How long can a visitor stay in Canada on a visitor visa?

In most cases, a person entering Canada on a visitor visa is granted a stay of up to six months. This is the standard period, even if the visitor visa itself is valid for several years. The visa’s validity only controls how long you can enter Canada — not how long you can stay each time.

When you arrive in Canada, a border services officer decides the authorized length of stay. If no specific date is written in your passport or on a visitor record, you are usually allowed to remain in Canada for six months from the date of entry.

In some situations, the officer may:

• Allow less than six months, based on travel plans or concerns about temporary intent
• Issue a visitor record with a specific expiry date
• Allow a longer stay if there is a clear reason and strong documentation

This is especially relevant for spouses visiting Canada. A spouse entering on a visitor visa for spouse may be granted the standard six months, but they must still respect visitor conditions and cannot work or study without proper authorization. If more time is needed, the visitor can apply to extend their stay from inside Canada before their status expires.

Many spouses also ask how visitor status fits alongside permanent residence plans. In these cases, Canada’s rules on dual intent may apply — something explained in detail in “What is a dual intent visitor visa for spouses in Canada?” — meaning someone can intend to visit temporarily while also having a long-term immigration plan, as long as they respect visitor rules.

If you’re unsure how long your spouse can stay or whether an extension is appropriate, our Toronto immigration consultants can help you assess your options. You can review details about our Visitor Visa for Spouse fees, and for personalized guidance, you may book a consultation or explore the Visitor Visa for Spouse program to plan next steps confidently.