Health insurance glossary
Visitor record
Plain-English definition
A visitor record is the document IRCC issues when it extends or changes a visitor's stay in Canada. You must apply before your current status expires, and IRCC advises applying at least 30 days ahead. If you apply in time, you can stay while the application is decided; this is called maintained status. Your status end date is on your passport stamp, or six months from entry if there is no stamp.
By the HealthRate editorial desk
Where this applies: Visitors in Canada (federal).
How it works
The date that matters is the end of your temporary resident status, not the expiry of your visitor visa. If your passport was not stamped, the default is six months from the day you entered (IRCC).
If the application is refused, you can stay only until your original expiry date. An application returned as incomplete is treated as never submitted, so it does not keep your status.
Medical insurance does not extend itself. For super visa holders, IRCC says a policy that expires before you leave should be renewed to keep coverage for the whole stay.
Why it matters
Staying past your status without applying in time can affect future visits. Extending your stay and extending your insurance are separate steps, and both need to be done before the dates run out.
Not to be confused with
Not a visitor visa. A visa is for entering Canada; a visitor record is for staying longer once you are here.