When planning a short-term visit to Canada, typically lasting less than six months, obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is necessary. Within this category, the Canadian Visitor Visa—also known as a Tourist Visa for Canada—serves various purposes.
What is a Canada Visitor Visa?
The Canada Visitor Visa, a type of Temporary Resident Visa, allows individuals to visit Canada for:
- Tourism or holidays
- Visiting family
Applicants can seek entry at a Canadian port of entry, where Border Patrol Officers decide entry based on documentation and circumstances.
Do I Need to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?
Most travelers require a Visitor Visa, although some nationals may qualify for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or may be exempt.
Canada Tourist Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Canada Tourist Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined in this article.
Failure to prove eligibility may result in rejection, leading to the option of a Temporary Resident Permit.
Canada Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for a Canada Tourist Visa, submit the following documents:
- Standard Canada visa requirements
- Canada Tourist Visa Application Form
- Financial statements
- Travel itinerary or description
- Invitation letter from family or friends
- Employment or education status proof
- Temporary stay evidence
- Criminal history documents (if applicable)
Ensure documents in languages other than English or French are translated.
How to Apply for the Canadian Visitor Visa?
Follow these steps to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa:
- Confirm eligibility.
- Complete required documents.
- Submit the application form.
- Wait for processing and respond to requests.
- Send passport for stamping.
Canada Visitor Visa Fees
The application fee is CAD$100 per person, with an additional CAD$85 for biometrics. Passport processing incurs an extra CAD$45.
Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time
Processing time ranges from 8 to 40 days, varying by the applicant’s country of residence.
Canada Tourist Visa Validity
The Canadian Consulate determines the visa duration case by case. Regardless, visitors are restricted to stays under 6 months.
Activities Allowed With a Canada Tourist Visa
Hold a Canada Tourist Visa to travel within Canada for under 6 months, with restrictions on obtaining documents, permanent stay, work, study, or governmental benefits.
Bringing Dependents to Canada
Spouses and minor children can accompany with separate applications and fees, processed as a family.
Canada Visitor Visa Extension
For stays exceeding 6 months, apply for a Visitor Record at least 30 days before the visitor visa expires.
What is a Visitor Record?
It is an independent document, not attached to the passport, indicating the approved extended stay duration.
Applying for Canada Visa Extension (Visitor Record)
Choose online or paper application methods, with detailed steps provided by the IRCC.
Forms and Documents Needed for a Visitor Record:
Forms:
- Application to Change Conditions, Extend my stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5708)
- Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
- Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) (if applicable)
Documents:
- Payment receipts
- Photocopies of passport pages
- Other travel or identity documents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of financial means
Online Application Advantage:
- Faster processing
- Instant document submission
- Avoids carrier and mailing fees
