Visitor Visa to Canada

What is a Visitor Visa?

A Visitor Visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document that allows non-Canadian citizens or permanent residents to enter Canada temporarily for various purposes, regardless of the type of visit you’re planning. Whether you’re coming for a holiday, visiting family, or as a Temporary Worker, a Visitor Visa is the ideal choice. 

In Canada, there are two types of Visitor Visas:

• A Single Entry Visa, allowing you to enter Canada only once.
• A Multiple Entry Visa, allowing you to enter and leave Canada multiple times within its validity period. 

Most visitors to Canada are eligible for a multiple-entry visa (valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires).   

Depending on your circumstances, your stay in Canada is still subject to the discretion of the border services officer at the port of entry. They may allow you to stay for less or more than six months.

What are the requirements for a Visitor Visa?

• Valid passport.
• Valid reason to visit Canada.
• Enough funds.
• Return ticket.
• No intention to work or study.

What are the required documents?

• Completed application form.
• Valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure from Canada).
• Photographs (Two recent passport-sized photographs).
• Proof of funds (Documents to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada; i.e.: bank statements or proof of employment). 
• Return ticket.
• Invitation letter (only if you are visiting friends or family, an invitation letter from your host).
• Business documents (only if you are visiting for business purposes).

Who is exempted from a Visitor Visa?

Citizens of visa-exempt countries are generally exempt from obtaining a visitor visa to enter Canada for short-term stays. Even if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you may still need to:

• Obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country that is part of the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program.
• Meet other entry requirements: Such as having a valid passport and a return ticket.