Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)

Visit Canada for tourism, visiting family and friends, or attending events

• Stay up to 6 months per visit

• Multiple entry options available

• Visit family and friends in Canada

• Tourism and sightseeing

• Attend events and conferences

About the Canadian Visitor Visa

A Canadian Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for temporary stays. It is typically valid for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings or conferences, or other short-term non-work activities.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Canadian Visitor Visa in 2025, you must meet the following requirements:

• Valid travel document: You must have a valid passport that will not expire during your intended stay

• Good health: You may need to complete a medical examination

• No criminal record: You must not have any criminal convictions or pose a security risk to Canada

• Ties to home country: Demonstrate strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family) to convince the officer you will return home

• Sufficient funds: Prove you have enough money to support yourself and any family members during your stay

• Intent to leave: Convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay

• Purpose of visit: Clearly state why you want to visit Canada (tourism, family visit, event attendance, etc.)

• Biometrics: Provide fingerprints and photo (required for most applicants)

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents for your Canadian Visitor Visa application:

• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay

• Completed application form: IMM 5257 - Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

• Family information form: IMM 5645 (if applicable)

• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos following IRCC specifications

• Proof of financial support: Bank statements (last 6 months), pay stubs, employment letter, tax returns, or sponsor's financial documents

• Travel itinerary: Details of your planned activities, accommodation bookings, return flight tickets

• Letter of invitation: If visiting family or friends, include their invitation letter, proof of Canadian status, and financial documents

• Proof of ties to home country: Employment letter, property ownership documents, family ties, enrollment in school/university

• Travel history: Copies of previous visas and travel stamps showing international travel

• Purpose of visit letter: Detailed explanation of why you want to visit Canada and your planned activities

• Marriage certificate: If traveling with spouse

• Police certificates: May be required in some cases

• Medical examination: May be required depending on your country of residence and length of stay

Processing Times (2025)

• Online applications: Typically 2-8 weeks depending on country of application

• Paper applications: May take longer, typically 8-12 weeks

• Extension applications: Apply at least 30 days before your current status expires

Application Fees (2025)

• Visitor visa (per person): CAD $100

• Biometrics fee (per person): CAD $85

• Biometrics fee (family of 2 or more): CAD $170

• Extension fee: CAD $100

Visa Validity and Stay Duration

• Visa validity: Usually valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first

• Length of stay: Border officers decide the length of your stay upon arrival, typically up to 6 months

• Extensions: You can apply to extend your stay before your current status expires

Important Notes

• A visitor visa does not guarantee entry to Canada; final decision is made by the border officer

• You cannot work or study in Canada with a visitor visa (with limited exceptions)

• Keep all original documents and bring them when traveling to Canada

• If your application is refused, you can reapply with stronger documentation