Every year, Canada welcomes millions of visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re coming for business or pleasure, you’ll need a visitor visa (or super visa) to enter the country. Applying for a visitor visa is a simple process, but there are a few things you should know before you start. This article will explain the basics of the Canadian visitor visa and how to apply for one:
- Whats is a visitor visa?
- How to apply for a visitor visa to Canada?
- Applying for a super visa
- Applying for a visitor visa extension
- Applying for a temporary resident permit
- Applying for an electronic travel authorization (eTA)
What is a Visitor Visa?
A visitor visa is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreigners to enter the country temporarily for business or pleasure. Visitor visas are also known as temporary resident visas (TRVs).
To be eligible, you must meet Canada visitor visa requirements:
- have a valid passport or travel document
- be in good health
- have no criminal convictions
- have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada
- intend to leave Canada at the end of your visit
- obey all Canadian laws and regulations during your stay
- not work or study in Canada without authorization
If you’re planning to visit Canada for business purposes, you may also need a work permit. For more information, see our article on work permits in Canada for foreigners.
How to Apply for a Visitor Visa to Canada?
You can apply for a visitor visa online or at a Canadian embassy, consulate, or high commission. The application process is the same regardless of where you apply.
To apply for a Canada visitor visa, you will need to:
- complete the application form (IMM5257)
- pay the application fee ($100 CAD for single entry, $200 CAD for multiple entries)
- submit your passport or travel document
- provide two recent passport-sized photos of yourself
- include any other required documents, such as proof of financial support, a letter of invitation from someone in Canada, or proof of employment
It’s important to note that you may also be asked to submit additional documents, such as a police certificate or medical exam results. The specific documents required will depend on your individual circumstances. Once you have gathered all of the required documents, you can submit your application online or by mail. If you apply online, you will need to create a user account and provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and contact information. You will also need to upload all of the required documents. Once your application is complete, you will be asked to pay the application fee by credit card. Once the payment has been processed, you will be able to print out a confirmation page. This confirmation page must be included with your mailed application. If you apply by mail, you will need to send all of the required documents, along with the application fee, to the address indicated on the form. It’s important to note that applications sent by mail can take up to four weeks to process. Once your application has been received and processed, you will be contacted by the visa office and asked to attend an interview, if necessary. If your application is approved, you will be issued a visitor visa, which will be valid for up to six months. If you’re planning to visit Canada for an extended period of time, you may be eligible for a multiple entry visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to six months at a time and is valid for up to 10 years.
Applying for a Super Visa
If you’re a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a super visa. A super visa is a multiple entry visa that allows you to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time and is valid for up to 10 years.
To apply for a super visa, you will need to:
- complete the application form (IMM5257)
- pay the application fee ($100 CAD for single entry, $200 CAD for multiple entries)
- submit your passport or travel document
- provide two recent passport-sized photos of yourself
- include a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada
- include proof of your relationship to your child or grandchild in Canada (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or adoption papers)
- include proof that your child or grandchild meets the low income requirements set by the Canadian government (such as tax returns, pay stubs, or bank statements)
- have valid private medical insurance for at least one year from a Canadian insurance company
If you’re applying for a super visa on behalf of your spouse or common-law partner, you will also need to include a copy of your marriage certificate or proof of your common-law relationship. Super visa applications can be submitted online or by mail. For more information on how to apply.
Applying for a Visitor Visa Extension
If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, you will need to apply for a visitor visa extension at least 30 days before your current status expires.
To do so, you will need to:
- complete the application form (IMM5257)
- pay the application fee ($100 CAD for single entry, $200 CAD for multiple entries)
- submit your passport or travel document
- provide two recent passport-sized photos of yourself
If you’re applying for an extension on behalf of your spouse or common-law partner, you will also need to include a copy of your marriage certificate or proof of your common-law relationship. Extensions can be applied for online or by mail. For more information on how to apply.
Applying for a Temporary Resident Permit
If you’re inadmissible to Canada but still want to enter the country, you may be eligible for a temporary resident permit (TRP). A TRP is a document that allows someone who is otherwise inadmissible to enter Canada on a temporary basis for a specific reason.
To apply for a TRP, you will need to:
- complete the application form (IMM1444)
- pay the application fee ($200 CAD for single entry, $400 CAD for multiple entries)
- submit your passport or travel document
- provide two recent passport-sized photos of yourself
- explain why you’re applying for a TRP and provide proof to support your claim
- include any other documents that may help your case (such as letters of invitation, travel itineraries, or proof of financial support)
TRP applications can be submitted online or by mail. For more information on how to apply, see our article on temporary resident permits.
Applying for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
If you plan to visit Canada by air and you’re from a country that doesn’t require a visa to enter, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before your trip. An eTA is a document that allows you to enter Canada for tourist purposes and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
To apply for an eTA, you will need to:
- have a valid passport from a visa-exempt country
- have a credit or debit card to pay the $7 CAD application fee
- provide an email address so we can send you your confirmation
- answer some questions about your health, travel history, and whether you have any criminal convictions
ETAs can be applied for online.