The mandatory government fee to extend your temporary resident status in Canada by applying for a Visitor Record is $100 CAD. You must pay this fee online through the official IRCC portal and attach the receipt to your IMM 5708 application before your current status expires to avoid having to restore your status, which carries a $246.25 CAD fee.
If you are currently enjoying a stay in Canada and realize you need more time to travel, visit family, or finalize personal matters, you cannot simply overstay your welcome. ⚠ Overstaying your authorized period-even by a single day-makes you undocumented and can severely damage your future immigration prospects. To legally remain in the country, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a Visitor Record extension before your current status expires.
Extending your stay is a formal legal process that requires accurate paperwork and, most importantly, the correct federal processing fee. One of the most common reasons a visitor extension is delayed, returned, or outright rejected is due to payment errors. In this guide, we will break down the exact costs associated with extending your stay, how to properly pay the government, and the crucial concept of “maintained status” while you wait for your new document.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Whether you are currently visiting family in Winnipeg, exploring the mountains in Banff, or staying in Toronto, the process to extend your Visitor Record is done entirely online through the federal IRCC portal.
Step 1: Creating an IRCC Secure Account
Your first step is to log into or create a secure IRCC account online (often using GCKey or a Sign-in Partner). 💻 The federal government has moved almost entirely away from paper applications. The online portal will ask you a series of questionnaire prompts about your current citizenship, your reason for extending your stay, and your financial ability to support yourself. This will generate a customized document checklist for you.
Step 2: Completing the IMM 5708 Form
You must download and complete the official form IMM 5708: Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor. This PDF must be validated (which creates a page of barcodes) before you can upload it. Ensure you provide a detailed, honest explanation of why you need more time, as IRCC officers will scrutinize your intentions to ensure you are a genuine temporary resident.
Step 3: Paying the Mandatory Online Fees
Once your documents are uploaded, the portal will direct you to the payment screen. 💳 You must pay the strict government fees using a valid credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or a participating Canadian debit card. The system will generate an official IRCC receipt. It is absolutely critical that this receipt is attached to your submission, as applications without proper payment are considered incomplete.
Step 4: Securing Maintained Status
Timing is everything. You must click “Submit” on your application before midnight UTC on the day your current status expires. If you apply on time, you benefit from what is legally known as “maintained status” (formerly called implied status). This legal principle allows you to stay in Canada under the exact same conditions as your original entry while you wait weeks or months for IRCC to process your extension.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The base fee is straightforward, but additional costs can apply if you have missed deadlines or require legal assistance. 💵 Here is a breakdown of the exact costs in Canadian dollars (CAD):
- Visitor Extension Fee: The strict government fee for a Visitor Record application is $100 CAD per person.
- Biometrics Fee: If you did not give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) within the last 10 years, you must pay a $85 CAD fee.
- Restoration of Status Fee: If your status has already expired and you are applying within the 90-day grace period, you must pay a fee of $246.25 CAD to restore your status as a visitor (the standard $100 CAD extension fee is not required).
- Law Firm Consultation: If you have a complex case (e.g., previous refusals), hiring an immigration lawyer to review your application typically costs $500 to $1,500 CAD.
| Application Timing | Legal Status Consequence | Total Government Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Before Status Expires | Maintained Status (Legal to stay) | $100 CAD |
| 1 to 90 Days After Expiry | Lost Status (Must apply for Restoration) | $246.25 CAD |
| 91+ Days After Expiry | Illegal Overstay (Risk of Deportation) | Cannot apply inside Canada |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Applying for a Visitor Record is not a fast process. You are legally advised to submit your extension application at least 30 days before your current status expires. Once submitted, IRCC processing times fluctuate based on national application volumes. As of 2026, it generally takes between 288 to 314 days for an officer to review an online in-Canada visitor extension. Rest assured, your maintained status protects you legally during this entire waiting period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the $100 fee refundable if my extension is refused?
No. The $100 CAD government fee pays for the officer’s time to process and review your application. If your request to extend your stay is refused by IRCC, the fee is entirely non-refundable.
Can I pay the IRCC fee with cash or a personal cheque?
No. IRCC no longer accepts cash, personal cheques, or bank drafts for online applications. You must use a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay) or a participating debit card.
What happens if my status expires while I am waiting for an answer?
As long as IRCC received your application and your $100 payment before your original status expired, you are placed on “maintained status.” You are legally allowed to remain in Canada until a final decision is made on your file.
Can I apply for an extension at a Service Canada centre?
No. Service Canada centres handle domestic services like passports and EI. Visitor Records are strictly managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and the application must be submitted online through their official portal.
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