Overstaying in Canada: Causes, consequences, and solutions
Chijioke is a Nigerian citizen who entered Canada eight months ago as a visitor. The officer allowed him to remain in Canada for up to six months. However, Chijioke has overstayed in Canada. He wonders what are the consequences of overstaying in Canada. Moreover, Chijioke hopes to find a solution to this problem.
Table of contents
What is overstaying in Canada?
Foreign nationals may not stay in Canada forever. One of the following circumstances defines when they have to leave Canada.
- Six months from the day of entry, if they do not receive an exit stamp, a permit, or a visitor record for their stay in Canada [R183(2)],
- The expiration date of their work or study permit,
- The expiration date of their visitor record,
- If they are on maintained status, the day an officer refuses their extension or permit application [R183(5)],
- Being subject to an enforceable removal order or
- More than 90 days have passed since they finished their studies in Canada, even if their study permit is valid.
If a person remains in Canada beyond these dates, they overstay in Canada.
What are the consequences of overstaying in Canada?
If someone overstays in Canada, they are non-compliant with the immigration law. A non-compliant is inadmissible to Canada and is subject to a removal order. The typical removal orders for this group are exclusion orders, which ban them from Canada for one year. Nonetheless, in extreme situations, the person could be fined or imprisoned. CBSA usually deals with overstaying in Canada. However, there are exceptional circumstances in which other entities, such as IRB or IRCC, could jump in.
What are the solutions?
If you have overstayed in Canada, your best solution is to leave Canada immediately. However, if you want to remain in Canada, you may explore one of the following solutions. Remember, none of these options are perfect.
- Restoration of Status – You may consider this option only if you have overstayed less than 90 days in Canada.
- TRP (Temporary Resident Permit) – This temporary option assists you in remaining in Canada if you have overstayed more than 90 days in Canada.
- Filing a refugee claim – If returning to your home country could endanger your life, you could seek protection from Canada by filing a refugee claim.
- PR application under Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) grounds – Some factors, such as establishment in Canada, family ties, and a child’s best interest (BIOC), could offer you the opportunity to become a permanent resident in Canada.
Let us help!
If you have overstayed in Canada, your best bet is to book a consultation session with me. I have been in practice since Jan 2011 and have dealt with many complex cases. However, if you doubt needing a consultation session, fill out the following form. We will review it, and if we find consultation is necessary, we will contact you.
If you are interested in visiting or immigrating to Canada, please complete our free assessment form.
There is no fee for this assessment. We will review your information and contact you if we identify a suitable immigration pathway or other meaningful option for you.
If you would prefer direct advice about your specific situation, you may book a consultation session. This is a paid service and includes formal immigration advice from a licensed Canadian immigration practitioner.
Al Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor, Queen’s University Faculty of Law
Instructor, Ashton College, Immigration Consulting Program
Author of 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada and Inadmissibility to Canada for Human Rights Violations
Complete Our Free Canada Immigration Assessment Form in Your Language: