06/05/2026
⚠️ Common Immigration Mistake: Leaving Canada while your visitor record extension is still being processed.
Many people assume that if IRCC later approves their visitor record extension, that approval automatically determines how long they can stay in Canada.
In many cases, that's not how it works.
If you leave Canada while your visitor record extension application is still being processed, the period of stay you were trying to extend ends when you leave Canada.
When you return to Canada, your authorized stay is generally determined by the conditions of your new entry.
If the border officer does not impose a different period of stay, you are typically authorized to remain in Canada for up to 6 months from your date of entry.
📌 Key takeaway:
Leaving Canada while a visitor record extension is in process can significantly affect your status. After re-entry, your stay is generally governed by your new admission to Canada, not by a visitor record approved later.
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