Whether you are visiting family and friends, traveling for business, or transiting through the country, it is important to have the right documentation. Find out what visas and permits you need to ensure a smooth entry into Canada
From majestic mountains and glaciers to serene lakes and vast forests, Canada’s natural beauty is truly unparalleled. Whether you’re planning to study, work temporarily, or simply explore, you may need a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) to enter Canada.
If you’re from a visa-required country, obtaining a TRV is essential before your trip. Let us help you navigate the process and ensure a hassle-free journey to Canada.
There are two types of visiting visas for Canada: single entry and multiple entries.
Single entry visa: This allows foreign nationals to enter Canada only once. After entering, they must apply for a new visa if they leave Canada.
Multiple entry visa: This visa allows the holder to enter and exit Canada as often as they like, as long as the visa remains valid. It typically allows visits for up to six months at a time, but the exact duration is determined by the immigration officer and can last up to 10 years.
In most cases, all applications are automatically considered for a multiple-entry visa, with single-entry visas being issued only in exceptional situations.
If you do not already have a visitor visa but hold another status document (e.g., a work or study permit), you will automatically receive a visitor visa that lets you enter Canada to obtain your permission.
As long as your permit and visitor visa are valid, you will not need to apply for a new visitor visa if you leave Canada temporarily during your studies or temporary employment.
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.
Find out if you need a Canadian visitor visa to explore the beauty and culture of Canada. Learn about the requirements, eligible countries, and how to apply for a smooth and hassle-free visit.
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.
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.
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).
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.
At Royal Migration, we understand the complexities of Canadian immigration. Our team is dedicated to providing clear, accurate, and up-to-date information to help you achieve your goals in Canada. Browse through our comprehensive FAQs below for quick answers and valuable insights. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our experts for personalized guidance.
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:
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:
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.
Discuss the evidence that you meet the eligibility requirements to travel to Canada with one of our immigration consultants.
Now that we know you are eligible to travel let’s get the documents showing you meet the visitor visa criteria.
We may require you to provide fingerprints and a photo (biometrics). Then it’s done. Just get your passport ready for submission upon approval.
