A Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also known as a visitor visa, is a document issued by the Government of Canada that allows someone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to enter Canada for a specific purpose, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting business. A TRV is usually valid for a specific period of time and allows the holder to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time. To be eligible for a TRV, you must meet certain requirements and pass a medical examination and security check. You must also demonstrate that you have ties to your home country and that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
It is important to determine whether you need a Canada visitor visa before beginning the application process. Click here to find out if you need a Canada visitor visa for your trip.
It is important to note that if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you do not need a TRV to enter Canada. However, you may still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before your trip.
Types of Canada Visitor Visa
There are two types of Canada visitor visas: a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa.
A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada once and stay for up to six months. After you leave Canada, you will need to apply for a new visa if you want to return.
A multiple-entry visa allows you to enter and exit Canada multiple times for a specific period of time, typically up to ten years or until the visa expires. With a multiple-entry visa, you can stay in Canada for up to six months at a time.
It is important to note that the type of visa you are eligible for and the length of time it is valid for will depend on your individual circumstances and the purpose of your visit to Canada.
Canada Tourist Visa Requirements
To be eligible for a Canada tourist visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV), you must meet the following requirements:
It is important to note that these requirements are just a general overview and that you may be required to provide additional documentation or information depending on your individual circumstances.
How to Extend a Canadian Visitor Visa
To be eligible to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor (temporary resident), you must demonstrate that you have a valid reason for extending your stay in Canada, such as needing more time to visit with friends and family or to explore the country. You must also show that you have not engaged in any activities that are prohibited under Canadian immigration laws, such as working without authorization or studying without a valid study permit.
If you want to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor (temporary resident), you must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. You can apply for a visitor record online or on paper.
To apply online, you will need to:
To apply on paper, you will need to:
It is important to note that you must apply for a visitor record before your current status expires. If your status has already expired, you may need to leave Canada and apply for a new temporary resident visa from outside the country.
Canada Visitor Visa Restoration
If your Canada visitor visa has been refused or you have been asked to leave Canada, you may be able to restore your visa by making a new application. To do this, you will need to provide a new application, supporting documents, and any applicable fees. If you are applying to restore your visa because it was refused, you will need to address the reasons why it was refused in your new application. If you are applying to restore your visa because you were asked to leave Canada, you will need to explain why you left and provide evidence that the circumstances that led to you being asked to leave have been resolved.
You will need to provide the following documents with your restoration application:
Visitor Visa Processing Time
Processing times for visas can vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year, the volume of applications being received, and the specific visa category you are applying for. It is always a good idea to check the current processing times on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or by contacting IRCC directly for the most up-to-date information.
In general, it is recommended that you apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date to allow sufficient time for your application to be processed. This will ensure that you have all the necessary documents and arrangements in place before you leave for Canada.
An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a document that allows citizens of certain countries to travel to Canada for short-term stays of up to six months for tourism or business purposes. To be eligible for an ETA, you must have a valid passport from an ETA-eligible country and have an email address where you can receive your ETA.
To apply for an ETA, you will need to complete an online application form and pay the applicable fee. The process is usually quick and you will receive a decision on your application within a few minutes. If your application is approved, your ETA will be electronically linked to your passport and you will not need to carry any additional documents when you travel to Canada.
It is important to note that an ETA is not a visa, and it does not give you the right to work or study in Canada. If you wish to do so, you will need to apply for a separate work permit or study permit.
In addition to being a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you may also be able to travel to Canada without a visa if you hold a valid United States (U.S.) visa or if you are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.
Which countries do not need a Canadian visitor visa?
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visitor visa to travel to Canada for short stays of up to six months for tourism or business purposes:
It is important to note that even if you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you may still be denied entry to Canada if you have a criminal record, if you pose a security risk, or if you do not meet other admissibility requirements.
The super visa enables eligible parents and grandparents to stay temporarily in Canada. To stay permanently, they must be sponsored for permanent residence by their Canadian child or grandchild through the Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP).
The super visa is a multiple entry visitor visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It permits them to remain in Canada for a maximum of five years per visit without requiring to renew their status.
Comparing the Super Visa and Visitor Visa
Super visas are a specific form of Canadian visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The main distinction between a super visa and a regular visitor visa is the duration of stay permitted in Canada. Typically, a visitor visa allows for a stay up to 6 months, with the requirement to apply for an extension if a longer stay is desired. However, a super visa enables the holder to stay in Canada for a maximum of five years without the need for an extension.
Instructions on how to apply for a Super Visa
The process of applying for a super visa can be done either online or by submitting a paper application. In either case, the applicant must demonstrate their relationship as a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The application must include a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild, outlining plans for the applicant’s care and the number of people living in the household in Canada. Additionally, the applicant must provide evidence of valid, private health insurance from a Canadian company for at least one year. The child or grandchild is also responsible for proving they have sufficient financial means to support the applicant during the visit by meeting the minimum Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their family unit size.
Information on the Super Visa for individuals who are visa-exempt
Certain foreign nationals, based on their country of citizenship, do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada and are referred to as visa-exempt visitors. These individuals are limited to a stay of up to six months without renewing their status. Therefore, parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are visa-exempt may choose to apply for a super visa to extend their stay up to five years.
The application process for a super visa for visa-exempt parents and grandparents remains the same as previously mentioned. However, instead of a visa, successful applicants will be given a letter to present to the border services officer upon entry to Canada, which will authorize their stay. Additionally, visa-exempt visitors who enter Canada by air are required to obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA), even if they have successfully applied for a super visa.
Process for extending a Super Visa
A Super visa authorizes a holder to stay in Canada for a maximum of five years. If an extended stay is desired, an application for extension must be submitted. To ensure a smooth process, the extension application should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the expiration of the current status. In the event that the current visa expires while the extension application is still under review, the individual may stay in Canada and wait for a decision. This is known as “implied status.
Information on sponsoring parents and grandparents
As an alternative to the Super Visa which grants temporary stay in Canada, you may want to consider the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program as a way to achieve permanent immigration.
Seeking professional immigration help can be beneficial for a number of reasons when applying for a Canada visitor visa. Here are a few reasons why it may be important to consider seeking professional help:
We have successfully obtained hundreds of visitor visas for individuals who do not have a prior travel history or family in Canada. These individuals may not have a significant net worth, but they have a reasonable justification for their visit to Canada. Our extensive experience gives us confidence that we can help increase your chances of approval as well. While we cannot offer any guarantees, our team is dedicated to providing high-quality service and support to our clients.
If you are planning to visit Canada and require assistance with the application process for a visitor visa, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts have experience in handling such cases and would be happy to guide you through the process. We understand that obtaining a visitor visa can be a complex process, and we are here to help ensure that your application is complete and meets all necessary requirements. Contact us today and let us help you plan a smooth and successful visit to Canada.
