Renewal of 6 month visitor permit

[daijoeboo]

Hello,

My wife is approaching 30 days from the expiry date of the 6 month visitor's permit she received upon arriving in Canada.
As we are in the midst of our process still, we would like to apply to extend her stay another 6 months while waiting upon the decision.

I called the number on the back of the permit but did not find the option in the automated guidance.
(There is an option to apply but not renew)

Is there a way to get a renewal application online somewhere?
Or do we have to call back between 8 and 4 and speak to someone before it's possible to renew?

Thanks very much

 

[Awesomeg]

Hello,

My wife is approaching 30 days from the expiry date of the 6 month visitor's permit she received upon arriving in Canada.
As we are in the midst of our process still, we would like to apply to extend her stay another 6 months while waiting upon the decision.

I called the number on the back of the permit but did not find the option in the automated guidance.
(There is an option to apply but not renew)

Is there a way to get a renewal application online somewhere?
Or do we have to call back between 8 and 4 and speak to someone before it's possible to renew?

Thanks very much

You need to renew as soon as possible,
you don't want to have your wife getting out of status while waiting.
She will get out of her right to work if she gets out of status.

The link to apply on line is here: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/extend/visa.asp

To apply online you must have access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents for uploading and have a valid credit card for payment. You need to Determine your eligibility and apply online, if you are eligible you will be given a reference code number that you will use to make the application.
Note: If you provide an email address on your application, please ensure you check it regularly for automated emails from CIC regarding your case. Some spam filters block these emails, and clients are requested to ensure emails from CIC are not blocked. If you are unsure whether emails from CIC are being sent, please check your myCIC account on a regular basis.

 

[daijoeboo]

Hi Awesomeg

I'd just like to make sure we are on the same page here.
You mentioned "right to work" but my wife has no right to work or attend school at the moment.
On her visitor's permit it clearly states no working and no attending educational institutions.
It also says no guaranteed re-entry.

Are you talking about the 6 month visitor's permit which is given at the airport when you show sponsorship approval?

Thanks very much for the link.
- Does my wife need ANOTHER medical? We already did a panel medical for the original application.

 

[daijoeboo]

Hi,

Well I went ahead and called and got information directly.

First, Awesomeg thanks for the link, it's the correct link and everything is there. I followed the link and got everything.

This is how the process works, I will write it here for others who need info.

First you go to the link and follow the prompts.
1) Complete the questionnaire and get your personal ID which is good for about 6 weeks.
2) Make a GCKey if you don't have one. Use the personal ID after logging in to start the application process.

You will need 5 forms (in my case it was 5 anyway)

a. IMM5708 - Extend stay for temp. permit holder
b. Proof of means of support
c. Passport copy/travel docs
d. Medical exam document
e. Digital photo

Then you upload everything, pay the $100 by credit card and its done.

Info I received from the operator when I called:

Paper extensions are upwards of 114 days. Online applications are 44 days, so it is better to do an online application. If you do not have proof of a medical it is advisable to get another done vs. writing a letter of explanation. See the list of panel physicians online. Be as specific with your proof as possible, the officers don't want to go calling and searching around for the proof, the onus is on you to prove your medical is current. No sufficient medical proof could cause trouble. Any proof however will do, a receipt, etc., from the original medical you did for your original PR application (I think if it's within a year). Also, although it says 30 days before, you are okay as long as you submit your complete application before the permit expiry date. So it doesn't HAVE to be 30 days before the expiry date, but, it cannot be after. So for a March 31st expiry date even March 28th is okay.

Hope this info helps anyone who needs to extend their 6 month permit in the next few months.