Canada Visitor Visa: Application Process and Criteria

What is a Canada Visitor Visa?

A Canada Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), permits non-Canadian citizens and non-permanent residents to enter Canada legally for a designated period and purpose. Visitors might travel to Canada for various reasons, including:

Visiting family
Tourism
Conducting business
Assuming a diplomatic post
Joining a family member in a diplomatic post
Joining a vessel
Using the Canada-Ukraine authorisation for emergency travel

Do I Need a Canada Visitor Visa, or Am I Exempt?

Most visitors to Canada will need a Canadian visitor visa, except those from visa-exempt countries. Nationals from certain countries will only require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

If your nationality does not qualify for an ETA or you are entering Canada to work or study, you will need a valid visa (such as a study permit, work permit, or permanent residence).

US citizens do not require a tourist visa or ETA to enter Canada.

Canadian permanent residents and dual citizens like British Canadians do not receive visitor visas. They only need a valid Canadian passport to enter the country.

You can apply for a Canada visitor visa online or in person, but you must obtain it before travelling to Canada, as the country does not issue temporary resident visas on arrival.

Types of Canada Visitor Visas

Canada offers two types of visitor visas: single-entry and multiple-entry visas.

A single-entry visa is granted under specific circumstances, while all visa applicants are considered for a multiple-entry visa by default.

Another route is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which is the quickest option for tourists from eligible countries.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Applying for an ETA is straightforward and can be done online in minutes. It costs CAD 7 and is typically issued within a few days. British citizens and nationals from many European countries and citizens of New Zealand, Australia, and Japan can apply for an ETA. It is valid for five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

Multiple-Entry Visitor Visas

A multiple-entry visitor visa allows unlimited entries to Canada, with each stay lasting up to six months. It is valid for ten years or until a month before your passport expires, whichever comes first.

You must arrive in Canada before the visa's expiration date.

Family applications are possible, but each member must complete the necessary forms.

Single-Entry Visitor Visa

A single-entry visa allows one entry into Canada. You must reapply for a new visa once you leave the country. This visa type is suitable for:

Official visits by foreign nationals
Participation in special events
Situations dictated by country-specific guidelines and procedures

Eligibility for a Canada Visitor Visa

To qualify for a Canada tourist visa, you must meet specific basic requirements:

Possess a valid passport
Have no immigration-related convictions or criminal record
Provide proof of ties to your home country (job, family, financial assets, or home) to demonstrate your intention to return
Convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
Show proof of sufficient funds for your trip, varying based on your accommodation plans
Declare your intended duration of stay and temporary residence

Some individuals may be ineligible due to criminal records, involvement in organised crime, or human rights violations. Health and medical reasons can also lead to inadmissibility, especially if:

You are deemed a threat to public health or safety
There is an excessive demand on health or social services

Required Documents for a Canada Visitor Visa Application

The documents needed for your TRV application depend on the purpose of your visit. Essential documents include:

Canada Tourist Visa application form
Valid passport with at least six months validity
Two recent passport photographs
Completed Family Information form (IMM 5645)
Use of a representative form (IMM 5476), if applicable
Minor children's documents, if travelling alone or with a single parent
Letter of invitation from a friend or family in Canada
Additional documents such as bank statements, travel itinerary, and proof of previous visas

Ensure you submit all necessary documents and complete the Document Checklist (IMM 5484) with your application.

How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa

You can apply online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Online applications require electronic copies of your supporting documents and a debit or credit card for fee payment.

Certain documents, like alien’s passports or refugee documents, necessitate a paper application at a VAC.

Providing Biometrics

First-time TRV applicants aged 14-79 must provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, at a VAC. The biometric fee is CAD 85.

Cost and Processing Time

A Canada visitor visa costs CAD 100 per person, with an additional CAD 85 for biometrics, totalling CAD 185. Processing times vary by country, ranging from weeks to months.

Canada Visitor Visa Extension

Visitor visas allow six-month stays. To extend your stay, apply for an extension at least 30 days before your visa expires. The extension costs CAD 100. If your visa expires while your extension is processed, you can remain in Canada under Implied Status.

Visitor Record

A visitor record specifies your allowed stay duration in Canada. It is issued by IRCC when your extension is approved and is not attached to your passport.

Visitor Status Restoration

If your visa expires, apply for status restoration within 90 days. The restoration fee is CAD 229. You must not work or study while your application is processed.