A visitor visa also known as Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the most common type of visa to come to Canada for purpose of a visit. This type of visa is a temporary visa that allows foreign nationals to come to Canada for temporary period of time, this could be for tourism, attending business meetings, meeting family or friends, or participating in short-term educational or training programs.
Visitor vis won’t let you work, study or live in Canada for more than specific period of time, in most cases is 6 months. Some Visa-exempt countries would not require you to have a visa to enter Canada.
Types of Visitor Visa
There are 5 types of visitor visas and depending on your purpose of visit, you can choose the type of visitor visa you should apply for:
- Tourist/Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV): This visa is for individuals who want to visit Canada for tourism or to visit family and friends. It is typically granted for a short duration.
- Business Visitor Visa: Business Visitor Visa is for individuals who are coming to Canada for business purposes, this could be attending conferences, negotiating business deals, meetings, or business-related contracts. This does not mean they can work in related business.
- Family Visitor Visa: If you are visiting close family members in Canada, you may apply for a family visitor visa. This category includes spouses, parents, grandparents, and dependent children.
- Super Visa: Super visa is for parents and grandparents whose children are living in Canada as Canadian citizens or PR. This visa allows them to stay in Canada for 2 years of time valid for 10 years.
- Parent and Grandparent Program: This program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their parents and grandparents for Canadian permanent residence. It’s a different process from obtaining a visitor visa, as it leads to permanent residency.
Single Entry Visa vs Multiple Entry Visa
A single-entry visa allows one entry to Canada, while a multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries as long as it’s valid. Applicants are automatically considered for multiple-entry visas, issued unless there are special circumstances.
Multiple-entry visas let you stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit, and they can be valid for up to 10 years, as determined by the visa officer. If you have a study or work permit and aren’t visa-exempt, you’ll get a visitor visa automatically. This is typically a multiple-entry visa. If you temporarily leave Canada during your studies or work, you can re-enter without a new visa as long as both your permit and visa are still valid.
Who can apply for Vistor Visa Canada?
A foreign national who wishes to come to Canada for temporary period must check the specific entry requirements of the country from you are coming. If you have any of the conditions below you must apply for a visitor visa to Canada:
- You are not from a visa-exempt country: Citizens of some countries do not require a visa to enter Canada for short stays (usually up to six months). However, if you’re from country that is not in a visa-exempt country you should apply for visitor visa.
- You plan to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or business: If your purpose for visiting Canada is tourism, visiting family or friends, or engaging in business activities, you will likely need a visitor visa.
- You are not eligible for an electronic travel authorization (eTA): Some travelers who are exempt from a visitor visa may still need to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before flying to Canada. This is applicable for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and visa-exempt individuals can enter Canada without a visitor visa. Visa-exempt citizens can visit for up to 6 months, and those traveling by air need an electronic travel authorization (eTA). These are some visa-exempt countries:
- United States: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for short visits to Canada. However, they must carry proof of their citizenship, such as a passport.
- European Union (EU) member countries: Citizens of EU member countries are generally visa-exempt for short stays.
- Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea: Citizens of these countries are often exempt from obtaining a visa for short visits.
- United Kingdom: While the United Kingdom is no longer an EU member, its citizens are typically visa-exempt for short stays in Canada.
How to Apply for Canada Visitor visa
1. Check Eligibility
Determine if you require a visitor visa based on your nationality. If you’re from a visa-exempt country then won’t need for a Visa to enter Canada, if not, then check the eligibility requirements first.
2. Complete the Online Application
Create an account on the official IRCC website. Fill out the visitor visa application form online. Provide accurate and complete information.
3. Gather Required Documents
Collect the necessary supporting documents, which may include:
- Passport and travel history
- Proof of funds to cover your stay
- Travel itinerary and accommodation details
- Letter of invitation (if applicable)
- Proof of ties to your home country
4. Pay the Application Fee
Pay the required visa application fee online. The fee may vary depending on the type of visa and age of the person, in most cases, it is $100.
5. Submit the Application
Upload the completed application form and all supporting documents through the online portal.
6. Biometrics
In some cases, you may need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) at a designated visa application center.
7. Wait for Processing
The processing time for a visitor visa can vary. You can always check your application online through ircc portal.
8. Receive a Decision
Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport.
Reasons for Visitor Visa Refusals
- Insufficient Funds: If don’t have sufficient funds to proove that you can support yourself in Canada, like accommodation, transportation and other expenses.
- Incomplete or Inaccurate Documentation: Incomplete or inaccurate information, or missing required documents, can result in visa denial.
- Lack of Ties to Home Country: Visa officers need proof of strong ties to your home country, like employment, family, or property, to ensure your return after the authorized stay.
- Travel History and Compliance: Previous visa overstays or violations of immigration rules in Canada or elsewhere can harm your visa application.
- Purpose of Visit: Previous visa overstays or violations of immigration rules in Canada or elsewhere can harm your visa application.
- Health and Security Concerns: Health and security concerns can lead to visa denial, including medical inadmissibility or criminal convictions.
- Incomplete Travel Itinerary: Incomplete travel itinerary may lead to visa denial.
- Previous Visa Violations: Past visa violations or denials can affect your current application decision.
- Misrepresentation: Providing false information can result in visa denial and future inadmissibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a visitor visa application to process?
The visitor visa application processing time varies on the type of visitor visa applicant, and the applicant’s documents. But in most cases visitor visa application processing time takes around 4-8 weeks.
How much bank balance is required for a Canada tourist visa?
There is no certain bank balance requirement for a tourist visa, however, it is recommended you must have enough funds to support yourself in Canada which could be somewhere around $2,000 – $5,000.
How to Extend a Visitor Visa?
Visitor visas, whether for one entry or multiple entries, let foreigners stay in Canada for up to six months. After this, you must leave. To extend your stay beyond 6 months, apply before your current status expires, at least 30 days in advance.
If your visa expires while waiting for the extension, you can stay in Canada under “implied status.” If eligible, you can also apply for permanent resident status through Canada’s immigration programs.
What documents do I need for a Visitor Visa application?
To be eligible for Visitor Visa application, you need a valid passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, invitation letters (if applicable), and any other documents requested by the visa office.
Can I work or study with a Visitor Visa?
No, a Visitor Visa does not allow you to work or study. If you plan to do so, you need to apply for a work or study permit.
Is proof of funds required?
Yes, you typically need to demonstrate that you have enough money to cover your stay in Canada.
Do I need a medical examination for a Visitor Visa?
In most cases, a medical examination is not required for a standard visitor visa. However, individual circumstances may vary.
