Visitor Visa in Canada- Types, Eligibility & Documents Required

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.

What is Canadian Visitor Visa

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.

Resources for Canadian Visa

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• Canada Post Study Work Visa
• PR Visa for Canada

Eligibility Criteria for Visitor Visa

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

Important Resources 

Why Do Student Visas Get Rejected | How to Check Visa Status

Documents Required Availing Canadian Visitor Visa

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

Know more about: Statement of Purpose Format | SOP for Canada

Important Resources About Canada:

2. The offline application process for Visitor Visa

1. Visit the official Canadian government website

2. Click on the menu or upper left and select Immigration and Citizenship

3. Click on the Visit category and then on apply for a visitor visa

4. Choose on paper application mode

5. Go through the documents list and arrange all the necessary documents

6. Download your visa form and fill in all accurate details

7. Print the form and sign on it

8. Submit your visa application to your nearest VAC

9. Pay visa processing fees

10. Submit your biometric information at VAC

11. Attend Visa interview if invited

12. Upon clearing the interview, you’ll receive the visitor visa

More Resources to Read:

How to Apply for Canadian Visitor Visa

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:

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.

Read More: Understanding Provincial Nominee Program Canada | Aerospace Engineering in Canada | Check Canadian Visa Status

Canada Visitor Visa: Who Can Apply?

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.

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