Canada Visitor Visa

Citizens of all other countries not listed above require a TRV to enter Canada.

What is Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is your key to a smooth and efficient entry process. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what it is, why it exists, and how it simplifies your travel experience.

An eTA is an online authorization that allows citizens of certain visa-exempt countries to visit Canada for short stays (typically up to six months). It’s essentially a pre-screening measure implemented by the Canadian government to ensure that visitors meet basic eligibility requirements before boarding their flights or arriving at their destinations. By applying online, obtaining an eTA eliminates the need for a physical visa stamp in your passport.

Why does Canada use an eTA?

The eTA system offers several benefits for both travellers and the Canadian government:

• Enhanced security: Pre-screening helps identify potential security risks before travellers arrive in Canada. This keeps both visitors and Canadian citizens safe.
• Streamlined entry: The online application process is quick and convenient, avoiding the need for in-person visits to consulates or embassies.
• Efficient data management: Electronic systems facilitate data collection and analysis, enabling authorities to better monitor travel trends and improve immigration control.
• Positive traveller experience: Avoiding physical visa stamps and online applications save time and reduce hassles associated with traditional visa processes.

How does the eTA process work?

Eligible travellers can apply for an eTA online through the official Canadian government website. The application requires basic information such as personal details, passport details, and travel plans. Once approved, the eTA is linked electronically to your passport and remains valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

What is a Canada Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?

The TRV is an official document issued by Canadian immigration authorities that grants you permission to enter and stay in Canada temporarily for specific purposes. It serves as proof that you meet the eligibility criteria for temporary residency and allows you to enjoy your visit within the authorized timeframe.

Types of TRVs:

• Visit/Tourism: This is the most common TRV, allowing you to visit family and friends, explore tourist destinations, and experience Canadian culture for up to six months.
• Study: This permit allows international students to pursue academic programs at accredited Canadian institutions for a specified duration.
• Work: A work permit allows you to legally accept employment in Canada for a specific period. Various types of work permits exist depending on your job and employer.
• Temporary Residence: This category encompasses individuals seeking temporary residency for various reasons beyond tourism, study, or work, such as receiving medical treatment or caring for family members.
• Business: This visa facilitates temporary entry for individuals engaging in business activities like attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or establishing business relationships.

Eligibility for Canada’s Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Here are the key criteria you must meet:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old to apply as the primary applicant.
• Passport: Possess a valid passport issued by your government with at least one blank page not located on the last page.
• Documentation: Translate and certify any documents not in English or French.
• Criminal History: Have a clean criminal record and provide proof, if requested.
• Fees: Pay the necessary application and processing fees.
• Signatures: Sign and date all required documents.
• Consent Form: Complete and sign a Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form, if applicable.
• Immigration Status: Submit copies of your current immigration status documents, if relevant.
• Financial Support: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada.
• Interviews and Biometrics: Be prepared to attend an interview or provide biometric information, if requested.
• Medical Examination: Complete a medical examination, if requested by the Canadian consulate.

Specific Requirements:

• Temporary Residence: Prove your stay is temporary and you will return to your home country after your visit.
• Work and Study: Demonstrate you have no intention to work or study in Canada unless authorized by a specific visa type.

Required Documents for Canada Visitor Visa Applications

Knowing which documents to prepare is crucial for a smooth application process. Here’s a comprehensive guide for visitor visa applicants:

General Documents:

• Application Form: Completed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) form IMM 5257 (“Application for Temporary Resident Visa”).
• Proof of Identity: Valid passport with sufficient blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
• Proof of Financial Support: Documentation demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada.
• Proof of Ties to Home Country: Evidence demonstrating your intention to return home after your visit (e.g., employment letter, property ownership documents).
• Additional Forms (Optional, may be required depending on circumstances):
  • Family Information Form (IMM 5707).
  • Use of a Representative Form (IMM 5476) if using a representative.
  • Authority to Release Personal Information Form (IMM 5475) if authorizing someone to access your application details.

Documents for Minors:

• All documents required for adults, as listed above.
• Proof of age: Copy of birth certificate.

Additional Documents for Minors Travelling Alone or with One Parent/Guardian:

• Letter of authorization: Signed by both parents/legal guardians with their contact information (in English or French, if possible).
• Travel document: Child’s own passport if travelling alone.
• Parental documentation:
  • Travelling with one parent: Copy of legal custody documents (if applicable) and authorization letter from the absent parent with contact details.
  • One parent has sole custody: Separation or divorce decree and authorization letter from the other parent.
  • One parent deceased: Copy of death certificate.
  • Adoptive parents or legal guardians: Copy of guardianship/adoption papers.

Minors Travelling with Other Individuals:

• Written consent from parents/guardians: Authorizing the specific individual to supervise the child, including their contact details.
• Copy of parents’/guardians’ passports or national identity cards.

Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to embark on your Canadian adventure? Obtaining a visitor visa is the first step. Here’s a streamlined guide to navigate the process:

1. Create Your Online Account:

• Visit the official Canada.ca website dedicated to visitor visas: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visitor-visa.html
• Register and create a secure account.
• Provide essential details, including your reason for visiting, which helps determine the appropriate application process.

2. Upload Required Documents:

• Gather all necessary documents as outlined in the “Required Documents” section of the website.
• Ensure documents are translated into English or French if needed.
• Upload them securely through your online account.

3. Pay Application Fees:

• Understand the applicable fees based on your visa type and situation.
• Current fees are:
  • Visitor Visa (including Super Visa): CAD $100 per person
  • Family Visitor Visa (up to 5 members): CAD $500
  • Extend Stay: CAD $100 per person
  • Restore Visitor Status: CAD $200
• Pay the appropriate fee securely through your online account.

4. Submit Your Application:

• Once all steps are complete, submit your application electronically.
• You may be asked to schedule and attend a biometrics appointment, where fingerprints and photographs are collected.

Canada Visitor Visa Processing Timeframes:

Planning a trip to Canada? Understanding the visitor visa processing timeframe is crucial for smooth travel planning. Please be aware that processing times can vary depending on several factors, including:

• Your nationality: Citizens of some countries may experience quicker processing times compared to others.
• Complexity of your application: Applications with additional documentation or specific circumstances may require longer processing.
• Current workload of visa offices: Processing times may fluctuate based on the volume of applications received by the relevant visa office.

While precise estimates can be difficult, typical processing times for Canada visitor visas range from 8 to 40 days. This timeframe applies after you submit your complete application and any required documents.

Additional Information:

• You can find the most recent and country-specific processing time estimates on the official Canadian government website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html.
• It is always recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow ample time for processing and potential delays.

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Extending Your Stay in Canada as a Visitor

Planning to stay longer than your Canadian visitor visa allows? Here’s a comprehensive guide to applying for an extension:

Eligibility:

• You must be currently in Canada on a valid visitor visa.
• Your passport must remain valid throughout your proposed extended stay.
• You must pay the required application fee for Form IMM 5708.
• Ensure any other permits you hold (such as study or work) remain valid and do not conflict with your extended visitor status.

Process:

1. Apply before your visa expires: Do not wait until your visitor status ends to apply.
2. Submit Form IMM 5708: This form requests information about your reasons for extension and supporting documentation.
3. Attend an interview: You may be called for an interview to discuss your application further.

Approval:

Upon approval, you will receive a visitor record:

• This document specifies your extended stay period in Canada.
• It includes an expiry date by which you must depart Canada.
• Note that a visitor record does not guarantee re-entry. If you leave Canada or the US during your extended stay, you will need a valid entry document to return.

Additional Information:

• Implied status: If your current visa expires while your extension application is pending, you have “implied status” allowing temporary stay while a decision is made.
• Restoration of status: If your extension request is denied, you can apply for “restoration of status” within 90 days of the refusal date.