Canada Visitor’s Visa, or temporary resident visa, is the official permission that allows a foreign national to enter Canada legally and stay there for a specific time without any hassles. In some cases, a visitor visa is necessary if you are transiting through Canada via bus, airways, train, cruise, or boat.
A Canadian Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in a passport to show that an individual has met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. It allows the holder to enter Canada for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings. The visa can be used for single or multiple entries and is typically valid for up to six months. Applicants must prove their intention to leave Canada at the end of their visit, possess sufficient funds, and meet health and security requirements.
There are two different categories of visitor visa in Canada:-
1. Single entry: The single-entry visa is granted for six months only. The visitor will have to return before the visa expires.
2. Multiple entries: The multiple entry visa is granted for ten years or a month before the expiration date mentioned on the passport.
Who Needs Canadian Visitor Visa
Individuals from countries that are not visa-exempt must obtain a Canadian Visitor Visa before entering Canada. This includes travelers coming for tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting business. Those planning to work or study abroad in Canada for short periods may also require a visitor visa, unless they qualify for a different visa category. Additionally, even if transiting through Canada, citizens of non-exempt countries need a visitor visa. Applicants must demonstrate their intent to leave Canada at the end of their stay, have sufficient financial resources, and meet health and security criteria to be granted the visa.
Visa-Exempt Countries for Canada
Canada has agreements with several countries whose citizens do not require a visa to visit Canada for short stays (typically up to six months). These visa-exempt countries include the United States, many European Union nations, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Citizens of these countries must have a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. However, those arriving by land or sea do not need an eTA. Visa-exempt travelers must still meet the general requirements for entry into Canada, such as possessing a valid passport, having sufficient funds, and being in good health.
Types of Canadian Visitor Visa
There are mainly two types of Canadian Visa:
1. Tourist visa: allows foreign nationals to spend vacations and indulge in leisure activities via visiting family and friends or any social function.
2. Business visa: allows foreign nations to indulge in business via attending meetings, conferences, and more.
While traveling to Canada for a business trip, medical treatment, or even a short course, you’ll need a visitor visa. To obtain the visa easily without any hassles, you’ll have to meet these requirements:
1. You must have a passport
2. Must have a valid health certificate
3. Zero criminal records and intentions to comply with country laws
4. Documents to prove your ties in your homeland, i.e., family members, job, and home
5. Intention to leave at the end of visitor visa permit
6. Financial proof to show you have enough money to support yourself in Canada
7. May also require an invitation from relatives staying in Canada
8. Must have no intention to seek a job
9. May need to produce more documents based on profile
Please note that each case is different depending on the situation; however, to be eligible for a Visitor Visa, you’ll have to produce a few essential documents. Consult with your local visa office about the papers to reduce your rejection chances.
1. Financial proof for your stay in Canada, i.e., income tax return document or bank statement, payslip, a letter from accountant mentioning annual income, etc.
2. Proof of ties to your homeland.
3. Passport and ID proof issued by the government.
4. Invitation letter from friends or relatives staying in Canada.
5. Proof of intention to return to the homeland.
6. Passport size photographs (not older than 90 days).
7. Additional documents required (based on immigration case).
Modes of Applying for Visitor Visa
You can easily apply for a Canadian visitor visa online or offline.
1. Canadian Visitor Visa Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for a visitor visa if you are applying online:
1. Visit the official site of the Canadian government
2. Click on the menu and select Immigration and Citizenship
3. To apply for Visitor Visa, select the Visit tab
4. Click on Apply for a Visitor Visa tab and then on How To Apply
5. Select whether you’re using from within or outside Canada
6. Select online mode of application (due to Covid-19, most of the applications are being processed online)
7. Click on apply for a visitor visa and register for creating an account
8. Fill the form with accurate details
9. Pay the fees via net banking
10. Upload all the scanned copies of documents required
11. Crosscheck all the details and submit your application
12. Schedule appointment with VAC (Visa Application Centre) Canada
13. Give your fingerprints
14. Attend visa interview if scheduled
15. Upon a successful interview, Visitor Visa will be granted
To apply for a Canadian visitor visa, follow these steps as outlined on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website:
1. Determine Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements, such as having a valid travel document (passport), being in good health, having no criminal or immigration-related convictions, convincing an immigration officer of your ties to your home country, and proving you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
2. Gather Necessary Documents: These include a valid passport, proof of funds, photographs, and other documents as required based on your specific situation.
3. Submit Your Application: You can apply online or on paper. For online applications, create an account on the IRCC portal, fill out the forms, upload your documents, and pay the application fee (starting at CAD 100).
4. Biometrics: Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos). If required, you will receive instructions on how to do this after submitting your application.
5. Processing Time: Processing times vary by country and are influenced by factors such as the completeness of your application and the volume of applications being processed.
6. Decision and Passport Submission: After processing, you will receive a decision on your application. If approved, you may need to send your passport to a visa office for the visa stamp.
How Much is Canada Visitor Visa Fee?
Refer to the table to learn about the visa fees:
Visa Application Category
Application fee
Single entry
$100
Multiple entry (5+ family members)
$500
How to Track Application Status?
An application takes up to 12 days to get processed. You can check the status of your application online. Follow the steps-
1. Visit the official Canadian Government site
2. Tap on Immigration and Citizenship in the menu
3. Click on my application and then check your application status
4. Select visitor visa from the menu
5. Select your application mode (if you’ve opted for offline application mode, link your application to your account)
6. Check your status.
How Long Can You Stay With Canadian Visitor Visa
With a Canadian Visitor Visa, you can typically stay in Canada for up to six months. The exact duration is determined by the border services officer upon your arrival in Canada, and the expiration date will be stamped on your passport. If you need to extend your stay, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your status expires.
Extending Visitor Visa in Canada
To extend a visitor visa in Canada, you must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. Submit your application online or on paper at least 30 days before your visitor visa expires. Include a completed application form, proof of sufficient funds for your stay, and a valid passport. Additional documents, such as a letter explaining the reasons for your extension request and proof of medical insurance, may also be required. The processing time varies, and you can remain in Canada under implied status until a decision is made if you apply before your current status expires.
People who apply for the Canada Visitor visa have to submit an online application, or offline paper submission, or visit the Visa Application Center in person. If you are going to travel with your family, then every individual, including the child below 18 years of age, must fill out the application forms separately. But all the application forms must be submitted at once.
Why Visitor Visas Get Denied
A Canadian visitor visa can be denied for various reasons. Common reasons include:
1. Insufficient Ties to Home Country: Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as employment, property, or family, indicating they will return after their visit.
2. Insufficient Funds: Applicants must prove they have enough funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada and for their return trip.
3. Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation: Providing incomplete, false, or inconsistent information can lead to a visa denial. Ensuring all required documents are correctly filled out and submitted is essential.
4. Previous Immigration Violations: Past violations, such as overstaying a visa or previous deportations, can negatively impact an application.
5. Health and Security Concerns: Applicants with serious health issues or those considered a security risk may be denied entry.
6. Lack of Travel History: Sometimes, a lack of travel history can raise concerns about the applicant's intentions.
Canada Visitor Visa: Additional Documents for Sponsored Trip
Some of the important additional documents necessary for the Sponsored trip are as follows:
Sponsor and applicant’s relationship must be clearly stated through a letter.
The sponsor must show his/her passbook, bank statement, and passport.
Applicant’s sponsored trip must be confirmed through a letter.
A visitor visa is a permit allowing you to visit Canada for a fixed time and enjoy leisure activities.
How many types of visitor visas are there in Canada?
There are two types of visitor visa:- tourist visas and business visas.
How long can you stay on a visitor visa in Canada?
The validity differs from 6 months to 10 years.
How do I change a visitor visa to a work permit in Canada?
Apply for a job and get a Labour Market Impact Assessment approved letter for the job. If you have LMIA, you’re eligible to apply for a work permit.
Can I work in Canada with a Visitor Visa?
No, you’re not allowed to work in Canada on a visitor's visa.
How can I extend my visitor visa in Canada?
Apply for a visitor record to extend your stay in Canada. It includes a new expiration date and provides you with a visitor status.
How COVID-19 is affecting applications to visit, work or study in Canada?
The Canadian government has announced several travel restrictions to limit traveling to Canada to manage and curb the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease). Health authorities have also issued certain limits and guidelines that restrict human movement. Thus, the application process for a visiting Visa to Canada a bit more difficult than normal. Therefore, only those who meet the eligibility criteria for traveling to Canada can travel there. You can only travel to Canada if you are exempt from the restrictions and have a purpose for going there. Now, you also need to provide biometrics after applying for the visitor visa in Canada.
How much money do you need for a visitor visa in Canada?
The cost of a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) for Canada is generally CAD $100 per person. Additionally, there might be a biometrics fee of CAD $85 if biometrics are required. Aside from the visa fee, you'll also need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada. This amount can vary depending on the length of stay and whether you have a place to stay with friends or family.
Is a Canada visitor visa easy to get?
The requirements for a visiting Visa to Canada are easy and simple to understand. The whole application process is done online. The country typically allows long-term visas that let individuals enter it multiple times for almost 5 to 10 years.
What happens if your visitor visa expires in Canada?
Every visiting Visa to Canada has an expiry date. People who have a multi-entry visa can enter the country several times for over ten years. To extend your stay, you can also reapply as a visitor record.
Can a person on a visitor visa work in Canada?
You cannot work in Canada without a working visa. A visitor visa only allows you to enter the country and not carry any business. Certain circumstances may let you work in the country without a working permit. For instance, you are an emergency services provider or health care student who wants to apply at a shipping company. In this case, you will first have to obtain a joining letter and then apply for a Canadian work permit. But you can meet clients or visit job sites related to your job back in your home country.
Can you change your visitor visa to a student visa in Canada?
Yes, you can transform your visitor visa into a student visa in Canada by applying, but the chances of approval are slim. People on a visiting visa who wish to study a short-term course of 6-months or less can pursue it without a study visa. They are free to complete their course on visiting Visa before it expires. If you want to pursue an educational program for more than six months, you must apply for your study permit outside the country.
How much bank balance is required for a Canada visitor visa?
Applicants must show they have enough funds to support their stay in Canada. The amount depends on accommodation and travel plans. This amount can vary based on individual circumstances.
Can I get a 10-year visitor visa in Canada?
Yes, Canada offers a multiple-entry visitor visa valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires, allowing for stays of up to six months per visit.
Can I convert my visitor visa to a work visa in Canada?
No, you cannot directly convert a visitor visa to a work visa in Canada. You must apply for a work permit from outside Canada, or in some cases, from within Canada, depending on specific criteria.
With over 12 years of experience in the education sector, Harjeet specializes in study abroad counseling and visa management. She has a proven ability to guide students through university applications and visa processes, ensuring strict adherence to immigration laws. Her leadership background includes managing and mentoring teams, conducting training, and overseeing recruitment. As a Visa Manager, Harjeet excels in leading teams to efficiently process visas for multiple countries, driving operational excellence, and fostering strong partnerships with visa processing vendors.
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