Quick summary
#Each temporary resident applying to extend, change, or restore visitor status in Canada completes and signs their own IMM 5708 — family members applying together each need a separate copy.
To extend visitor status, change to visitor, restore visitor status, or request a temporary resident permit from inside Canada
Apply online through an IRCC account; paper is limited to the official disability and online-system exceptions.
Names, dates of birth, and passport details on other forms Program checklist requirements Supporting documents and translations
Overview (What is Form IMM 5708?)
#IMM 5708 is the official application used inside Canada to extend visitor status, change from worker or student status to visitor, restore recently expired visitor status, or request an initial or subsequent temporary resident permit. A successful visitor extension produces a visitor record with a new status expiry date. It does not produce a visitor visa, authorize re-entry, or grant permission to work or study.
Confirm the expiry date on the document that controls your current status: a visitor record, study permit, work permit, or passport entry stamp. If no document or stamp was issued, IRCC generally treats visitor status as expiring six months after entry. IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry, but the legal distinction is whether a complete application reaches IRCC before status expires.
A visitor who applies on time can remain under visitor conditions while IRCC decides. A worker or student who applies to change to visitor must stop working or studying when the original permit expires unless another authorization applies. If visitor status has already expired, do not describe the filing as an extension: restoration is discretionary, must generally be requested within 90 days, and currently costs CAD $246.25. Always confirm the current form edition, fee, and personalized document checklist on canada.ca before submitting.
First page of IMM 5708 form
Source: IMM 5708 PDF
Context and workflow
#Use IMM 5708 from inside Canada to request a visitor record, change to visitor status, restore visitor status, or request a temporary resident permit. Apply online and, when possible, at least 30 days before your status expires. A visitor record is not a visa and does not authorize re-entry, work, or study.
Why this matters
- Inconsistencies often trigger returns or follow-up requests because they create uncertainty in the case record.
- This form acts as a cross-check point: details here must match other forms and supporting documents.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiating the process of extending or changing temporary resident status in Canada.
- Following online submission, applicants should save the confirmation and fee receipt.
- IRCC may request biometrics or additional evidence when applicable.
- IMM 5476 accompanies IMM 5708 only when a representative is appointed, changed, or cancelled.
Who uses it
IMM 5708 must be completed by each person in Canada who wants to extend visitor status, change temporary resident conditions to visitor, restore visitor status, or request an initial or subsequent temporary resident permit. Each family member who needs more time files a separate application, although applications may be submitted together through the online process. IMM 5708 is not an entry document and does not replace a visitor visa or eTA for future travel.
When it is used
- To request an extension of stay (a visitor record) before your current authorized stay expires — IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days ahead
- To change your temporary resident category to visitor (for example, after a study or work permit) or to apply for a temporary resident permit
- If IRCC receives a complete visitor extension before visitor status expires, visitor status continues under the same visitor conditions until IRCC decides
- If changing from worker or student to visitor, you must stop working or studying when the original permit expires unless another authorization applies
- If visitor status expired less than 90 days ago, request restoration instead of an extension and pay the CAD $246.25 restoration fee
- When filing IMM 5708 with IMM 5476, but only if appointing, changing, or cancelling a representative
- When a study permit or work permit is ending and you want to stay in Canada as a visitor instead of studying or working
- When authorization to work or study without a permit is ending and you want to remain under visitor conditions
- When you want a visitor record on file as written proof of your temporary resident status — the passport stamp alone does not state a new expiry date
Failure prevention (What causes Form IMM 5708 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Failing to sign and date the form, leading to it being returned.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Using initials instead of full names as they appear on official documents.
What it asks for (What does Form IMM 5708 ask for?)
#- UCI, full legal name, aliases, birth details, citizenship, marital status, and language preferences
- Current status in Canada, previous countries of residence, passport, identity document, and contact information
- First and most recent entry to Canada, current status-document number, requested reason and dates, funds, and people or institutions to be visited
- Highest post-secondary education and employment or activity history for the last 10 years
- Medical, immigration, criminal, military, organizational, and security background declarations
- The correct request in section 3: visitor extension, temporary resident permit, or restoration of visitor status
- Electronic validation plus signature and date where the submission method requires them
What you need (What do you need for Form IMM 5708?)
#- The current IMM 5708 edition or the equivalent questions generated in the IRCC online account
- Passport biographical page, entry evidence, and current visitor record, study permit, or work permit
- A letter explaining why you need more time, the requested departure date, and how the extended stay will be funded
- Proof of funds and situation-specific evidence such as an itinerary, invitation, family evidence, or medical documentation
- Certified translations when supporting documents are not in English or French
- The CAD $100 visitor-extension fee or CAD $246.25 visitor-restoration fee
- IMM 5476 only if appointing, changing, or cancelling a representative
- IMM 5409 and relationship evidence when the personalized checklist requires them
Checklist (What is the Form IMM 5708 checklist?)
#- To begin, access the latest IMM 5708 form and accompanying instructions directly from the official IRCC website.
- Review the official IMM 5708 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of IMM 5708
- Ensure that the form is signed and dated in all necessary sections.
- Ensure the IMM 5708 form is signed, dated, and submitted along with all necessary supporting documents.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Extend your stay as a visitor (visitor record)Per person, paid online through your IRCC secure account. Non-refundable even if refused. | CAD $100 |
| Restoration of visitor statusIf visitor status expired less than 90 days ago, this is the total restoration fee; IRCC states that a separate visitor-visa fee is not needed. | CAD $246.25 |
| BiometricsOnly if you are asked to give biometrics (valid biometrics are reused for 10 years). | CAD $85 |
When do I pay the IMM 5708 fee?
When you submit the application online through your IRCC secure account. The CAD $100 fee is not refunded if the application is refused.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
IRCC returns or rejects incomplete applications — and a rejected application is treated as never submitted, which can cost you maintained status. Verify the current fee on the IRCC fee list before paying.
Fee waiver: Pay through the IRCC online process and keep the receipt. Verify the amount in the official fee list before submitting.
Fees change; always verify on IRCC.
Processing times
#Where to file
#Apply online from inside Canada through your IRCC secure account. Paper filing is limited to applicants who qualify for an accommodation or one of IRCC’s paper-filing exceptions; IMM 5708 is not filed at an embassy or consulate.
File online
Answer the IRCC account questionnaire, upload the generated IMM 5708/application package and supporting evidence, pay the fee, and submit before your status expires.
Submit application
Use paper only if a disability prevents online filing or there is a problem with the online application; follow IRCC's exception instructions.
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before expiry. An on-time visitor extension preserves visitor conditions while IRCC decides. Workers or students changing to visitor must stop working or studying when their original permit expires unless separately authorized.
Key terms
#- Temporary Resident Permit
- A permit allowing a person to stay in Canada temporarily under specific conditions.In this form: Used for individuals applying to extend or change their temporary stay in Canada.
- Unique Client Identifier (UCI)
- A unique number assigned to each client by the immigration authorities.In this form: Used to identify applicants in the immigration system.
- Visitor record
- A document IRCC issues to authorise a longer visitor stay in Canada. It is not a visa and does not by itself let you re-enter Canada; it sets a new expiry date for your temporary resident status.In this form: Typically issued when an IMM 5708 request to extend visitor status is approved.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- An entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to or transit through Canada.In this form: Relevant the next time you travel to Canada by air; it is separate from extending status with IMM 5708.
- Temporary resident status
- The legal permission that lets a foreign national be in Canada for a limited time as a visitor, student or worker. It always carries an expiry date.In this form: Read the expiry date off your visitor record, study permit or work permit — or off the stamp in your passport — and file IMM 5708 before it passes.
- Maintained status (implied status)
- Temporary resident status that continues after the current document expires because IRCC received a complete extension or change application before expiry.In this form: A visitor extension preserves visitor conditions while IRCC decides. A worker or student changing to visitor may remain in Canada but must stop work or study when the original permit expires unless separately authorized.
- Restoration of status
- A separate request asking IRCC to give back temporary resident status that has already expired. It is discretionary and carries its own fee.In this form: Filed on the same IMM 5708 by choosing the restore option instead of the extension option, with an explanation of how the overstay happened.
Strategy tips
#Common mistakes (What mistakes are common with Form IMM 5708?)
#- If the application form is not signed and dated, it will be returned.
- Leaving any questions unanswered on the application form, unless explicitly instructed to do so, can lead to processing delays.
- Avoid using initials; ensure that full names match those on your passport or travel document.
- Not providing a photocopy of the marriage license or certificate if married.
- Failing to complete the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union form when you are in a common-law relationship.
Examples (What are examples for Form IMM 5708?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Weak application: An applicant submitted the form without including a photocopy of their marriage certificate, resulting in delays as the application was returned for completion.
- An applicant in the Trv category files IMM 5708 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form IMM 5708?)
#- IMM 5708 has more than one fee component (e.g. Extend your stay as a visitor (visitor record) and Restoration of visitor status); paying only one or paying the wrong amount can result in rejection of the entire filing.
- A fee waiver for IMM 5708 is not automatic — only specific qualifying categories are eligible, and a waiver request can be denied while the underlying form is still expected to be filed.
- IMM 5708 cannot always be filed in any way — the correct filing method depends on the applicant's category, and using the wrong channel can result in rejection.
- IMM 5708 can be rejected before substantive review for technical errors such as “Failing to sign and date the form, leading to it being returned.”
- A complete IMM 5708 can still be denied on the merits — issues like “Using initials instead of full names as they appear on official documents” are evaluated by the reviewer even when paperwork is clean.
- Submitting IMM 5708 is the start of the process — applicants should expect follow-up steps such as “Save the online submission confirmation and fee receipt.”
Edge cases and variations
#- If you are asked to submit or update IMM 5708, treat it as a package update: check every place the same details appear and keep them consistent.
- Passport about to expire: IRCC will not normally authorise a stay in Canada that runs past the validity of your passport, so renew the passport first if you want the full extension you are asking for.
- Study permit or work permit holder switching to visitor: you are asking to change conditions, not just to extend, so be explicit that you are stopping study or work — a visitor record does not preserve either authorisation.
- Status already expired: an extension request filed after the expiry date does not fix the gap. Choose the restore option on IMM 5708 instead and explain the circumstances, and check the current restoration window on canada.ca before you file.
- You leave Canada while the application is pending: maintained status only protects you inside Canada, and coming back by air as a visa-exempt traveller means holding a valid eTA — the visitor record itself is not a travel document.
- No document was issued when you entered: if you were waved through without a visitor record or a dated stamp in your passport, confirm the standard authorised period on canada.ca rather than assuming, then count your filing deadline from your entry date.
In-depth guidance
#How to complete this form reliably
Treat IMM 5708 as part of a system, not a standalone document. Most delays happen when details conflict across the form, supporting documents, and other parts of the application package. Before you start, gather the documents you will reference and decide which one is the source of truth for each field.
Fill the form in one sitting if possible. Partially-completed forms are where inconsistent edits creep in. When you finish, review each section and ask "what evidence in my package proves this statement?"
Extending your stay in Canada as a visitor
Explain why you need more time, the date you intend to leave, and how the additional stay will be funded. Match those statements to your passport, current status document, bank evidence, invitation or itinerary, and prior applications. IRCC must be satisfied that the extended stay remains temporary and that you will respect visitor conditions.
If approved, IRCC issues a visitor record setting a new expiry date for status inside Canada. It is not a visa, does not guarantee re-entry, and does not authorize work or study. See the visitor record versus visitor visa comparison before making travel plans.
Apply before the expiry date on the document controlling your status. An on-time visitor extension creates maintained status under visitor conditions while IRCC decides. A worker or student changing to visitor may remain in Canada after the permit expires, but must stop working or studying unless another authorization applies. If visitor status has already expired, request restoration rather than an extension. IRCC generally requires restoration within 90 days, currently charges CAD $246.25 total for visitor restoration, and does not guarantee approval.
Save the online submission confirmation and monitor the IRCC account. Confirm the current form edition, fee, restoration rules, and personalized checklist on canada.ca before filing.
Scenarios
#A visitor applies online before the passport stamp expires, explains a defined family visit, provides funds and a departure plan, and saves the submission confirmation.
The visitor remains under visitor conditions while IRCC decides and receives a visitor record if approved.
File a complete application before status expires and support the requested end date.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike IMM 5257 - Application for Visitor Visa: IMM 5708 is for those already in Canada seeking to extend or change their status, whereas IMM 5257 is for those applying to enter Canada as visitors.
- Unlike Form IMM 5476: Use of a Representative: IMM 5476 is included only when an applicant appoints, changes, or cancels a representative; it is not a prerequisite for IMM 5708.
Why it matters
#What happens after you submit
#- Save the online submission confirmation and fee receipt.
- Monitor the IRCC account for requests, including biometrics or additional documents when applicable.
- Remain in Canada and follow the conditions that apply while the request is pending.
- If approved, review the visitor record or temporary resident permit and its expiry date.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official IRCC instructions for IMM 5708 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official IRCC website.
Resources
#Free Canada planning tools
#Itemize the government fees that go alongside Form IMM 5708.
See which Canada visas your profile fits before you finalize Form IMM 5708.
Get the typical wait time for the visa associated with Form IMM 5708.
Practice Canada interview questions if your filing route includes one.