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
You can enjoy several benefits by obtaining an employment-based visa, also known as a green card:
- 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
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.