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Visitor Visa
Visitor Visa
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Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) – Complete Guide
Canada welcomes millions of visitors every year for tourism, family visits, business travel, and short-term stays. A Canadian Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for a specific purpose and duration. Whether you are visiting family, attending a business meeting, or exploring Canada as a tourist, understanding the visitor visa rules is essential before applying. A visitor visa does not allow you to work or study long-term in Canada. Applicants must clearly demonstrate temporary intent and compliance with immigration rules.
Do You Need a Visitor Visa to Travel to Canada?
Not everyone requires a visitor visa to enter Canada. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, travel document, and purpose of travel. In general:
- Visa-required nationals must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel
- Visa-exempt nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air
- US citizens do not require a TRV or eTA for short visits
Determining the correct entry document before applying prevents refusals and delays.
What Is a Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV)?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an official document placed in your passport confirming that you meet Canada’s entry requirements as a temporary visitor. It allows you to travel to a Canadian port of entry, where a border officer makes the final decision on entry and length of stay. Visitor visas may be issued as:
- Single-entry visas, allowing one entry into Canada
- Multiple-entry visas, allowing repeated entries during the visa’s validity period
A multiple-entry visitor visa can be valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
How Long Can You Stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa?
Most visitors are authorized to stay in Canada for up to six months per entry. The final length of stay is determined by the border services officer upon arrival. You may receive:
- A passport stamp indicating your authorized stay
- A visitor record, which specifies the exact expiry date of your status
If no date is specified, the default authorized stay is six months from the date of entry.
Eligibility Requirements for a Canadian Visitor Visa
To qualify for a visitor visa, applicants must satisfy IRCC that they meet all temporary resident conditions.You must demonstrate that you:
- Hold a valid passport or travel document
- Are in good health and willing to complete a medical exam if requested
- Have no serious criminal or immigration violations
- Have sufficient financial resources to cover your stay and return travel
- Have strong ties to your home country (employment, family, assets, obligations)
- Will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
Failure to prove temporary intent is one of the most common reasons for visitor visa refusal.
Documents Required for a Canadian Visitor Visa
Document requirements vary by applicant profile, but most visitor visa applications include:
- Valid passport and travel history
- Proof of funds (bank statements, salary slips, tax records)
- Letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends in Canada)
- Purpose of travel explanation or travel itinerary
- Proof of ties to the home country
- Photographs and application forms
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo), if required
Incomplete or inconsistent documentation significantly increases refusal risk.
Canadian Visitor Visa Application Process – Step by Step
Applying for a visitor visa involves careful preparation and accurate submission.
- Determine whether you need a TRV or an eTA based on your nationality
- Gather all required documents, including proof of funds and travel intent
- Complete the online application through the IRCC portal or submit via a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Pay the applicable visa and biometrics fees
- Provide biometrics if instructed
- Wait for IRCC to assess eligibility, background checks, and travel intent
Approved applicants receive a visa counterfoil in their passport.
Extending Your Stay in Canada as a Visitor
If you are already in Canada and wish to stay longer, you must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. Key points:
- Applications must be submitted from inside Canada
- You must apply before your authorized stay ends
- Approval allows you to remain legally, but does not extend your visa counterfoil
If approved, you will receive a visitor record showing your new expiry date.
Restoring Visitor Status After Expiry
If your visitor status expires and you did not apply for an extension on time, you may apply for status restoration within 90 days of losing status. To restore status, you must:
- Pay the restoration and extension fees
- Explain why you overstayed
- Prove continued temporary intent
- Demonstrate sufficient financial support
If restoration is refused or the 90-day window passes, you must leave Canada.
Recent IRCC Visitor Visa Updates
Canada has made several important adjustments affecting visitor visas:
- The temporary policy allowing visitors to apply for work permits from inside Canada has ended, except for very limited transitional cases
- Visitor visa scrutiny has increased, with stronger emphasis on home-country ties and financial stability
- Processing times continue to vary widely by country and volume
- Digital submissions are now the primary processing route
- Border officers are exercising stricter discretion on the length of stay at ports of entry
These changes highlight the importance of well-prepared, truthful applications.
Common Reasons for Visitor Visa Refusals
Visitor visas are frequently refused due to:
- Weak travel history
- Insufficient financial proof
- Poorly explained purpose of travel
- Weak ties to the home country
- Inconsistent documentation
- Previous overstays or visa violations
A professional review can significantly reduce refusal risk.
Why Professional Immigration Guidance Matters
While a visitor visa may seem straightforward, refusal rates remain high due to strict assessment criteria. A single missing detail or unclear explanation can result in rejection. Working with experienced immigration professionals helps ensure:
- Proper documentation
- Strong travel purpose justification
- Clear demonstration of temporary intent
- Accurate and compliant application submission
Apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa with Confidence
A Canadian Visitor Visa opens the door to tourism, family visits, and business travel, but approval depends on preparation, accuracy, and credibility. Canada Immigration Global can help you:
- Assess eligibility
- Prepare strong documentation
- Avoid common refusal mistakes
- File a complete and compliant application
If you are planning a temporary visit to Canada, professional guidance can make the difference between approval and refusal.