Visitor visa and Visitor record for Canada may sound similar, however, they serve distinct purposes in the process of visiting and staying in Canada. Understanding these differences is crucial to ensure that you apply for and receive the correct documentation for your travel plans.

Visitor Visa

A visitor visa is an official document (often stamped or affixed in your passport) that authorizes you to enter Canada.

Purpose:

A visitor visa allows you to travel to Canada for purposes such as tourism, visiting family, or business meetings.

Application Process:

You apply for a visitor visa before traveling to Canada at a Canadian embassy, consulate, or online if eligible. The application includes providing documentation such as proof of financial support, ties to your home country, and the purpose of your visit.

Entry Requirement:

The visitor visa is your entry pass. Once you land in Canada, immigration officers at the port of entry will review your documents and decide if you can enter Canada. It’s important to note that holding a visitor visa does not guarantee entry; final approval is given by border officers upon arrival.

Duration of Stay:

The visa itself typically allows you to travel to Canada, but it does not specify how long you can stay once you arrive. That decision is made by the border services officer at the point of entry.

Visitor Record

A visitor record, on the other hand, is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) after you are already in Canada. It outlines the conditions and duration of your stay.

Purpose:

A visitor record is used to extend your stay in Canada or change the conditions of your visit while you’re already in the country. It does not serve as a travel document for entry purposes.

When It’s Issued:

You might apply for a visitor record if you are already in Canada on a visitor visa and wish to extend your stay beyond the date initially granted, or if you need to change the conditions of your visit (for example, from a tourist visit to a business visit).

Application Process:

Applications for a visitor record are submitted to IRCC from within Canada. They require evidence that you meet the conditions for staying longer or for modifying the terms of your visit. This may include proof of financial support, ties to your home country, or other relevant information.

Duration of Stay:

The visitor record will specify how long you are allowed to remain in Canada under your current status. If you overstay without obtaining a visitor record, you risk legal consequences or being barred from future entry.

 

Key Differences

Purpose and Timing:

Visitor Visa: Issued before arrival; understand it as your ticket to enter Canada.

Visitor Record: Issued while you’re already in Canada to extend or alter the terms of your stay.

Application Process:

Visitor Visa: Processed at a Canadian consulate, embassy, or online, often requiring an interview or submission of various documents to demonstrate your eligibility.

Visitor Record: Processed from within Canada; used when circumstances change and you need to extend your stay or adjust your status.

Understanding these distinctions can help ensure you apply for the correct document at the right time, avoiding potential complications during your trip and while you’re in Canada.

Source:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/about-visitor-visa.html

Disclaimer: Please note the policies and the regulations are subject to change. The information provided in this article is intended for general guidance and may not reflect the most current legal developments at the time of your application. If you intend to seek personalized advice and guidance pertaining to your application, feel free to reach out to us at below details:

Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Website: www.visavicanada.com

Phone: +1(226)-966-4658

VisAvi Immigration Inc.