Canada Visitor Visas
Find out what documentation is needed if you want to travel, visit family and friends, conduct business, or use Canada as a transit country.
Most visitors to Canada either require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), but not both. Some people might merely require a valid passport.
Apply for a Canadian Visit Visa
Canada Visitor Visas - The Canadian Tourist Guide
Canada’s natural beauty is unmatched practically anywhere in the world, from mountains and glaciers to remote lakes and woods.
Foreign nationals can travel to and enter Canada with the help of a visiting visa, commonly known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Whether you are travelling to Canada as a student, a temporary worker, or to visit, you will need a visitor visa unless you are from a nation that does not require one.
Foreign nationals can travel to and enter Canada with the help of a visiting visa, commonly known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Whether you are travelling to Canada as a student, a temporary worker, or to visit, you will need a visitor visa unless you are from a nation that does not require one.
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These figures were last updated on MONDAY, 7th NOVEMBER 2022, at 3:45 PM GMT +4
Canada Visitor Visa Overview
There are two categories of visiting visas for Canada: single entry and multiple entries. Foreign nationals can only enter Canada once with a single entry visa. As long as the multiple entry visa is still in effect, its holder may enter and exit Canada as frequently as they like. There is no need to specify which type of application you want; all applications are automatically considered for multiple-entry visas, with single-entry visas only being issued in exceptional situations.
As long as the visiting visa is still valid, the holder of a multiple-entry visa can visit Canada for up to six months at a time. The exact validity duration is subject to the discretion of the immigration officer issuing it, but it can last up to 10 years. Suppose you do not already have a visitor visa that exempts you from needing one, and you possess another status document, such as a work or study permit. In that case, you will automatically be given a visitor visa that will allow you to enter Canada to obtain your permission.
This visa typically allows for numerous entries. As long as your permit and visa are both still in effect, you won't need to apply for a new visitor visa to enter Canada if you leave Canada temporarily during your studies or temporary employment.
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You might require an electronic travel authorization or a visitor visa.
The entry document you require is determined by the following:
- The type of travel document you intend to use
- The country where your travel doc was issued
- Your country of origin and
- Your chosen travel method to Canada for this trip
A visitor visa often referred to as a temporary resident visa, is a formal document attached to your passport. It demonstrates that you are qualified for entry into Canada.
The majority of visitors to Canada require a visitor visa. On your way to your final destination, you might also require one if you're transiting via a Canadian airport.
Most visitors to Canada are permitted to stay for up to six months.
The border services officer at the point of entry may let you stay for less than or more than six months. If so, they will record the deadline for your departure in your passport. They may also provide you with a visiting record, including the time you must depart and other information.
If your passport is not stamped, you may remain in Canada for six months from the day you entered or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can ask a border services officer for a stamp if you need one. Ask the border officer when you're done with the primary inspection kiosk if you arrive at an airport that uses them.
If you need help applying for a Canadian visitor visa, Royal Migration Solutions is here to help. Fill out our form, and we'll see if you meet the requirements to apply for a Canadian tourist visa and expertly assist you through the process.
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Who needs a Canadian visitor visa
Anyone wishing to enter Canada who is not a citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise exempt from visa requirements must first get a visitor visa.
Even if their permanent residence card has expired, Canadian permanent residents are not eligible to apply for a visitor visa.
Instead, they must apply for a travel document for permanent residents (Permanent Resident Travel Document).
The application for a visitor visa is also not permitted for Canadian nationals, including dual citizens.
They must be using a Canadian passport that is still in effect.
You might require a business visitor visa if you visit Canada for business purposes.
Visa-Exempt countries
The only individuals who do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada besides citizens and permanent residents are visa-exempt.
Some countries with which Canada has agreements do not need their people to obtain a visa to visit Canada for up to six months.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals must have a valid electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to fly to Canada.
They need a valid passport issued by a nation that does not require a visa if they decide to travel by land or sea. Citizens of the United States are the only exception. The longest undefended land border in the world, the one between Canada and the United States, is traversed daily by thousands of people from both countries. With a current U.S. passport and no longer than six months’ stay, U.S. citizens can visit Canada without a visitor visa or electronic travel authorisation (eTA). Regardless of their country of origin, Green card holders, or U.S. permanent residents, are not required to have a visa but require an eTA and must present a valid passport and Green card to transit through or fly into Canada.
How to apply
Those who require a visitor visa to enter Canada can apply online, on paper, or in person at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
Family members, including dependent children, must submit their application if they travel.
You may, however, submit all the applications at once.
Depending on their citizenship, applicants may need to submit biometric data with their application.
The applicant must submit their fingerprints and a photo at a biometric collecting service location if biometrics are necessary.
When requested, you can provide your biometrics after completing the visiting visa application, or you can provide them at the same time if you are submitting in person at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
Family members, including dependent children, must submit their application if they travel.
You may, however, submit all the applications at once.
Depending on their citizenship, applicants may need to submit biometric data with their application.
The applicant must submit their fingerprints and a photo at a biometric collecting service location if biometrics are necessary.
When requested, you can provide your biometrics after completing the visiting visa application, or you can provide them at the same time if you are submitting in person at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
Extending a Visitor Visa
Foreign nationals may reside legally in Canada for up to six months on visitor visas, whether single or multiple entries. Your legal status will expire at the expiration of this period, and you must leave Canada. Foreign nationals who want to stay longer than six months must apply while still considered temporary residents.
Applying for an extension should be done at least 30 days before your current status is set to expire. You may stay in Canada while awaiting a decision if your existing visa expires while your application for an extension is still being reviewed. It’s known as implied status. If you qualify for one of Canada’s immigration schemes, you can also apply for permanent resident status.
Questions? You’re covered
Most travellers to Canada are permitted to stay for up to six months.
The border services officer may permit you to stay for less than or more than six months if you are granted entry to Canada.
If so, they will record the deadline for your departure in your passport.
No, you require either a valid visiting visa or a valid eTA if you intend to travel to Canada.
The one you require is determined by the following:
- the kind of travel document you'll use,
- the nation that issued it,
- your nationality, and
-the mode of transportation you'll use to get to Canada.
No, submitting a new application with identical information, even through an immigration or travel agent, will not change a refusal.
Your application can be rejected due to the following:
- If the officer assessing your case believes you'll stay in Canada longer than permitted,
- You are not allowed to enter Canada.
A second application will not affect the outcome. You will only end up spending more money, and other candidates will have to suffer processing delays. If your circumstances change, you may reapply and include your updated information.
Change of situations that could encourage a second application are:
- You sought and received approval for criminal rehabilitation;
- you are qualified for deemed rehabilitation;
- You are barred from entering the country but are requesting a temporary resident permit; or the
- The medical conditions that barred you from entering the country earlier have subsequently altered.
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Visas are necessary for entry into Canada for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports from nations that require them. However, they might not be required to pay the processing fee if they are travelling on business.
Eligibility checkup
Are you allowed to visit Canada? Do you even need a visit visa?
You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa. You should have valid travel documents, be in good health and more. Fill in the form to discuss your entry options with one of our consultants.
Canada Visit Visa Application Process - Apply with RMS
1 1
STEP 1
Let's Check if you’re Eligible to Travel to Canada
Discuss the evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements to travel to Canada with one of our immigration consultants.
2 2
STEP 2
Assemble the Required Documents to Apply
Now that we know you are eligible to travel let’s get the documents showing you meet the visitor visa criteria.
3 3
STEP 3
Apply and prepare for your travel to Canada
We may require you to provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics). Then it’s done. Just get your passport ready for submission upon approval.