How to apply
You must apply online for your visitor record to extend your stay as a
- visitor
- worker authorized to work without a work permit or
- student authorized to study without a study permit
If you plan to travel outside Canada or the United States
You must meet our entry requirements to return to Canada.
Applying online
When you apply online, we get your application instantly, which can help us process your application faster. If you already applied on paper, you don’t have to resubmit your application online.
Step 1: Make sure you have what you need
To apply online, you’ll need
Step 2: Read the instruction guide
Even if you apply online, you should read the instruction guide before you complete your application. The guide will explain how to complete each field on the form.
If you’re a Venezuelan passport holder with an expired passport (the printed expiry date has passed)
If your Venezuelan passport was issued before June 7, 2019
If your passport has been expired for less than 5 years
Your passport is considered valid for an additional 5 years after the printed expiry date (to a maximum validity of 10 years).
When you apply for temporary residence:
- Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport, and enter it in the “Expiry date” field of the application form.
- Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years past the printed expiry date.”
If your passport has been expired for 5 years or more
Your passport is only considered valid for an additional 5 years after the printed expiry date (to a maximum validity of 10 years).
If it’s been more than 5 years since the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. It is not valid to apply for temporary residence.
If you have an exceptional situation and can’t get a new passport or other acceptable travel document, you may still apply.
- Include a letter of explanation with details of your exceptional situation and why you can’t get a valid travel document.
- An officer will review your application and determine if you’re eligible even without a valid passport or travel document.
If your Venezuelan passport was issued on or after June 7, 2019
If your passport is expired, it can’t be used to apply for temporary residence. You need to get a new passport or another acceptable travel document to apply.
Step 3: Prepare your answers for the online tool
Before you can upload your forms, you must answer some questions. We use your answers to create a personalized document checklist for you. To apply for a visitor record, you must provide these answers in the online tool:
- For the first question, “What would you like to do in Canada?”, select “Visit.”
- When asked, “What is your current country/territory of residence?”, select “Canada.”
Step 4: Create your online account or sign in
You need an account to apply online. You can use your account to
- pay your fees
- submit your application
- check your status
If you can’t apply online
You can submit a paper application in any of these situations:
- You can’t apply online because of a disability.
- There’s a problem with the online application.