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Visitor Visa
Visitor Visa
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also referred to as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, a student, or a worker). A TRV needs to be obtained before you reach Canada.
People who are looking to visit Canada for a holiday, or to visit family, or to conduct business should apply for a TRV before they arrive in Canada. The TRV comes with some restrictions which are subject to various conditions. Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not required to get a TRV to enter or re-enter Canada.
In order to get a TRV you need to satisfy some conditions while you apply to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Some of these conditions are as follows:
You must prove that you will leave the country after your visit.
You must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself and any accompanying family members coming with you.
You must be in good health and be willing to conduct a medical exam if required.
Must not have any criminal record; be willing to get a police verification done.
Must not engage in any kind of work or study in Canada, unless authorized to do so.
Must be able to provide all supporting documents at the request of the visa officer.
Electronic Travel Authorization:
If you are from one of the countries which do not require a TRV to visit Canada, then you might have to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). You must check if you need an eTA before arriving to Canada and apply for one.
According to the new entry requirements, visa-exempt foreign nationals who come to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport, need an eTA. U.S. citizens and people with a valid Canadian visa, Canadian citizens or permanent residents do not require an eTA. eTA requirement is only required if flying in, visa exempt travellers do not need an eTA if they are entering Canada via land or sea.
How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
When you arrive at the air, land or sea port of entry, we’ll assess your health.
- If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you won’t be allowed to enter Canada.
You must have a plan to quarantine for 14 days when you arrive in Canada. This plan is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms.
- If you don’t have a plan, you may not be allowed to enter the country.
Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.
If you’re allowed to enter Canada, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months.
- If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document.
- If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
- If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border services officer after you finish at the kiosk.
If you want to stay longer than your authorized stay, you should apply for an extension at least 30 days before the authorized end of your stay.
How do I apply for an eTA for travel to Canada?
My application for an eTA was refused. Can I still travel to Canada?
If your application was refused, you should not travel to Canada. If you try to travel to Canada with a refused eTA, you will be prevented from boarding your flight.
We encourage you to reapply for an eTA only once you have addressed the reason(s) leading to the refusal of your application.
Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?
No. If you plan to travel to Canada, you need a valid visitor visa OR a valid eTA.
The one you need depends on:
- the type of travel document you will travel with;
- the country that issued your travel document;
- your nationality; and
- how you will travel to Canada.
If you apply for an initial work or study permit before you travel to Canada, you’ll get a visa or an eTA automatically once your work or study permit application is approved. You don’t need to apply for a visa or an eTA, or pay extra fees.
- If we issue you a visa, we’ll stick in your passport.
- If we issue you an eTA, your eTA number will be included in the letter of introduction we will send you when your study or work permit is approved. Keep this number in case you need to contact us about your eTA.
