A Canada visitor visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to visit Canada temporarily. It is also known as a Canada tourist visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and Canada tourist visa. A TRV proves that you’ve met all the requirements to come into Canada temporarily. It is attached to your passport.
Need help with your TRV application process? We’re here to help you in person, via the phone, or online. Call 03301 222 991 for assistance with your Canada tourist visa process.
Millions visit Canada yearly for varying purposes. A Canada visitor visa allows non-citizens and non-permanent residents of Canada to enter the country legally for a specific duration and purpose. Visitors may be permitted into Canada for the following reasons:
Everyone visiting Canada for a temporary stay will need a Canadian visitor visa to come, except those from visa-exempt countries. Nationals of certain countries only require an electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
As a British citizen, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is all you need if you’re visiting for a short period by air. You also need an eTA when transiting through the country. You do not need an eTA if you’re entering the country via land or sea.
However, if you have a different type of British nationality or you’re entering Canada to work or study, you’ll need to apply for a valid visa (a valid study permit, work permit, or permanent residence).
Also, US citizens do not need a tourist visa or eTA to enter Canada.
Canadian permanent residents and dual citizens (such as British-Canadians) are not issued visitor visas. All they need is a valid Canadian passport to enter the country.
You can apply for a Canada visitor visa online or in person, but you must obtain it before you travel to Canada. Canada does not issue a temporary resident visa on arrival.
Canadian visitor visas are of two types: single entry and multiple entry visas. A single entry visa is issued in specific situations. All visa applicants are, by default, considered for a multiple entry visa.
Multiple entry visas grants you unlimited entry into Canada for not more than six months at a time. It is valid for ten years or a month before the expiration of your passport, depending on which comes first. You need to arrive in Canada on or before the expiration date of your visa.
Meanwhile, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) is valid for five years or upon your passport’s expiration.
A single entry visa, however, allows you to enter Canada once. The eligibility requirements for a single entry visa are:
In most cases, you will need to apply again for a new visa once you’ve left Canada.
You must fulfil specific basic requirements to qualify for a Canada tourist visa. To be eligible for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), you must:
Not everyone can obtain a Canada tourist visa. Some persons may be inadmissible for specific reasons. You might not qualify for a visitor visa if you:
Some persons might also be inadmissible for health and medical reasons. The COVID-19 pandemic has made health and medical checks more stringent. A person may be denied a tourist visa due to medical reasons if:
You might also be required to take a medical examination as a part of the application process. Even if you’re fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you’ll still be required to take a test at the airport upon arrival. Your VAC will notify you of the testing and quarantine requirements.
The documents required for your TRV application depend on the purpose for your
the documents required for your visitor visa application:
Other documents that may be required to prove your eligibility for a tourist visa include:
It is essential to submit all the necessary travel documents for your application. Ensure you provide complete information in your application package. Also, fill out the Document Checklist (IMM 5484) and submit it alongside your application form and other required documents.
You can apply for a Canada tourist visa online or on paper at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
To complete your online application for a visitor visa, you’ll need to create electronic copies of your supporting documents. A scanner or camera will help you do that. You also need a debit or credit card to pay the application fees.
If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you’ll not be able to apply online when using any of the following documents:
If you’re using any of these documents for your application, you won’t be considered in an online application. You must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for a paper application.
It’s advisable to wait until you’re eligible for a Canadian tourist visa before applying. It will reduce the chances of having your application rejected.
If you’re applying for a TRV for the first time and are between the ages of 14 – 79, you’ll need to provide your biometric data as part of the application process.
Usually, your biometric data verification comes up after you have submitted your application and paid the biometric fees. You’ll then wait for the Canadian Government to contact you and tell you what to do next.
The biometrics fee usually is 85 CAD per person.
You’ll have to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to register your biometric data. There are numerous VACs worldwide, and most countries have at least one. The following information will be collected from you during your appointment at the visa office:
You’re typically not required to submit your biometric data if you are applying for the Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
Cost of Processing a Canada Visitor Visa
How much it will cost to process a Canada tourist visa depends on the visa you’re applying for. Whether individual visitor visa, family tourist visa, visitor visa extension, or visitor status restoration.
A Canadian visitor visa costs CAN$100 per person. Adding the CAN$85 biometrics fee will make a total of CAN$185. You will also have to pay CAD$45 for passport processing.
Here are the costs of obtaining Canada visitor visas.
How long will it take for my Canada Visitor Visa to be Processed?
The wait time for Canada visitor visa processing varies greatly. The time it will take for your tourist visa to be processed depends on the country you are applying from. Typically, it takes a few weeks to a few months for your visa to be ready.
You can use the application processing time checker tool on the official Government website to check time estimates.
Disclaimer: A valid Canadian visitor visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Your access is to be decided by the border service officers at the port of entry. They determine if you meet all the requirements for admission into the country.
Whether single or multiple entries, visitor visas allow foreign nationals to live legally in Canada for six months at a time. Your legal status expires at the end of six months (if you’re still in the country), and you must leave Canada. If you wish to extend your stay beyond six months, you must apply for an extension while your temporary resident status is still valid.
You should apply for an extension at least 30 days before your legal status expires. If your current visa expires while your extension is still being processed, you can remain in Canada while waiting for the outcome. This state is called Implied Status.
You’ll be issued a Visitor Record if your extension application is successful.
Visitor Record
A visitor record is a document that states how long you can stay in Canada. Unlike a visitor visa, the visitor record is an independent document that is not attached to your passport. It is issued by IRCC when your extension application is approved. It usually carries an expiry date – the date you must leave Canada.
A visitor visa is only available when you are inside Canada; it does not guarantee entry. If you leave Canada and want to re-enter, you’ll need a valid entry document.
If you’re currently in Canada and want to stay longer than six months, you should apply for an extension. You can apply either online or on paper. It’s faster and easier to apply online; paper application is only necessary if, for some reason, you can’t apply online.
First, you must have an online IRCC account to apply.
You’ll also need a scanner to make electronic copies of your documents and a debit/credit card to pay the application fee.
While completing your application, you’ll be asked the following questions:
Follow the instructions and finish up the application, pay your fees, and submit the application.
Documents required for Visitor Visa Extension
The forms and documents you need to apply for a visitor record are listed below.
If you still need to stay in Canada at the expiry of your visitor record, you will be unable to apply for another visa extension. However, you can apply for a visitor status restoration within 90 days of your visitor visa expiration. Application after 90 days will be denied, and you’ll have to leave the country.
To qualify for restoration of status, you must:
You’re not eligible for restoration of status if more than 90 days have passed since your temporary resident status expiry or since the date of refusal on your application for extension of status.
You cannot work or study while your status restoration is being processed. If caught doing so, your restoration of status application will be refused, and you’ll be required to leave Canada.
You can only apply for restoration of status from within Canada. If you apply and leave the country, your application will be refused. You’ll have to apply for a new visa to enter Canada.
Restoration of Status Application Requirements
In applying for restoration of status, you’ll be required to:
Your restoration of status application can be refused for some of the following reasons:
Applying for a Canada visitor visa can be a complex and draining process if you do not have the proper knowledge and information. Getting help from immigration experts is essential to avoid any mistake that can cause your application to be denied.
Our Canadian immigration lawyers are here to assist you with your tourist visa application and any other visa-related challenge you might be facing. Our lawyers are highly trained and have decades of experience in immigration and emigration law. We’ll help you ensure your application process is smooth and error-free and give you the best chances of success.
For professional advice and assistance with your application, call us on 03301 222 991 or contact us through our online form.
