Many newcomers confuse a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) with a Visitor Record (IMM 1442). While they sound similar, they serve completely different purposes in Canadian immigration. Misunderstanding the difference can affect your legal status, your ability to travel, and even your immigration application.
What is a Visitor Visa?
A Visitor Visa is a sticker placed in your passport. It is issued by a Canadian visa office outside Canada and is required for citizens of certain countries before traveling.
Purpose: Allows visa-required nationals to travel to a Canadian port of entry and request entry.
When Issued: Before you come to Canada, usually after approval of a study permit, work permit, or visit application.
Example: David receives approval for a work permit. Along with his permit, a Visitor Visa (TRV) is placed in his passport so he can fly to Canada. At the airport or border, the officer issues his work permit.
Important: A Visitor Visa lets you enter Canada but does not extend your stay once you are inside.
What is a Visitor Record?
A Visitor Record is a document issued inside Canada. It does not go in your passport and does not allow re-entry if you leave the country. Instead, it lets you stay longer in Canada or maintain legal status after your current permit expires.
Purpose: To extend your stay or change your status to visitor.
When Issued: After arriving in Canada, if you apply before your current status expires.
Restrictions: No travel rights, no work rights, and no study rights.
Example: Maria’s PGWP is expiring. To remain in Canada while waiting for another application, she applies for a Visitor Record. This keeps her status legal but does not let her leave and re-enter Canada.
Practical Scenarios for a Visitor Record
Inland Spousal Sponsorship – If you’re in Canada as a visitor while applying for PR, a Visitor Record ensures you maintain status while waiting.
Extending a Visit – If your six-month entry is about to expire, you can apply for a Visitor Record to stay longer.
Special Circumstances (Case Law Examples):
Family caregiving / compassionate needs – Quraishi vs Canada, 2021 FC 1145
Representation errors – Bisht vs Canada, 2022 FC 1178
Religious or long-term volunteer work – Singh vs Canada, 2022 FC 1643
Dependent rights / health coverage – Manitoba Health Appeal Board, 2025 CanLII 22552
Family violence / humanitarian cases – Kadye vs Canada, 2022 FC 865; Wray-Hunt vs Canada, 2023 FC 1687; Coins vs Canada, 2025 FC 349
Visitor Visa vs Visitor Record at a Glance
Key Takeaway
A Visitor Visa is about entry into Canada.
A Visitor Record is about staying longer legally once you’re inside.
Confusing the two can create status issues. If you need to extend your stay or change conditions, apply for a Visitor Record before your current permit expires.
At A&M Canadian Immigration Law Corporation, we help visitors, students, and workers maintain legal status and avoid refusals.
Contact us today for your first free in-person consultation and let our experienced immigration lawyer guide you through Visitor Visa and Visitor Record applications.
