A Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) is an official document placed in your passport that allows certain foreign nationals to enter Canada for a temporary stay for tourism, visiting family or friends, or other short-term purposes.
Who needs a Visitor Visa
If you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you will usually need a Visitor Visa to enter Canada.
If you are from a visa-exempt country but will be arriving by air, you may instead need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Even with a visa or eTA, border authorities must admit you meeting the requirements is necessary but not sufficient.
Eligibility Criteria (“Who can apply”)
To be eligible for a Visitor Visa, you must meet all of the following:
- Valid travel document (passport or equivalent).
- Be in good health. A medical exam may be required in certain cases.
- Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions. You must not be inadmissible to Canada for security, criminal, or other reasons.
- Be able to convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay. Demonstrating strong ties to your home country can help (for example, a job, property, family, etc.).
- Have sufficient funds for your stay in Canada. The amount depends on length of stay and whether you stay in hotels or with relatives/friends.
- In certain cases, you may be required to provide a letter of invitation from someone in Canada.
How to Apply
Here are the steps to apply for a Visitor Visa:
- Prepare required documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of finances
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- Any invitation letters (if required)
- Other documents to show your ties to your home country and your intent to return
- Online or paper application
- Many applicants can apply online via Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
- Alternatively, paper applications may be possible depending on your country.
- Pay required fees
- Basic application fee is CAD 100.
- If biometrics are required, there is an additional fee.
- Submit biometrics (if required)
- You may need to attend an application centre to provide fingerprints and a photo.
- Wait for processing
- Processing times vary by visa office, completeness of application, whether biometrics are needed, etc.
- Decision and passport submission
- If approved, you may need to submit your passport to receive the visa.
- If refused, you will be informed of the reasons in writing.
After You Apply
- You may be asked to provide additional information or documents.
- Make sure your passport remains valid. If your passport expires, that may affect the visa.
- Track your application via your IRCC account.
When You Arrive / Entry into Canada
- Even with a visitor visa, the border services officer at entry decides if you can enter. Be prepared to show your documents, proof of funds, return ticket, etc.
- Bring any documents or letters of invitation you used for your visa application.
- Declare goods, if required, and be ready to meet customs, immigration, and health requirements.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa
- Application fee: CAD 100 for visitor visa.
- Biometrics fee, if needed.
- Processing times: Depends on the country from which you are applying. IRCC publishes estimated processing times on their website.
Important Considerations
- Being granted a visa does not guarantee entry Canadian border officials have the final authority.
- You must abide by the conditions of your stay: no unauthorized work, study (unless you also have a permit), etc.
- If you overstay or violate conditions, it could affect future travel or visa applications.
- Always ensure documents are accurate and truthful. Misrepresentation can lead to refusal or being inadmissible.
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