Visiting Canada
Many nationalities looking to travel to Canada for a visit or tourism are able to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or enter Canada without a visa. However, passport holders who are required to apply for a tourist visa before traveling, have the option to obtain a Canada Visitor Visa. Also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), the Canada Visitor Visa is an official travel visa to Canada that is placed inside your passport. Most travelers will need a Canada Visitor Visa and some may also need one to transit through a Canadian airport.
Canada Visitor visa types
There is one standard type of Canadian Visitor Visa (Tourist visa) or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) that is granted to most applicants with a stay of up to 6 months. However, there are other types of TRVs that may be obtained for more specific types of travel including:
- Super Visa
- Diplomatic or Official Visas
- Visa for the Purpose of Giving Birth
- Facilitation Visa
- Canada Visa for Intending Organ Donors
Identity document
Every applicant is required to submit a valid identity document as part of their application. Accepted identity documents include regular, official, or diplomatic passports, an alien’s passport for stateless persons, a US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327), a US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571), or a refugee travel document for non-citizens.
Application form
All applicants must submit a completed Canada Visitor Visa application form. The requirements for the form may vary depending on the type of Canada Visitor Visa.
Family information
Every applicant over the age of 18 must submit a Family information form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707).
Canada Visitor visa application
Applying for a Canada Visitor is a straightforward process. You can apply for Canada Visitor Visa either online or on paper.
- Verify your eligibility
Check the eligibility requirements to be sure you can travel at this time on a Canada Visitor Visa.
- Collect the required documents
Assemble the required documents for your unique situation. The required documents will depend on your nationality, country of citizenship, and purpose of travel.
- Apply for your visa online
Applicants can apply online by creating an account, uploading their documents, and paying the application fees.
- Give your biometric information
Most applicants, especially those applying for the first time, will need to give biometrics including fingerprints and a photo. This is typically done at a visa application center.
- Wait for your application to be processed
Once complete, you will send your Canada Visitor Visa application to be processed by officials from the Government of Canada. If your application is incomplete, it will not be processed.
- Send your passport
If you apply online and your application is successful, you will be sent a decision letter and a letter with instructions on how to submit your passport so you can receive the actual visa.
* If you applied on paper, you will have already sent your passport and will therefore receive it back with the visa inside. - Prepare to travel
Instructions will be provided about the next steps to take and what documents you will need upon arrival to Canada. Some additional documents besides your visa and passport may be required.
Canada Visitor visa application processing time
The processing time for a Canada Visitor Visa depends on your nationality, the issuing country of your passport, and the specific type of Visitor Visa you are applying for. However, most Visitor Visas are processed in a few weeks or less.
Depending on the nature of your application, you may be asked to conduct an interview with Canadian officials in your local area, send some more documents, get a medical exam, or submit a police certificate. All instructions will be sent by the official application processing if your application is successful.
Where to apply for a Canada Visitor visa
Most applicants can apply online through the Government of Canada website through the IRCC Portal. If necessary, the Canada Visitor Visa can also be obtained at a visa application center.
Canada Visitor visa fees
In order for your application to be processed, you will need to pay the Canada Visitor Visa fees of $CAN 100 for the visa application and $85 CAN for the biometrics information fee, if applicable. Other fees may apply depending on your nationality, the specific visa type you are looking to obtain, and other factors.
