Temporary Residence
Visitor Visa
A temporary resident visa for visiting Canada for tourism, family, or short business trips.
Overview
A visitor visa (officially a Temporary Resident Visa) is the document some travellers need to enter Canada for a temporary stay — commonly for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending a wedding, graduation or other special occasion, or a short business meeting or conference.
Whether you need one at all depends on your citizenship: travellers from many countries need a visa, while others only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying in. A consultant can help confirm which applies to you before you prepare anything else.
A visitor visa does not permit working in Canada, and study is limited to short programs that don't require a study permit — it's specifically for temporary, non-immigrant visits.
Who may consider this: People who want to visit family, see Canada, or attend a short business trip and need a visa to enter.
Eligibility Considerations
- A valid passport or other acceptable travel document
- A genuine, clearly explained purpose for the visit
- Sufficient funds to cover the trip and your stay
- Strong enough ties to your home country (work, family, property) to support an intent to return
- No criminal or medical inadmissibility concerns
- A clean immigration history, or a reasonable explanation where one exists
How It Works
Initial Assessment
We review your travel purpose, history, and ties to your home country to see how the application is likely to be viewed.
Document Collection
You gather financial, employment, and travel-purpose documents while we confirm what's actually needed for your situation.
Application Preparation
We prepare the forms and a cover letter that presents your purpose and ties clearly and consistently.
Biometrics
Most applicants need to give fingerprints and a photo at a service point, unless a recent exemption applies.
Submission
The complete application is submitted online or on paper, depending on what fits your circumstances.
Government Processing
IRCC reviews the file; processing time varies by visa office and is outside anyone's control.
Responding to Requests
If IRCC asks for more information or an interview, we help you prepare a timely, complete response.
Decision
Once approved, the visa is placed in your passport and you can plan your travel to Canada.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Valid passport
- Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of funds (bank statements, pay stubs)
- Letter explaining the purpose and length of the visit
- Evidence of ties to your home country (employment letter, property, family)
- Invitation letter from a host in Canada, if applicable
- Travel itinerary or proof of onward travel, if available
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- A purpose-of-visit letter that is vague or inconsistent with the supporting documents
- Inconsistencies between the forms, supporting documents and your travel history
- A previous refusal that isn't explained or addressed in the new application
- Financial evidence or ties to the home country that aren't clearly documented
- Incomplete forms, missing signatures, or a passport that is expired or about to expire
How We Help
- Assess whether you need a visa or an eTA before you apply for the wrong thing
- Review your travel history and ties to identify what needs stronger evidence
- Prepare a clear, consistent application package and cover letter
- Check financial and supporting documents before submission
- Track the application and respond to any IRCC requests on your behalf
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visitor visa or an eTA?+
It depends on your citizenship and how you travel. Citizens of visa-required countries generally need a visitor visa, while visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead. Some citizens of visa-required countries can fly with an eTA if they meet specific conditions, so we confirm which applies before you apply.
How much money do I need to show?+
There's no fixed amount. It depends on how long you'll stay, whether you'll stay in a hotel or with family or friends, and who is paying for the trip. Your funds should be realistic for your plans and clearly documented.
Does an invitation letter guarantee approval?+
No. A letter from your host can support the application, but the officer still assesses your own situation, including your purpose of travel, finances and ties to your home country.
Does a visitor visa guarantee entry, and how long can I stay?+
No visa guarantees entry. A border services officer decides at the port of entry whether you can enter and how long you can stay. Most visitors can stay up to six months, but the officer can set a shorter or longer period, usually noted in your passport or on a visitor record.
Can I extend my visit once I'm in Canada?+
In many cases yes, by applying for a visitor record before your authorized stay expires. Requirements and outcomes vary by circumstances.
What's the difference between a single-entry and multiple-entry visa?+
A single-entry visa allows one entry to Canada, while a multiple-entry visa allows repeated entries during its validity. IRCC generally issues multiple-entry visas unless there's a specific reason not to.
What happens if my visa application is refused?+
You'll receive a refusal letter citing the officer's concerns. Depending on the reasons, it may be possible to address them and reapply.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.