visitor visa

Temporary authorization to visit Canada for tourism, visiting family, or business purposes.

Valid for up to 6 months per entry.

Visiting Canada temporarily

Most foreign nationals need either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada.

  Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)


  • Required for citizens of most countries
  • Single entry or multiple entry
  • Typically valid for up to 10 years or until passport expires
  • Each visit limited to 6 months

  Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)


  • Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling by air
  • Valid for up to 5 years
  • Electronically linked to passport
  • Cost: $7 CAD

Processing time: 2-4 weeks (visitor visa), minutes to 72 hours (eTA)

Visitor Visa Eligibility 

To qualify for a visitor visa, you must:

  • Have a valid passport or travel document
  • Be in good health
  • Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
  • Convince an immigration officer you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
  • Demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay
May need additional documents such as:
  • Letter of invitation from someone in Canada
  • Proof of ties to home country (job, property, family)
  • Travel itinerary
  • Proof of funds

Biometrics required: Most applicants must provide fingerprints and photo.

Super Visa for parents and grandparents

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended periods.

Super Visa benefits:


  • Valid for up to 10 years
  • Stay up to 5 years per entry (vs. 6 months for regular visitor visa)
  • Multiple entries allowed
  • Faster than sponsorship application
Requirements

For the visitor:


  • Parent or grandparent of Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Medical exam required
  • Private medical insurance ($100,000 coverage minimum)

For the Canadian host:


  • Provide letter of invitation
  • Meet minimum income threshold
  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence
  • Proof of relationship to visitor

Processing time: 8-12 weeks

Business visitor activities

You may be able to visit Canada for certain business activities without a work permit.

Permitted business activities:
  • Buy Canadian goods or services for foreign business
  • Attend meetings, conferences, or conventions
  • Receive training from Canadian parent company (if employed outside Canada)
  • Provide after-sales service (warranty/contract)
Not permitted:
  • Enter Canadian labour market
  • Work for Canadian company
  • Provide services or labour to Canadian employer
Business visitors need:
  • Valid visitor visa or eTA (depending on citizenship)
  • Proof of business activities in Canada
  • Letter from employer
  • Proof you will return to home country

Extending your visitor status

If you need to stay in Canada longer than 6 months, you can apply to extend your stay.

Requirements:
  • Apply at least 30 days before your status expires
  • Explain why you need more time
  • Demonstrate sufficient funds
  • Show you will leave Canada when new period expires

Extension is not guaranteed. Applications are assessed case-by-case.
You can stay in Canada while waiting for a decision if you applied before your status expired (maintained status).

Processing: 4-6 months

Why visitor visa applications are refused

Common refusal reasons:
  • Insufficient ties to home country
  • Purpose of visit unclear
  • Lack of travel history
  • Insufficient financial resources
  • Previous immigration violations
  • Weak letter of invitation
  • Incomplete application

If refused:
You can reapply with stronger application addressing refusal reasons. There is no waiting period, but you must pay application fees again.

Planning to visit Canada?

Whether you're visiting family, traveling for business, or exploring Canada, a consultation can help ensure your application is complete and addresses all requirements.

BOOK CONSULTATION 
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