Visitor Visa
Last updated · Reviewed by RCIC Reviewer · Review cadence 45 days
Quick answer
A visitor visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa, authorizes eligible foreign nationals to enter Canada for temporary purposes such as tourism, visiting family or business trips. Citizens of countries requiring a visa must obtain one before travel, while visa-exempt travellers arriving by air often need an Electronic Travel Authorization instead.
Key takeaways
- A visitor visa is required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt for entry into Canada.
- Visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada typically need an Electronic Travel Authorization instead of a visitor visa.
- Applicants must show ties to their home country and sufficient funds for their trip.
- Visitor visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry, and validity is set by an officer at the time of approval.
- A visitor visa does not itself authorize work or study in Canada beyond limited exceptions.
Overview
The visitor visa allows temporary entry into Canada for purposes such as tourism, family visits or business meetings. It is distinct from a study or work permit, and does not authorize employment or enrolment in a study program beyond narrow exceptions.
Eligibility
- Applicants must demonstrate they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
- Sufficient funds to cover the visit, including accommodation and return travel, are required.
- Applicants must be admissible, meeting Canada's health, security and criminality requirements.
- A clear purpose of visit, such as tourism or visiting relatives, should be documented.
Requirements
Applicants typically submit a completed application form, passport, photographs, proof of funds and, in some cases, an invitation letter or itinerary.
Application process
- Determine whether you need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization based on your citizenship and mode of travel.
- Complete the online or paper application with required documents.
- Provide biometrics if requested and required for your application.
- Await a decision and, if approved, receive the visa in your passport or a confirmation for eTA.
Documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial support for the visit
- Travel itinerary or invitation letter, where relevant
- Photographs meeting IRCC specifications
Costs and timelines
Fees follow the IRCC fee schedule for Temporary Resident Visa applications, which changes periodically, so confirm the current amount before applying.
Processing times are published as service standards and vary substantially by country of application and volume.
Common pitfalls
- Applying for a visitor visa when an Electronic Travel Authorization is the correct requirement.
- Providing insufficient proof of ties to the home country or intention to leave Canada.
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent travel history and documentation.
- Assuming a visitor visa allows work or study, which it generally does not.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a visitor visa or an eTA?
- It depends on your citizenship and travel method; visa-required nationals need a visitor visa, while many visa-exempt nationals flying to Canada instead need an Electronic Travel Authorization.
- Can I work in Canada on a visitor visa?
- Generally no, a visitor visa does not authorize employment; you typically need a separate work permit unless you qualify for a limited work-without-a-permit exception listed by IRCC.
- How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
- The length of stay is determined by the border services officer at the port of entry, commonly up to six months, though this can vary and is stamped or noted in your passport or online record.
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Official sources
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government requirements change. Confirm details against the official sources above, and read our editorial standards.