Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 180 days
- Processing time
- Varies by country, typically 2-16 weeks
- Fee
- CAD $100 per person (max CAD $500 for family of 5+)
- Validity
- Up to 10 years or 1 month before passport expiry
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Visitor visa is required for citizens of visa-required countries traveling to Canada by any means. Since 2014, most new visitor visas are issued as multiple-entry. Border officer determines length of stay at port of entry, typically up to 6 months. Biometrics required for applicants aged 14-79.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Citizens of visa-required countries must apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. US citizens are exempt and do not need a visa or eTA.
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Purpose of visit
Must demonstrate genuine intent to visit temporarily for tourism, family visit, or business. Must show ties to home country and intent to leave Canada.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover trip expenses including accommodation, transportation, and daily living costs.
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Criminal record
Must be admissible to Canada. Criminal convictions including DUI can render applicants inadmissible.
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Health
Must be in good health. May be required to complete an immigration medical examination if staying longer than 6 months or if from a designated country.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35mm x 45mm, white background, taken within last 6 months, full face visible
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, proof of income, letter from person funding trip; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for duration of stay
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: IMM 5257 - Application for Temporary Resident Visa; Form url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5256-applying-visitor-visa-temporary-resident-visa.html
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Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/campaigns/biometrics/where-to-give-biometrics.html; Location: Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country
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Travel itinerary
Provide an itinerary showing travel dates, destinations and planned accommodation.
Must include addresses: Yes; Must include dates: Yes
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather all required documents: valid passport, photos, proof of funds, travel itinerary, purpose of travel letter, family information form (IMM 5645), and any supporting documents.
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Online application
Create an account on the IRCC online portal and complete the application form IMM 5257. Upload all supporting documents.
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Fee payment
Pay the application fee of CAD $100 per person (maximum CAD $500 for family of 5+) plus biometrics fee of CAD $85 per person (maximum CAD $170 for family of 2+).
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Biometrics
After submission, receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter. Visit designated Visa Application Centre within 30 days to provide fingerprints and photo. Required for applicants aged 14-79.
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Processing wait
Wait for application processing. Processing times vary by country of application, typically 2-16 weeks. Check status online through IRCC account.
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Visa collection
If approved, submit passport to Visa Application Centre for visa stamp. Passport returned via mail or pickup.