A visitor record is a status document issued to visa-required or visa-exempt foreign nationals who are seeking to enter or are in Canada. It specifies the conditions and validity period of their temporary stay in Canada. A visitor record may be issued to

• extend or limit the length of stay of a temporary resident in Canada

• specify conditions applicable to the temporary resident during their stay

A visitor record also

• defines the conditions of admission

• specifies the validity date (or date by which the foreign national must depart Canada)

• captures other pertinent information about the subject and the purpose for seeking entry to Canada

• makes foreign nationals aware of the need for formal authorization before extending their period of stay

​