A Canadian Visitor Visa is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows a foreign national to enter Canada for temporary purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term academic activities. It is typically required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt.

A Visitor Record is typically issued to individuals who are already in Canada and wish to extend their stay or alter the conditions of their visit. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as additional time needed to complete a tourism or business activity, to attend family events, or other similar purposes.

Key Features of a Visitor Record:

Purpose: A Visitor Record is issued to extend or modify the conditions of a visitor's stay while already in Canada. It is not a document for entry into the country.

Application Process: The individual must apply for a Visitor Record while still in Canada, typically before their current status expires. The process involves submitting an application for extension or modification, along with supporting documentation.

Validity: The Visitor Record can be granted for a period that depends on the specific circumstances of the application and the discretion of Canadian immigration authorities. It could range from a few weeks to several months.

Conditions: A Visitor Record might come with specific conditions that the traveler must adhere to, such as restrictions on work or study.

Key Differences Between a Visitor Record and a Canadian Visitor Visa

Purpose:

Visitor Visa: Grants permission to enter Canada for a specific, temporary purpose.

Visitor Record: Grants permission to stay longer in Canada or alter the conditions of an ongoing stay.

Issuance:

Visitor Visa: Issued before the traveler arrives in Canada, usually from a Canadian embassy or consulate in the home country.

Visitor Record: Issued while the traveler is already in Canada, typically when an extension of stay or change of conditions is requested.

Duration:

 Visitor Visa: The visa is valid for a specific period that could be either single-entry or multiple-entry, but usually for up to six months.

Visitor Record: The length of stay authorized by the Visitor Record is determined at the time of application and may be shorter or longer than the original visitor status.

When Do You Need a Visitor Record?

If you are already in Canada on a Visitor Visa and wish to stay longer than your authorized period, you must apply for a Visitor Record before your current status expires. For example, if your Visitor Visa allows you to stay for six months and you decide to extend your stay, you would apply for a Visitor Record to extend your stay legally.

A Visitor Record can also be used to change the conditions of your stay, such as switching from a tourist status to a status that permits you to study or participate in a short-term program.

Source:

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/extend-stay.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: info@visavicanada.com / visavicanada@gmail.com

Website: www.visavicanada.com

Phone: +1(226)-966-4658

VisAvi Immigration Inc.