Visitor Visa - Connect Immigration Globally

Comprehensive Guide to Canadian Visitor Visas

A visitor visa, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV), is an official document that allows citizens of visa-required countries to travel to and enter Canada for stays of up to six months.

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Are you planning a trip to Canada for tourism, visiting family, or for a short-term business trip? Meeting the eligibility requirements and understanding the application process are key to obtaining a visa to Canada. This guide provides detailed information to help you navigate the application process smoothly.

What is a Visitor Visa?

A Visitor Visa, variously referred to as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV, is an official document issued by the Government of Canada. It allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for temporary purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or transiting through the country.

This visa is usually stamped in your passport and indicates that you have met the requirements necessary to travel to Canada. As of May 2025, Canada has streamlined visitor visa categories into three main purposes: tourism, attending short-term education programs or conferences, and transit to other countries via Canada.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Canadian Visitor Visa, an applicant must:

Hold a valid travel document, such as a passport.
Be in good health: may require a medical examination.
Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions; police certificates may be required.
Demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as a job, home, financial assets, or family, to convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
Demonstrate your intent to leave Canada after your visit: convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
Have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada, including travel expenses.
Not be inadmissible: to Canada for reasons such as criminal activity, human rights violations, or other security reasons.

Processing Times

As of October 2025, the processing time can take approximately 3 to 5 months, although it would depend on several factors: country of application, volume of applications, and completeness of the submission. Please note that processing times can vary significantly.

For the most current and accurate processing times, please refer to IRCC’s online tool:

Application Timeline

It is recommended that an application for a Visitor Visa be made as early as possible, preferably 3 to 6 months before the intended date of travel. This allows sufficient time for processing and accounts for any delays that may arise. Making an early application also allows some time to handle any problems that might occur during the application process.

Types of Visitor Visas

Canada primarily issues two types of Visitor Visas:

Regardless of the type of visa that you have, you are typically allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months from your date of arrival. If you do not get a stamp inside your passport, your length of stay is based on the expiration of your passport or your biometrics, whichever comes first.

Required Documents

Important documents required for a Visitor Visa application include:

Valid Passport: The passport has to be valid for your entire stay.
Application Forms: Completed as per IRCC guidelines
Proof of Funds: Bank statements, pay slips, or other financial documents.
Travel Itinerary: A document detailing your travel plans, including your flight and accommodation reservations.
Photographs: Passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications.
Biometric Information: Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide fingerprints and a photo.
Medical Examination Results: Depending on your country of residence or travel history, if required.
Depending on your situation, you may need additional documents. It is important to check the IRCC website or consult with a qualified immigration consultant for personalized advice.
Different types of visas have different eligibility and application processes. You should choose the one that best fits your intended activity in Canada.

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal

Important documents required for a Visitor Visa application include:

Incomplete or Incorrect Information: Missing documents or errors in the application form.
Insufficient Financial Proof: Failure to prove sufficient funds for your stay.
Weak Ties to Home Country: Lack of evidence that you will return after your visit.
Criminal or Immigration Violations: Past legal issues or non-compliance with immigration laws.

If your application is denied, you can reapply by addressing the issues highlighted in the refusal notice. In some cases, you may appeal the decision to the Federal Court of Canada.

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Visitor Visas FAQs

Can I work in Canada on a Visitor Visa?

No, a Visitor Visa does not permit you to work in Canada. If you wish to work, you must apply for a work permit.

Do I need both a Visitor Visa and an eTA?

No, you only need one. Depending on your nationality and the reason for your travel, you might need either a Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Find out which one you need on the IRCC website.

Why was I granted a Single-Entry Visa instead of a Multiple-Entry Visa?

A decision for a Multiple-Entry Visa rests in the discretion of the visa officer based on factors such as your travel history, purpose of visit, and ties to your home country. Not all applicants are qualified for a Multiple-Entry Visa.