You can only apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada if you meet all of these criteria:
You must follow the process to apply for a visa from outside Canada instead of the inside Canada process outlined below. There are different requirements you may need to meet since you’re outside Canada.
You may be subject to
Complete this web form before you leave Canada.
If we approve your application, we send you a message in your online account and mail you your new work or study permit.
After we approve your application to extend your permit
As soon as we approve your application to extend your work or study permit, you can apply for your visitor visa (even before you get your new work or study permit in the mail).
However, you must provide proof that we approved your application, such as:
Venezuelan passport holders
If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed
If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:
Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.
You need to apply online in your IRCC secure account. If you don’t already have an account, follow these steps to register.
You’ll need to select “Apply to Come to Canada” from your account main page to get started.
To get the right application form, provide these answers in the online questionnaire:
The application form listed in your document checklist will be called Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) Made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257). This is the form you need to fill out, even when you apply from inside Canada.
Use your account to pay your fees and check your application status.
If you can’t apply online because of a disability, an exceptional circumstance beyond your control or a specific situation that is not included in the IRCC secure account questionnaire, such as travelling with an alien’s passport, you can apply on paper.