Canada is a popular destination for travelers due to its stunning landscapes, multicultural cities, and renowned hospitality. Whether you’re visiting family, exploring the country’s natural beauty, or attending a business event, you may need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly known as a Canada Visitor Visa, to enter the country. This article provides a detailed overview of the application process, eligibility criteria, required documents, and other essential information.
What is a Canada Visitor Visa?
A Canada Visitor Visa is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport. It shows that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, student, or worker). The visa is usually valid for up to six months, although the immigration officer at the port of entry determines the exact duration of your stay.
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Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
Citizens of certain countries require a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You can check the list of visa-required countries on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Types of Canada Visitor Visas
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Single-Entry Visa: Allows you to enter Canada once. After you leave, you’ll need a new visa to return unless you’re traveling to the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon and returning within the authorized stay period.
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Multiple-Entry Visa: Lets you enter and leave Canada as many times as you want for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each stay is limited to six months.
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Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a visitor visa, you must:
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Have a valid travel document (passport)
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Be in good health (a medical exam may be required in some cases)
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Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
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Convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets, or family—that will take you back to your home country
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Convince the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
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Have enough money for your stay (the amount depends on the length of your stay and whether you’ll be staying with friends, relatives, or in a hotel)
Required Documents
The application for a Canada Visitor Visa typically requires the following documents:
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Completed [IMM 5257] application form
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Valid passport or travel document
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Proof of financial support (bank statements, employment letter, etc.)
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Invitation letter from a host in Canada (if applicable)
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Travel itinerary and flight bookings (if available)
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Two passport-sized photographs that meet IRCC specifications
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Letter of explanation or purpose of visit
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Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., property deeds, employment contract)
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Fee payment receipt (CAD $100 for most applicants)
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Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for applicants from certain countries
Additional documents may be required based on your country of residence, travel history, and purpose of visit.
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How to Apply
You can apply for a Canada Visitor Visa in two ways:
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Online Application:
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Create an account on the IRCC website
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Fill out the application forms electronically
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Upload scanned copies of your documents
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Pay the application fee and biometric fee (if applicable)
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Book a biometric appointment (if required)
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Paper Application:
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Download and complete the application package from the IRCC website
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Include all required documents
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Pay the fee and include the receipt
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Submit the application to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country
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Biometrics Requirement
Most applicants are required to provide biometrics as part of their application. After you pay the biometric fee, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) and must schedule an appointment at a VAC or Application Support Center (ASC) to complete this step.
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Processing Times
Processing times for visitor visas vary based on your country of residence, the time of year, and the volume of applications. On average, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
After You Apply
Once you submit your application, you can track its status online. You may be contacted for additional documents, interviews, or medical exams. If your application is approved, a visa will be stamped in your passport. If denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for refusal.
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