The Canadian visitor visa is an official temporary document that grants conditional entry into Canada to the holder, typically stamped into the passport of their country of origin or citizenship. It is issued for a specific duration, depending on the type of visa obtained.
This visitor visa is one of several types of entry documents to Canada, which also include tourist visas, study or work permits, business visas, immigration and naturalization visas, and student visas. Most individuals seeking to enter Canada require one of these visas, with the exception of certain diplomatic personnel and exempt individuals.
Types of Visitor Visas in Canada
Canada offers two types of visitor visas: the single-entry visa and the multiple-entry visa.
– The single-entry visa allows foreign nationals to enter and exit Canada only once during the visa’s validity period.
– In contrast, the multiple-entry visa permits foreigners to enter and exit Canada multiple times within the visa’s validity period.
The duration of a visitor visa can extend up to six months. This visa is also referred to as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). A TRV is often required as part of the documentation when applying for a study or work permit, but it is not necessary when applying solely for a visitor visa.
Canada Visitors Application, 2025
As a prospective visitor to Canada, now is an ideal time to consider making Canada your new home, as the process has become increasingly straightforward and accessible. The Canadian government is more committed than ever to welcoming young, skilled foreigners by simplifying application procedures.
To determine whether you need a visa, start by checking if your country of nationality or residence is on the visa-exempt list due to a bilateral agreement with Canada. If it is not, you will need to proceed with the application process. During this process, you may be required to provide biometrics at a Visa Application Center (VAC). If you apply online, you will need to wait for a letter indicating whether biometrics submission is necessary.
Steps to Apply for Canada Visa
- Application Submission
- Biometrics capture and collection
- Application assessment
- Immigration decision
- If approved, travel to Canada
- Upon arrival, biometrics verification
- Upon positive verification, enter Canada
Biometric Capture and Data Collection: Biometrics involves the digital collection of your photograph and fingerprints, typically conducted at a Visa Application Center (VAC). Applicants for temporary residence, such as visitor visas, study permits, or work permits, are only required to provide biometrics once every ten (10) years.
Canada Visa Form
The visitor visa application form can be submitted either online or in paper format. Most travelers will need this document to enter or transit through Canada. Upon arrival, border officers may authorize a stay of up to six months or longer for visitors. This will be either stamped in your valid passport or issued as a visitor record, specifying the date by which you must leave the country.
Who is Qualified for Canada Visiting Visa?
Certain basic requirements must be met to obtain a visitor visa or begin the application process. The most important of these include:
- Must have a valid travel document. ., a passport.
- Must be read to convince your immigration officer that you will leave the country at the end of your visa validity.
- Demonstrate to the immigration officer that you have strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property, to prove your intention to return.
- Must have enough fund for your intended stay.
- Must be in good health condition.
- Have an invitation letter from a friend or family who lives in Canada.
- You may also require medical examination proof.
- Must not have any criminal or immigration-related offense records.
Applying for Visa Extension within Canada
When entering Canada, you must present one of the following documents: a visitor visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa), an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and a valid passport. If, after or before the expiration of your visa or any of these documents, you need to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, you will be required to apply for a Visitor Record
What is a Visitors Record, and When Should You Apply for a Visitors Record?
A Visitor Record is distinct from a visa; it is a document that grants you legal status in Canada and permits you to extend your stay. It includes an expiration date, which indicates the new deadline by which you must leave Canada. However, it does not guarantee the ability to leave and re-enter the country. Once it expires and you depart, you will need to reapply for a visitor visa to return.
It is essential to apply for a Visitor Record before your current visitor visa expires. The application fee for a Visitor Record is $100, and the processing time typically takes 208 days. If you wish to extend your stay further, you must reapply for an extension or a new Visitor Record before your existing visa or status expires.
Who can apply for Canada Visitor Record?
Anyone holding any type of visa that is nearing expiration—not limited to a visitor visa—can apply for a Visitor Record. If you plan to extend your stay in Canada or switch your permit type, such as from a study or work permit to a visitor status, you must apply for a Visitor Record.
Regardless of the travel document you used to enter Canada, if you intend to prolong your stay as a visitor, you are required to apply for a Visitor Record. It is crucial to submit your application at least 30 days before your current status expires.
By following this guide, it will help you obtain a visitors visa to Canada without passing through much stress, you must make sure you meet all the requirement before applying for the visitors visa to Canada.
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