How to renew a visitor visa?

Want to renew a visitor visa - Canada sees a high influx of tourists every year, especially from India. A Canadian tourist visa, or TRV, permits you to visit Canada for up to 6 months for tourism. You may visit family, take short business trips, or for tourism. India isn’t on Canada’s visa-exempt list; hence, Indian citizens need this permit to enter Canada.

To receive a Canadian visa, you need to fulfill the Canada Visa eligibility criteria and meet all the Canada Visa requirements. Visiting Canada for short-term reasons? Well, you need to apply for a Canada Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Canada Visitor Visa.

Planning a trip to Canada? Your Temporary Resident Visa or TRV has expired? Wondering how to renew it? If you are an Indian citizen who’s been through this practice twice, you may feel confused. But don’t panic!  This blog intends to guide you with a step-by-step guide to make it easier. If you are in India, we at IRA help you get back to the land of maple syrup. Ready? Let’s jump in!

Upgrading your Canadian visitor visa means getting an extension or a new visa, depending on the country you are in. If you follow the guidelines properly, your application is more likely to be successful.

Types of visitor visas

Single-entry (one visit)

Multiple-entry (come and go as you please. This is generally authentic for a duration of up to 10 years or until the expiration of your passport.

If your TRV has lapsed, you can’t simply “renew” it. You need to apply for a new one.

Steps to Follow to Renew a Visitor Visa

Check Your Eligibility:

Remember to apply for a TRV for tourism. However, you’ll need a different permit if you want to stay more than 6 months.

Gather Documents:

• Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months past your planned entry, with 2 blank pages)
• Two recent photos (35x45mm, white background)
• Completed IMM 5257 form
• Bank statements covering a period of 3-6 months to serve as evidence of funds (reflecting at least CAD 2,500-3,000 for a short trip)
• Travel itinerary
• A cover letter outlining the purpose of your trip and your connections to India (job, family, property)
• Previous visas or travel history
• Confirmation of Biometrics if you haven’t provided your fingerprints in the last 10 years

Though this is non-mandatory, you choose to submit a Letter of invitation from a Canadian resident, an employment letter, or property documents.

Requirements To Adhere To When Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa Renewal

• You have the legal permission to enter Canada either as a student or as a worker.
• The applicant should live in Canada with a Canadian residential address.
• You must have a legitimate short-term resident status in Canada.
• You will require a new temporary resident visa to return to Canada in the future.
• You possess a visa authorization that is no longer valid.
• You hold a short-term visa on hand that is valid for a single entry only.

Meet the above conditions? Now, follow a few basic steps to apply for a new visa successfully while still in Canada.

Renewal of a Visitor Visa: Things to Keep in Mind

The process isn’t always hassle-free. Here are some risks to avoid:

• Lapsed Passport: Your TRV isn’t valid beyond your passport’s expiry. Renew your passport before applying to avoid issues.
• Insufficient Documents: The absence of even a bank statement or photo may result in detention or rejection of your application. Double-check everything using the IRCC checklist.
• Weak Connections to India: Persuade that you’ll come back to India. Validate with documents like property papers, a job letter, an established business in India, or family ties.
• Processing Delays: Peak seasons usually mean longer waits.
• Rejections: General refusal grounds include unclear travel plans, insufficient funds, or past overstays. If rejected, don’t get upset. Consult an immigration expert and reapply with stronger documents.

Tips for a Successful Visa Renewal

• Double-Check Everything
• Stay Organized
• Be Patient
• Stay Updated

It is important to keep in mind that applicants cannot renew TRVs (Temporary residence visa). You have to apply for a new one. When you apply for the new one, you may not get a TRV for life. You cannot have two valid TRVs at the same time. Alternatively, you should return to your home country within the authorized period of stay and apply for another Canada Visa, if necessary. This ensures that you have adequate time to stay in Canada and complete all your pending work.

What If You’re in Canada with an Expired TRV?

Has your TRV lapsed? Are you still in Canada? Don’t panic! You can stay as long as your visitor status is legitimate. Looking to extend your stay? Submit your application for a visitor record for no less than 30 days through the IRCC portal. This, to put it in simple words, isn’t a visa. It simply enables you to stay for an extended period. If you exit Canada, you’ll need a new TRV to come back. This requirement holds valid unless you’re traveling to the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon and return before your status lapses.

Choosing The Agency to Renew A Canada Visitor Visa

So, by now, you have learnt how to renew your Canada visitor visa in India and simplify the immigration process! Renewing your Canada visitor visa while in India is no longer a daunting task with the right knowledge and preparation. By following the set guidelines, gathering the requisite documentation, and conducting proper communication with expert visa agents, you can navigate the immigration process with confidence. Make sure you stay organized, maintain patience, and keep yourself informed and updated throughout the process. With the right approach, you can enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of Canada once again.

How can IRA Immigration and visa consultants assist you?

Are you still unsure about the visa process and looking for assistance to renew your Canada Visa application? It is recommended that you take the help of an experienced and dependable visa consultant. In order to get your Canadian visa successfully, you need to explore our website methodically and submit your details. You will subsequently get a call from one of the Visa Experts in no time. Right from collecting your visa documents from your doorstep, verifying them, to the approval of the Canada visa for Indians, IRA will get you covered.

If you have questions or need assistance regarding your visa renewal, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our experts are committed to providing valuable insights and clarifying any doubts you might have about the immigration process. As a trusted Canada visitor visa agency, our expert visa consultants in Delhi provide personalized guidance to ensure your application is accurate.

Safe travels!

FAQs on visitor visa

Q1. Can I Renew my Visitor Visa?

Ans. Actually, you cannot renew a tourist visa. Instead, you can extend your stay or apply for a new visa if you are outside Canada. This requires you to apply again, not the process of renewing an existing application.

Q2. When should I apply to extend my visitor visa?

Ans. At least 30 days before expiry.

Q3. How do I submit my application?

Ans. Online via IRCC or by paper.

Q4. How much does it cost to extend a visitor visa?

Ans. $100 CAD.

Q5. Do I need to provide biometrics?

Ans. Yes, if aged 14–79.

Q6. How will I know if my extension is approved?

Ans. IRCC sends a visitor record.