Visitor Visa
Canada warmly welcomes a significant number of temporary residents as visitors each year. These individuals come to Canada for various purposes, including tourism, visiting friends and family, or exploring the possibility of permanent immigration. Over the years, Canada has experienced a rising trend of visitors, as travelers from various countries opt for it as their preferred destination for both business and leisure purposes.
If you plan to visit Canada for a temporary stay, such as a vacation or to reunite with loved ones, you may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The TRV is a document issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office located outside Canada. It serves as proof that the holder has met the necessary requirements for entry into Canada as a visitor. TRVs can be issued for single entry or multiple entries, depending on the circumstances. Normally, tourists are permitted to stay for a maximum of six months.
Who do not require a TRV (visitor visa)?
Citizens of visa-exempt countries ( https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html#visaExempt )do not require a TRV (visitor visa) to enter Canada. Canada has agreements with several countries that exempt citizens of those countries from requiring a visa to visit Canada. If foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries wish to visit Canada by air, they require a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Exemptions where an eTA is not required
- Visitors arriving by land or sea.
- Permanent residents of Canada (however, they need to travel with their permanent resident card).
- Citizens of the USA.
- Travellers with a valid Canada visa.
- Passengers on a flight (because of an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance, that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada).
How to apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV)
Applicants can apply for a visitor visa online to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). When traveling as a family, it is essential that each family member, including dependent children, fills out their individual application forms. Nevertheless, you have the option to submit all the applications together. Depending on factors such as country of citizenship, age, and prior biometric submissions, applicants may be asked to furnish biometric information. If biometrics are necessary, applicants will need to provide their fingerprints and have their photograph taken at a designated biometric collection service point. This can be completed after submitting the visitor visa application when prompted to do so.
The biometric fee for Canada is CAD $85. For families applying together, the maximum biometric fee for a group of two or more people is CAD $170. Children under the age of 14 are not required to provide biometrics.
Requirements for a Canadian Visitor Visa:
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada.
- Purpose of Visit: Clearly state the purpose of your visit, whether it’s for tourism, visiting family, or attending business meetings.
- Letter of Invitation: If visiting family or friends, you may need a letter of invitation from your host in Canada.
- Financial Proof: Show that you can financially support yourself during your stay, including proof of funds for accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses.
- Ties to Your Home Country: Demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, property, or other commitments, to prove your intent to return.
- Travel Itinerary: Depending upon your circumstances, you may be required to provide a detailed travel itinerary, including flight reservations and accommodation arrangements.
Tips for a Successful Visitor Visa Application:
- Apply Early: Start the application process well in advance of your planned travel date to allow for processing time.
- Complete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are accurate and complete. Incomplete applications can lead to delays or rejection.
- Honesty is Key: Be truthful in your application. Providing false information can lead to visa refusal and future travel restrictions.
- Interview Preparation: If required, prepare for an interview with a visa officer by reviewing your application and supporting documents.
- Financial Stability: Show strong financial ties to your home country to prove your intent to return after your visit.
- Travel History: If you have a history of international travel, provide evidence of previous visa compliance and returns to your home country.
Extending a visitor status in Canada
Visitor visas enable foreign nationals to reside in Canada legally for up to six months at a time. When this period concludes, their legal status in the country expires, and they are required to depart from Canada. If an individual wishes to prolong their stay beyond the initial six months, they must apply for an extension while their temporary resident status remains valid. It’s advisable to initiate the extension application at least 30 days prior to the expiration of their current status. In the event that an applicant’s existing visa expires while their extension application is still under review, they are permitted to remain in Canada while awaiting a decision. This is commonly referred to as ‘Implied Status’ or ‘Maintained Status.’
Visitor Visa FAQ’s
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of visa-exempt countries do not require a visitor visa to enter Canada for short stays. However, citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt will need to apply for a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. Here is a list of visa-exempt travellers
No. If you plan to travel to Canada, you need a valid visitor visa OR a valid eTA.
The one you need depends on:
- the type of travel document you will travel with;
- the country that issued your travel document;
- your nationality; and
- how you will travel to Canada.
Visitors can generally remain for up to 6 months upon entry to Canada (if the initial entry is not limited for a shorter duration by a Border Services Officer).
The specific documents required may vary depending on your country of residence and individual circumstances. Generally, you will need a valid passport, proof of financial support, travel itinerary, purpose of visit, and any additional supporting documents as requested by the visa office.
The processing time for a visitor visa application can vary. Processing time starts the day IRCC receives your complete application and ends when they make a final decision. It may vary depending on how many applications IRCC receives and where (country) the application was submitted. It is recommended to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date. You can check the estimated processing times on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Yes! You can apply to extend your stay beyond six months through an extension application. It’s crucial to note that you should initiate your extension application before your current visitor status expires. If your visitor status does expire, but you have already submitted an extension request and are awaiting a decision, you will be granted an implied status (maintained status) until a final determination is made on your extension application.
- You need to be currently in Canada at the time of submitting the application and must hold a passport that is for the duration of your expected stay in Canada.
- You will need to pay the associated fee for the application.
- You need to provide a reason(s) why you want to extend your stay.
There is no formal appeal process for refused TRV (visitor visa) application. However, you may reapply if your situation has changed substantially, or you have considerable new information to submit.
No, you can not work in Canada on a visitor visa. A foreign national must obtain a work permit to work in Canada. You need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer to apply for a work permit. Also, you must meet other program requirements.
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications: Filling out the application forms incorrectly or leaving out required information can result in processing delays or even rejection. Double-check all forms and documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Insufficient Supporting Documentation: Neglecting to provide essential supporting documents, such as proof of financial stability, travel itineraries, and letters of invitation (if applicable), can weaken your application. Ensure you provide all requested documents and any additional evidence to support your purpose of visit.
- Lack of Proof of Ties to Home Country: One of the primary concerns for immigration authorities is whether applicants will return to their home countries after their visit. Failing to provide evidence of strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, property, or commitments, can lead to a visa denial.
- False Information: Providing false or misleading information on your application, including exaggerating financial status or omitting previous visa refusals, can result in serious consequences, including a ban on future entry to Canada.
- Inadequate Travel History: If you have limited international travel history or a history of overstaying visas in other countries, it can raise concerns about your intent to comply with Canadian visa regulations. Be prepared to explain your travel history and intentions.
- Neglecting to Address Previous Visa Refusals: If you have previously been refused a Canadian visa, it’s essential to address the reasons for the refusal and provide a stronger application in your subsequent attempts. Ignoring past refusals without improvements can lead to further denials.
- Late Application Submission: Applying too close to your intended travel date can be risky. Processing times for visitor visas can vary, and submitting your application late may result in your visa not being processed in time for your trip.
- Lack of Consistency: Ensure that the information provided in your application is consistent across all forms and supporting documents. Discrepancies can raise suspicion and lead to visa delays or refusals
Misunderstanding Visa Policies: Not understanding the specific policies and requirements for the type of visitor visa you need can lead to mistakes in the application. Research and consult official resources or immigration experts for guidance.
How can IMC Immigration help?
At IMC Immigration Services Inc., we provide comprehensive assistance throughout the Canadian visitor visa process. Our experienced staff guides clients in preparing accurate and complete applications, ensuring all supporting documents meet IRCC standards. We help establish strong ties to the home country, address previous refusals (if any), and clarify eligibility. Whether you’re applying for a new visitor visa, an extension, or need help with reapplying after a refusal, IMC Immigration is here to support your successful entry into Canada.
Contact us to discuss your options