 · Department of Justice Canada, Justice Laws website · read 26 Oct 2026
    Exact words to leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay
  6. IRCC, extend your stay · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · read 26 Oct 2026
    Exact words you need to apply for a visitor record
  7. IRCC, extend your stay · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · read 26 Oct 2026
    Exact words you should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires
  8. IRCC, extend your stay · Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada · read 26 Oct 2026
    Exact words you can legally stay in Canada until a decision is made on your application
Checked against Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, s. 183 on 26 Oct 2026 Updated 26 Oct 2026

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