Canadian Visitor Visas & eTA
Experience Canada's warm hospitality and natural beauty with a Canadian Visitor Visa.
Book a 30 min consultation and have an immigration lawyer advise you on your options based on your individual circumstances.
If you are from a visa-exempt country, you do not need a visitor visa. You will likely need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If you do not hold a passport from a visa-exempt country, you may need a visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) to enter Canada as a visitor.
A visitor visa is an official document the IRCC affixes to your passport. Generally, you can stay in Canada on a visitor visa for up to 6 months unless otherwise specified by an officer.
Visitor/Temporary Resident Visa Types
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
An electronic travel authorization (eTA) is required for citizens from visa-exempt countries before travelling to Canada by air.
To obtain an eTA, you will need your valid passport from a visa-exempt country, an email address and an accepted debit or credit card. Applications are submitted online and are usually approved within minutes. An email confirmation will be sent to you. If additional documents are required, you will also be informed via email.
Tourist Visa
If you are a citizen from a visa-required country and wish to visit Canada for tourism purposes, you will need to ensure that you have the corresponding visitor visa affixed to your passport before travelling to Canada. This visa allows you to stay in Canada for a short period of time, typically six months or less, for the purpose of leisure, sightseeing, and visiting friends or family.
Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents
Under this category, there are also parent and grandparent super visas, which are designed specifically for Canadian citizens or permanent residents to invite their parents or grandparents to visit them in Canada. Super visas are also multiple entry visas which allow parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time.
Work Visa
If you are a citizen from a visa-required country and wish to work in Canada, in addition to a work permit, you need to ensure that you have the corresponding visitor visa affixed to your passport before travelling to Canada. Each time you re-enter Canada as a temporary foreign worker, you must have a valid work permit and a valid visitor visa affixed to your passport.
Student Visa
If you are a citizen from a visa-required country and wish to study in Canada, in addition to a study permit, you need to ensure that you have the corresponding visitor visa affixed to your passport before travelling to Canada. Each time you re-enter Canada as a student, you must have a valid study permit and a valid visitor visa affixed to your passport.
Business Visitor Visa
Business persons under this category engage in international business activities related to research and design, growth, manufacture and production, marketing, sales, distribution, after-sales services and general service. They have no intent to enter the Canadian labour market. They are authorized to enter Canada for business purposes without the need of a work permit.
Visitor Visas Primary Benefits
- Visitor visas allow you to enter Canada and stay until your authorized stay expires.
- Visitor visas allow you to transit through Canada to your final destination.
- You may perform certain business activities if you are a business visitor as long as you do not plan on entering the Canadian labour market.
- You may attend short-term courses given that a) the courses are not designated learning institutes (DLIs); b) the courses last shorter than 6 months and are not part of other longer programs; and c) you will complete the courses before the end of your authorized stay.
- You may extend your stay as a visitor, change your status to a student or a temporary foreign worker if you satisfy all necessary requirements.
Visitor Visa Basic Requirements
Depending on your country of citizenship and the country where you submit your application, requirements and eligibility criteria may differ. However, in all circumstances, you must be admissible to Canada.
Generally, you will need to provide the following documents:
A valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your intended stay in Canada.
A completed application form: You will need to complete the appropriate application form for a visitor visa.
Photos: You will need to provide two recent passport-style photographs of yourself.
Evidence of financial support: You will need to provide proof that you have enough money to support yourself while you are in Canada, such as bank statements or a letter from someone who will be financially supporting you during your stay.
A letter of invitation: If you are being invited to visit Canada by a friend or relative, you may need to provide a letter of invitation.
Other supporting documents: You may need to provide additional supporting documents, such as proof of employment, a travel itinerary, or a letter explaining the purpose of your visit.
For parents and grandparents super visa applicants or business visitors, additional supporting documents from Canadian citizen children or employers are required.
Once we assess your situation, we will provide a detailed and individualized document checklist.
Visitor Visa Application Process
Most applications are submitted online with rare exceptions. The application process differs based on your country of citizenship and the country where you apply. Still, generally speaking, we can submit the application online after we finish compiling your application. You will be asked to give your biometrics and photos if applicable. If a positive decision is rendered on the application, you must send your original passport to the visa office to affix the visitor visa.
Eligible business visitors under international free trade agreements may qualify to apply for visitor visas at POEs.
Visitor Visa Processing Times
Processing times differ drastically based on the country where you apply. Due to recent processing delays and the Covid-19 pandemic, the processing time for visitor visa applications for certain countries may exceed 1 year.
Visitor Visa Processing Fees
For up-to-date fees, please visit the Government of Canada’s Fee List.
If you have questions about the Canadian Visitor Visa process or are ready to start your application, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can provide you with the guidance and support you need to complete the process successfully.
Questions? Answers.
The length of time that a Canadian visitor visa is valid for depends on a number of factors, including the purpose of your visit and the length of time that you plan to stay in Canada.
In general, visitor visas are valid for a specific period of time, typically 6 months or less. This means that you must enter Canada within the validity period of your visa and stay for the length of time permitted.
If you want to stay in Canada for longer than the validity period of your visitor visa, you will need to apply for an extension before your visa expires. You can do this by completing the appropriate application form and submitting it to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You will need to provide evidence to support your request for an extension, such as proof of financial support and a letter explaining the reasons for your request.
It’s important to note that visitor visas are not automatically extendable, and extensions are not guaranteed. You should apply for an extension as early as possible to give yourself plenty of time to receive a decision before your visa expires.
It is generally not possible to work in Canada with a visitor visa. Visitor visas are intended for people who want to visit Canada for short periods of time for the purpose of tourism, visiting friends or family, or conducting business. They are not intended for people who want to work in Canada.
If you want to work in Canada, you will need to apply for a work permit in addition to a visitor visa. Work permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and allow you to work in Canada for a specific period of time and for a specific employer. You will need to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for a work permit, including having a job offer from a Canadian employer.
It’s important to note that working in Canada without a valid work permit is illegal and can result in deportation and other penalties. If you want to work in Canada, you should make sure to apply for a work permit before you arrive in the country.
Contact our team of immigration experts today to learn more about how to apply for a work permit.
It is generally not possible to study in Canada with a visitor visa. Visitor visas are intended for people who want to visit Canada for short periods of time for the purpose of tourism, visiting friends or family, or conducting business. They are not intended for people who want to study in Canada.
If you want to study in Canada, you will need to apply for a study permit in addition to a visitor visa. Study permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and allow you to study in Canada for a specific period of time at a recognized educational institution. You will need to meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for a study permit, including being accepted into a recognized educational program in Canada.
It’s important to note that studying in Canada without a valid study permit is illegal and can result in deportation and other penalties. If you want to study in Canada, you should make sure to apply for a study permit before you arrive in the country.
Contact our team of immigration experts today to learn more about how to apply for a Canadian work permit.
It is generally possible to bring your family with you to Canada on a visitor visa, provided that you are able to meet the requirements for a visitor visa and your family members are also able to meet the requirements for a visitor visa.
If your family members want to visit Canada with you, they will need to apply for their own visitor visas. They will need to provide the same documentation as you, including a valid passport, photos, and evidence of financial support.
In addition to regular visitor visas, there is a special type of visitor visa called the “Parent and Grandparent Super Visa” which is specifically designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit Canada. The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a time without the need to renew their status. To be eligible for a Super Visa, you must meet certain requirements, including having a child or grandchild in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and having private health insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is valid for at least one year.
It’s important to note that visitor visas are not automatically extendable, and extensions are not guaranteed. You should make sure to plan your visit carefully and ensure that you have enough time to fully enjoy your stay in Canada within the validity period of your visitor visa.
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