You must apply for a standard visitor extension before your grandparents’ current 6-month authorized stay expires. You will need to submit Form IMM 5708 online. The federal government processing fee is currently $100 CAD per applicant.
Welcoming your grandparents to Canada is a joyous occasion. Many families living in Mississauga, Ontario, or Edmonton, Alberta, wish to keep their elderly relatives around longer than the standard six months granted at the border. If your grandparents entered Canada on a regular Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a Super Visa, you must formally apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to extend their stay legally. 📍
Extending a stay requires submitting an online application for a Visitor Record. Because these decisions are highly discretionary, IRCC officers need to be convinced that your grandparents are true visitors who will eventually return to their home country. While many families successfully handle this paperwork themselves, consulting a Canadian immigration lawyer is an excellent way to ensure your financial evidence and medical insurance documentation meet the government’s strict standards.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
To avoid a lapse in your grandparents’ legal status, you should begin preparing their extension application well in advance. Following a structured approach will help minimize the risk of refusal. 💼
Step 1: Check the Current Expiry Date
First, verify when their legal status actually expires. Look at their passport for a CBSA entry stamp. If there is a date written under the stamp, that is their expiry date. If the stamp is blank, they generally have exactly six months from the day they entered Canada. You must submit the extension application at least 30 days before this date.
Step 2: Gather Financial Evidence
IRCC must ensure that your grandparents will not rely on Canadian social assistance. You, as the host, should provide your recent Canadian bank statements, employment letters, or Notice of Assessment (NOA) from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This proves you have the financial capacity to support them in Canada during their extended stay. 💰
Step 3: Secure Canadian Medical Insurance
Unlike the Super Visa, standard visitor extensions do not legally mandate a specific amount of insurance. However, elderly visitors are highly vulnerable to health issues. Because visitors do not qualify for provincial healthcare (like OHIP in Ontario or MSP in British Columbia), providing proof of private Canadian emergency medical insurance strongly reinforces your application.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application
Log into your secure IRCC portal and fill out Form IMM 5708 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor). You will need to write a brief letter of explanation detailing why they wish to stay longer-such as attending a family wedding or spending more time with grandchildren. 💻
Step 5: Wait on Maintained Status
Once you submit the application and pay the fees before their current status expires, your grandparents will benefit from “maintained status” (formerly known as implied status). This legal concept allows them to legally remain in Canada under their original conditions until IRCC makes a final decision, even if that takes several months.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
While the government fees for an extension are relatively low, you must budget for the practical costs of hosting elderly relatives, particularly insurance. 💲
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC Extension Fee | $100 | Per grandparent applying for the extension. |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 | Usually exempt if biometrics are still valid from the initial TRV. |
| Private Medical Insurance | $150 – $400 / month | Highly recommended; depends on age and pre-existing conditions. |
| Immigration Lawyer Fees | $1,000 – $2,500 | If you hire a law firm to prepare and submit the package. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times for online visitor extensions fluctuate based on IRCC’s workload. As of May 2026, most online applications submitted from inside Canada take approximately 60 to 90 days to be finalized. Remember, as long as you apply before their status expires, your grandparents can legally stay in Canada while waiting for this decision. ⏳
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if the extension is refused?
If IRCC refuses the application, your grandparents must leave Canada immediately. Overstaying after a refusal can result in the CBSA issuing a removal order, which will severely impact their ability to return to Canada.
Can we convert their standard visa to a Super Visa from inside Canada?
No, you cannot directly “convert” a standard visa to a Super Visa from within the country. A Super Visa is a specific type of entry document that generally must be applied for from outside of Canada.
Do they need to do a medical exam?
If your grandparents are requesting an extension that will push their total consecutive time in Canada beyond six months, IRCC will almost certainly request that they undergo an Immigration Medical Exam (IME) with a designated panel physician in Canada.
Can I apply by paper instead of online?
IRCC now mandates that almost all visitor extension applications be submitted online. Paper applications are generally only accepted if you can prove you require an accommodation due to a severe disability.
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