The expiry date on a visitor visa

[musictochka]

Hi everyone,

I have a question regarding a Canadian visitor visa and authorized stay in Canada.

From the IRCC website, I understand that the expiry date on a visitor visa is only the date by which you must enter Canada, and not necessarily the date by which you must leave.

My situation is the following:

• I plan to enter Canada before my visitor visa expires.
• My return flight ticket is booked for a date after the visa expiry date.
• However, the return date would still be within the standard 6-month stay period from the date of entry.
• Assume the border officer does not issue a visitor record or specify another departure date.

Has anyone had a similar experience?
Did CBSA officers have any issues with a return ticket dated after the visa expiry date?

I would appreciate hearing real experiences or official guidance.

Thank you!

 

[canuck78]

Hi everyone,

I have a question regarding a Canadian visitor visa and authorized stay in Canada.

From the IRCC website, I understand that the expiry date on a visitor visa is only the date by which you must enter Canada, and not necessarily the date by which you must leave.

My situation is the following:

• I plan to enter Canada before my visitor visa expires.
• My return flight ticket is booked for a date after the visa expiry date.
• However, the return date would still be within the standard 6-month stay period from the date of entry.
• Assume the border officer does not issue a visitor record or specify another departure date.

Has anyone had a similar experience?
Did CBSA officers have any issues with a return ticket dated after the visa expiry date?

I would appreciate hearing real experiences or official guidance.

Thank you!

A visa only has to be valid for entry into Canada. That said the CBSA agent determines how long you can visit Canada and doesn’t have to take into account the date of your return ticket.

 

[musictochka]

A visa only has to be valid for entry into Canada. That said the CBSA agent determines how long you can visit Canada and doesn’t have to take into account the date of your return ticket.

Thank you for the clarification.

Just to make sure I understand correctly:

1. If I enter Canada before my visitor visa expires, and the CBSA officer does not specify another date or issue a visitor record, would I normally still receive the standard 6 months of authorized stay even if my visa expires during that time?
2. Has anyone here personally entered Canada with a return ticket dated after the visa expiry date? Did CBSA ask additional questions about it?
3. In practice, do CBSA officers usually pay more attention to the intended length of stay and proof of funds rather than the visa expiry date itself?
4. Would it be recommended to proactively explain the situation to the officer at the border, or only answer if asked?

Thanks again for any real experiences or advice.

 

[canuck78]

Thank you for the clarification.

Just to make sure I understand correctly:

1. If I enter Canada before my visitor visa expires, and the CBSA officer does not specify another date or issue a visitor record, would I normally still receive the standard 6 months of authorized stay even if my visa expires during that time?
2. Has anyone here personally entered Canada with a return ticket dated after the visa expiry date? Did CBSA ask additional questions about it?
3. In practice, do CBSA officers usually pay more attention to the intended length of stay and proof of funds rather than the visa expiry date itself?
4. Would it be recommended to proactively explain the situation to the officer at the border, or only answer if asked?

Thanks again for any real experiences or advice.

1. Yes
2. Happens all the time it’s not an issue.
3 yes but would add reason for your visit and ties to your home country to the list
4. Reply to questions you are asked.