If your visitor visa expires in Canada, it is important to understand the consequences and take appropriate action. Failure to do so can result in serious repercussions, including being considered inadmissible to Canada in the future. Here’s what happens if your visitor visa expires in Canada and what steps you should take:
1. Legal Status:
When your visitor visa expires, your legal status in Canada becomes non-compliant. This means you are no longer authorized to stay in the country as a visitor. Overstaying your visa can have various consequences, including deportation and being banned from entering Canada for a specified period.
2. Accumulation of Unlawful Presence:
After your visa expires, you begin to accumulate unlawful presence in Canada. Unlawful presence refers to the period during which you stay in a country without legal authorization. The longer you stay unlawfully, the more serious the consequences can be.
3. Immigration Enforcement:
If you overstay your visa, you become vulnerable to immigration enforcement measures. Canadian immigration authorities may detain and remove you from the country. In some cases, this can happen at the airport or another point of entry if your overstay is discovered during a check or if you are caught committing some other violation.
4. Bar from Re-entering Canada:
Overstaying your visitor visa can result in being deemed inadmissible to Canada for a certain period. The length of the ban can vary depending on the circumstances, such as the duration of your overstay and any other immigration violations you may have committed. This can have significant implications for future travel plans or any desire to live, study, or work in Canada in the future.
5. Difficulties with Future Visa Applications:
Having an overstay on your immigration record can significantly impact any future applications for visas or permits to enter Canada. It can also hinder your chances of obtaining permanent residency or Canadian citizenship. Admissibility into Canada is a crucial factor considered during the application process, and overstaying a visa can raise concerns about your willingness to comply with immigration laws.
6. Options for Rectifying the Situation:
If your visitor visa is about to expire or has already expired, it is crucial to rectify the situation as soon as possible. Your options may include:
a. Applying for an Extension: If you would like to extend your stay in Canada, you can apply for an extension of your visitor visa. However, this must be done before your current visa expires.
b. Restoring Your Status: If your visitor visa has already expired, you may be eligible to apply for restoration of your status within 90 days of your visa expiring. This process involves paying a restoration fee and providing a valid reason for your overstay. Note that restoration after the 90-day period is only considered in exceptional cases.
c. Leaving Canada: If you are unable to extend your stay or restore your status, it is recommended to leave Canada voluntarily before any enforcement actions are taken. Voluntarily leaving the country can have less severe consequences compared to an involuntary removal or deportation.
7. Seeking Legal Assistance:
If you find yourself in a situation where your visitor visa has expired, it is advisable to seek legal assistance from an immigration lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant. They can guide you through the process, advise you on the best course of action, and help you navigate the complexities of Canadian immigration laws.
In conclusion, overstaying your visitor visa in Canada can have serious consequences. It is essential to be aware of your visa’s expiration date and take appropriate action, such as applying for an extension or restoring your status, if needed. Failing to do so can result in being considered inadmissible to Canada in the future and may impact your chances of obtaining other visas or permits. Seeking legal assistance can help you navigate the process effectively and increase your chances of resolving the situation in a favorable manner.