Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): Complete Guide to Visiting Canada in 2026

A Canada Visitor Visa, officially known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term activities. Unlike citizens of visa-exempt countries who can visit Canada with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), citizens of visa-required countries must obtain a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. The visitor visa is a document placed in your passport demonstrating you've met requirements for temporary entry to Canada.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Canada Visitor Visas in 2026, including eligibility requirements, the application process, required documentation, common refusal reasons, how to demonstrate ties to your home country, visitor record extensions, and the differences between single-entry and multiple-entry visas. Whether visiting family, exploring Canada's natural beauty, or conducting business, understanding the visitor visa process ensures successful applications.

Planning to visit Canada? Get a free assessment to determine your visitor visa eligibility and application requirements.

What is a Canada Visitor Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a visitor visa, is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to seek entry to Canada as temporary residents for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. The visa is typically stamped or placed as a sticker in your passport and indicates you've been assessed and approved for temporary entry.

Key Features of Visitor Visas

Maximum Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per entry (determined by border officer)
Single or Multiple Entry: Can be issued for one entry or multiple entries
Validity Period: Multiple-entry visas valid up to 10 years or until passport expiry
No Work Authorization: Does not permit working in Canada
No Study Authorization: Can take short courses (6 months or less) but not longer programs
Extension Possible: Can apply to extend stay from within Canada

Who Needs a Visitor Visa?

Citizens of visa-required countries need visitor visas to enter Canada. Common visa-required countries include China, India, Philippines, Russia, many African countries, and numerous others. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (USA, UK, Australia, most European countries, etc.) only need Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel or can enter with just their passport at land borders.

Check your country's requirements on IRCC's website to determine if you need a visitor visa or eTA.

Visitor Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Canada visitor visa, you must satisfy immigration officers that you meet all temporary resident requirements.

Basic Requirements

Valid Passport: Passport valid for duration of intended stay
Temporary Intent: Demonstrate you will leave Canada at end of authorized stay
Ties to Home Country: Show strong connections to home country (employment, property, family)
Financial Support: Prove you can financially support yourself during visit
No Criminal Inadmissibility: Not inadmissible due to criminal history
No Security Concerns: Not a security risk to Canada
Good Health: Not inadmissible on health grounds
Genuine Purpose: Have legitimate reason for visiting Canada

Demonstrating Ties to Home Country

One of the most critical aspects of visitor visa applications is proving you'll return home after your visit. Strong evidence includes:

Employment: Letter from employer confirming job position, salary, approved leave, and return-to-work date
Business Ownership: Business registration documents, tax filings, proof of ongoing operations
Property Ownership: Property deeds, mortgage documents, rental agreements
Family Ties: Evidence of spouse, children, or dependent family members remaining in home country
Education: Current enrollment in school/university with return requirements
Financial Investments: Bank accounts, investment portfolios, pension plans in home country
Social Connections: Memberships, community involvement, long-term commitments

Financial Requirements

You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your visit. Required amounts depend on:

Length of intended stay
Number of accompanying family members
Accommodation arrangements (staying with family vs. hotels)
Planned activities and travel within Canada

Provide recent bank statements, proof of income, investment statements, or letters of financial support from Canadian hosts.

The Visitor Visa Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Verify you need a visitor visa (not eTA), ensure you meet all requirements, and confirm you have no inadmissibilities.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documentation:

Passport: Valid passport with at least one blank page
Photographs: Two recent photographs meeting specifications
Application Forms: Completed IMM 5257, IMM 5645 or IMM 5707
Purpose of Visit: Detailed explanation of visit purpose, itinerary, planned activities
Invitation Letter: If visiting family/friends, invitation letter from host including their status in Canada, relationship to you, details of visit
Proof of Ties: Employment letters, property documents, family documents
Financial Documents: Bank statements, income proof, sponsorship letters
Travel History: Copies of previous visas and stamps showing international travel
Additional Documents: Marriage certificates, birth certificates (if applicable)

Step 3: Complete Application

Complete the visitor visa application package. Most applicants apply online through IRCC's portal. Some may apply on paper through visa application centres.

Step 4: Pay Fees

Current visitor visa fees:

Visitor visa (per person): CAD $100
Family rate (if applying with family): CAD $500 maximum
Biometrics: CAD $85 per person, CAD $170 per family (2+ people)
Total for single applicant: CAD $185

Step 5: Submit Application

Submit your complete application online or at a visa application centre in your country.

Step 6: Provide Biometrics

Most visitor visa applicants aged 14-79 must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre within 30 days of receiving biometrics instruction letter.

Step 7: Processing and Decision

IRCC processes your application. Processing times vary by country (typically 2-8 weeks but can be longer). You may be asked for additional documents or invited for an interview.

Step 8: Receive Decision

If approved:

Receive passport request letter
Submit passport to visa office
Receive passport with visitor visa stamped inside
Travel to Canada before visa expiry date

If refused, receive detailed refusal letter explaining reasons. You can reapply addressing refusal concerns.

Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Visitor Visas

Single-Entry Visitor Visa

Single-entry visitor visas allow one entry to Canada. Once you leave Canada, the visa is no longer valid, and you'd need a new visa to return.

Features:

Valid for one entry only
Usually issued for specific purposes (weddings, graduations, etc.)
Less common than multiple-entry visas
Same application fee as multiple-entry

Multiple-Entry Visitor Visa

Multiple-entry visitor visas allow multiple entries to Canada during the visa's validity period.

Features:

Valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry (whichever comes first)
Unlimited entries during validity period
Each entry allows stay up to 6 months (as determined by border officer)
Most visitor visas issued are multiple-entry
Can leave and re-enter Canada multiple times

Which Type Will I Receive?

IRCC automatically determines whether to issue single or multiple-entry visas based on your circumstances. Most approved applications receive multiple-entry visas valid for 10 years or until passport expiry. You cannot specifically request single or multiple-entry—officers decide based on their assessment.

Entry to Canada with Visitor Visa

At the Port of Entry

Having a visitor visa doesn't guarantee entry to Canada—final decision rests with border officers when you arrive.

At the border, officers may:

Ask questions about your visit purpose, length of stay, and plans
Request to see proof of financial support
Ask about ties to your home country
Review your travel documents and itinerary
Determine the length of your authorized stay

Length of Stay

Border officers determine how long you can stay in Canada, typically up to 6 months from entry date. This is usually indicated by a stamp in your passport or a visitor record document. If no date is given, you can stay for 6 months from entry date.

What You Can Do on a Visitor Visa

Tourism: Sightseeing, visiting attractions, experiencing Canadian culture
Family Visits: Spending time with family and friends in Canada
Short Courses: Taking courses or programs 6 months or less
Business Activities: Attending meetings, conferences, or networking events (without working)
Transit: Passing through Canada to another destination

What You Cannot Do

Work for Canadian employers or be self-employed
Enroll in study programs longer than 6 months
Provide services or goods in Canada for payment
Stay longer than authorized without extension

Extending Your Stay in Canada

If you want to stay in Canada longer than initially authorized, you can apply to extend your stay by applying for a visitor record.

When to Apply

Apply for extension at least 30 days before your current authorized stay expires. If you apply before expiry, you have "maintained status" (implied status) allowing you to stay in Canada while your application is processed.

Extension Requirements

Currently in Canada as a visitor
Have valid reason for extension
Demonstrate sufficient funds for extended stay
Continue to meet visitor requirements
No work or study without proper authorization

How to Apply

Apply online through IRCC portal
Complete forms and provide supporting documents
Pay extension fee (CAD $100)
Wait for decision (processing typically 3-5 months)

If Approved

Receive a visitor record—a document (not a new visa) indicating your new expiry date for staying in Canada. You can remain in Canada until the date shown on your visitor record.

Invitation Letters for Visitor Visas

If visiting family or friends in Canada, a strong invitation letter from your host significantly supports your application.

What to Include in Invitation Letters

Host Information: Full name, date of birth, address, phone number
Host's Status: Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or work/study permit holder (include proof)
Relationship: How host knows you (family member, friend, colleague)
Purpose and Duration: Why you're visiting and how long you plan to stay
Accommodation: Where you'll stay (host's home, hotel, etc.)
Financial Support: Who will pay for visit expenses (if host is supporting, include their financial documents)
List of People: Names and dates of birth of all visiting persons

Supporting Documents from Host

Hosts should provide:

Proof of status in Canada (citizenship certificate, PR card, work/study permit)
Proof of income (recent pay stubs, employment letter, tax documents)
Proof of residence (utility bills, lease agreement, property tax bill)
Copy of passport or Canadian ID

Common Visitor Visa Refusal Reasons

1. Insufficient Ties to Home Country

The most common refusal reason is failing to convince officers you'll return home. Officers refuse applications when they're not satisfied the applicant will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. Strengthen applications with comprehensive evidence of employment, property ownership, family connections, and other binding ties.

2. Insufficient Financial Resources

Applicants must demonstrate ability to financially support themselves during their visit. Weak bank statements, lack of employment, or insufficient proof of financial support leads to refusals. Provide detailed financial documentation covering entire visit duration.

3. Unconvincing Purpose of Visit

Vague explanations like "tourism" without detailed itineraries or unclear visit purposes raise concerns. Provide specific, detailed explanations of why you're visiting Canada, what you'll do, where you'll go, and why now is the appropriate time for your visit.

4. Previous Immigration Violations

History of overstaying in Canada or other countries, previous visa refusals, or immigration violations significantly impact applications. Be honest about previous issues and provide explanations for any past problems.

5. Inconsistent or Incomplete Information

Contradictions in application forms, missing documents, or incomplete information causes refusals. Ensure all forms are thoroughly completed, all questions answered, and all supporting documents included.

Parent and Grandparent Super Visa

For parents and grandparents planning extended visits, consider the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, which allows stays up to 5 years per entry.

Super Visa vs. Regular Visitor Visa

Stay Duration: Super Visa allows up to 5 years per entry vs. 6 months for regular visitor visa
Requirements: Super Visa requires medical insurance, medical exam, and sponsor meeting income threshold
Validity: Both can be valid up to 10 years
Eligibility: Super Visa only for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs

Frequently Asked Questions About Visitor Visas

How long does it take to get a Canada visitor visa?

Visitor visa processing times vary by country and visa office. Typical processing ranges from 2-8 weeks, though some countries experience longer delays (up to several months during peak periods). Check IRCC's website for current processing times for your country. Ensure you apply well in advance of planned travel dates—applying 2-3 months before intended travel is recommended.

How much money do I need to show for a visitor visa?

There's no fixed minimum amount—required funds depend on your visit length, number of accompanying family members, accommodation costs, and activities. As a general guideline, budget approximately CAD $1,000-2,000 per person per month for basic expenses if staying in hotels, or less if staying with family. Provide bank statements showing consistent balances over several months rather than sudden large deposits. If someone in Canada is supporting you financially, include their financial documents and a sponsorship letter.

Can I work in Canada on a visitor visa?

No, visitor visas do not authorize work in Canada. You cannot work for Canadian employers, provide services for payment, or be self-employed while on visitor status. Violating this condition can result in removal from Canada and future inadmissibility. If you want to work in Canada, you must apply for a work permit through appropriate programs such as Temporary Foreign Worker Program or International Mobility Program.

How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?

Visitor visas typically allow stays up to 6 months from the date you enter Canada. The border officer determines your specific authorized stay when you arrive—this may be indicated by a stamp in your passport or visitor record document. If no specific date is given, you can stay for 6 months from entry. If you want to stay longer, you must apply to extend your stay before your authorized period expires.

What if my visitor visa is refused?

If your visitor visa is refused, you'll receive a detailed refusal letter explaining the reasons. There is no formal appeal process for visitor visa refusals, but you can reapply. When reapplying, address all concerns raised in the refusal letter with stronger evidence and documentation. Consider waiting until your circumstances improve (stronger employment, more savings, additional ties to home country) before reapplying. Submitting the same application without improvements typically results in another refusal.

Do I need a new visitor visa every time I visit Canada?

If you have a valid multiple-entry visitor visa, you can enter Canada multiple times during the visa's validity period (up to 10 years or until passport expiry) without needing new visas. Each entry allows a stay up to 6 months as determined by the border officer. However, if your visitor visa expires, your passport expires, or your visitor visa was single-entry, you'll need to apply for a new visa for subsequent visits.

Can I convert my visitor visa to a work permit from inside Canada?

Generally, you cannot apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you entered as a visitor. There are limited exceptions for specific situations (such as spouse of skilled worker, or provincial nominee). Most people who want to work in Canada must apply for work permits from outside Canada. If you entered Canada as a visitor and obtain a Canadian job offer, you typically need to leave Canada and apply for the work permit from your home country.

Do I need travel insurance for a visitor visa?

Travel medical insurance is not mandatory for regular visitor visas (though it's highly recommended for your protection). However, the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa requires mandatory medical insurance with minimum CAD $100,000 coverage from a Canadian insurance company. Even for regular visitor visas, obtaining comprehensive travel insurance protects you from unexpected medical costs, as visitors are not covered by Canadian provincial healthcare.

Can I visit Canada while my permanent residence application is processing?

Yes, you can visit Canada on a visitor visa while your permanent residence application is processing. However, you must demonstrate to border officers that you understand visitor status is temporary and that you'll leave Canada if your PR application is refused. Maintain valid visitor status and be prepared to explain your dual intent (visiting temporarily while pursuing permanent residence) to border officers. Some applicants face additional scrutiny at the border due to pending PR applications.

Should I hire an immigration consultant for a visitor visa application?

While many visitor visa applications can be completed independently, some applicants benefit from professional assistance, especially for complex situations involving previous refusals, weak ties to home country, or unclear circumstances. A Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like Azadeh Haidari-Garmash can help ensure applications are complete, compelling, and address potential concerns proactively. Contact us for a consultation about your visitor visa application.

Ready to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?

Canada visitor visas provide opportunities to experience Canada's beauty, visit family and friends, and explore business opportunities. With proper preparation, comprehensive documentation, and clear demonstration of ties to your home country, you can successfully obtain a visitor visa and enjoy your time in Canada.

Get Expert Visitor Visa Assistance from VisaVio

VisaVio Immigration Consultants specializes in visitor visa applications for all purposes. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392), Azadeh Haidari-Garmash has helped numerous visitors successfully obtain Canadian visitor visas and navigate the application process.

Free Visitor Visa Assessment

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Parent Super Visa

Explore the Super Visa for extended parent and grandparent visits up to 5 years

Learn About Super Visa

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Additional Visitor and Immigration Resources

Explore more temporary resident options:

Parent and Grandparent Super Visa - Extended visits for parents
Study Permits - Study in Canada
Work Permits - Work in Canada temporarily
Permanent Residence - Immigrate to Canada permanently
Immigration Blog - Latest visitor visa updates
Immigration News - Breaking news on Canadian visas
Service Fees - Transparent pricing for our services

About the Author: This guide was prepared by VisaVio Immigration Consultants, led by Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC R710392) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. All information is current as of January 2026 and based on official IRCC guidelines.

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