How do I apply for the visitor record?
If you are in Canada on a legal status like a work permit or a visitor status that is about to expire, you can stay in Canada legally, by applying for the visitor record. The application must be done before the current status expires.
See more questions and answers to the visitor record > here <
Online visitor record application start
- First, create a GCKey account.
- If you still have access to the GCKey account from another work permit application, half the work is already done. Simply log in to the GCKey account.
- Then, “Start an application”
- “Apply to come to Canada”
- Then you will come to a screen where you have to enter the reference code.
- Because you don’t have one, click the button Visitor Visa, study and/or work permit below under “I do not have a personal reference code”.
- In the questionnaire, answer a few questions. The two most important ones are in the screenshots below.
- If you are in Canada with a work permit, your current immigration status in Canada is “Worker”.
- If you answered all questions truthfully and correctly, the result at the end must be Visitors (in Canada)
- Next, click the “Continue” button and after answering further questions, a document list will be generated where you upload all necessary documents.
Upload all required documents
- Download and fill out the application form IMM5708. You can also download it here.
- If you’re having trouble downloading the PDF document, click >here< for the steps to follow.
- The IMM5708 form only needs to be filled out, saved and re-uploaded on the PC. It does not need to be signed, even if it says “Signature” at the bottom of the form. Don’t worry, during the application everything is automatically signed and transmitted electronically.
- In the application form IMM5708 you have to tick the box “Extend my stay as a visitor” and fill it out completely.
- Then, click the blue “Validate” button
- Upload the form into the spot in the document checklist.
- Upload all other Supporting Documents. They are mandatory.
- Proof of Means of Financial Support requires you to upload a bank statement that shows your account balance.
- The processing officer wants to know how and for how long you can financially support yourself without working.
- It does not need to be a Canadian bank. As long as the funds are readily available (not locked into investments), you can show your foreign bank account balance.
- There is no official required amount, but the more financial means you have, the better chances for the visitor record.
- For 6 months, the rule of thumb is at least $5,000 in financial means.
- The Optional Documents are only optional
- Schedule 1: You usually only have to fill it out if you are applying for the visitor visa from outside Canada.
- Client Information is an optional upload spot if you want to add more information or explanations to the application.
- Once all documents have been uploaded, the next step is to pay the fees.
- Take a screenshot of the payment confirmation in case you need it later.
- Complete the remaining steps in the application until everything is submitted.
- After you submit the complete application (and on time), and after your current status expires, your maintained visitor status will kick in. It means, you and can stay in Canada legally until a decision is made on the visitor record application.
- If you are in Canada on a work permit: On the date of the expiry of the work permit, you must stop working.
- Usually processing takes about 3-4 months. You can check the current processing time >here< on the official website.
- If the visitor record is approved, you will receive an official document by mail to the address provided in the application. The visitor record looks exactly like your Working Holiday work permit. There will be the date of validity.
- The decision on the length of the visitor record is always made by the processing agent at the government. Below is an example of a visitor record. Keep this document on you at all times because it proves your legal status in Canada.
