In the case of planning to visit Canada, it is very fundamental to make sure that the right visa is acquired among other necessities.
The terms Visitor Visa and Tourist Visa are used interchangeably which makes most visitors have a blurred line of understanding when making their bookings.
Although both terms are closely related, there are some differences between them especially when viewed through the lens of Canada.
This post aims to clarify the differences between the Canada Visitor and Tourist Visas so you can determine which is appropriate for you.
Before the end of this guide, you will know all there is to know about ASU and where and when to apply.
Introduction
When planning to travel to Canada it is very important to determine the kind of visa that one will be needed for when entering the country.
The most frequently used terms are the Canada Visitor Visa and the Canada Tourist Visa, and while the two names are quite similar, those who have to deal with them need to know that there are differences between the two.
While both visits give an individual an opportunity to enter Canada for non-immigrant purpose, they are somewhat distinct depending on the purpose and the duration of the visit.
Understanding Visas: A Brief Overview
Visas on the other hand, are government issued permits that allow people to come into, work or reside in a given country or travel out of the country.
It is important to differentiate them based on the type of visit, which in this case includes tourism, business, educational, and work visits.
Every country has its own rules of visas and it is good to know them so that one can avoid any confusion with the law of that country.
What is a Canada Visitor Visa?
The Canada Visitor Visa, which is also referred to as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) grants persons entry and stay in the Canadian state for social, cultural, business or family purposes for a limited period of time.
This is an immigration document issued by the Canadian government and usually applicable to all the foreigners from the countries that have no Visa waiver pact with Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Canada Visitor Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including but not limited to:
Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay in Canada.
Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Ties to Home Country: Applicants need to show strong ties to their home country, such as a job, home, or family, to indicate they will return after their visit.
Purpose of Visit: The visit’s purpose must be clearly stated, whether it’s for business, family visits, or medical treatment.
Good Health: Some applicants may need to undergo a medical examination.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants must not have a criminal record and may need to provide police certificates.
Application Process
The application process for a Canada Visitor Visa typically involves the following steps:
1. Complete the Application Form: Applicants must fill out the appropriate form, available on the Government of Canada’s website.
2. Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable fee is required for processing the visa application.
3. Submit Supporting Documents: This includes the passport, proof of funds, purpose of visit, and any additional documentation requested by the visa office.
4. Biometrics: Most applicants will need to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
5. Attend an Interview: Some applicants may be called for an interview at a Canadian consulate or embassy.
6. Wait for Processing: Visa processing times can vary depending on the country of application.
Duration and Extensions
The Canada Visitor Visa normally permits its holder to stay in the country for up to a period of six months. Nevertheless, the specific period is established by the border services officer on entry into the country. Extensions of visas are permitted, but only if an application is received and a legitimate justification for the extension is provided before the original visa expires
Activities Permitted Under a Visitor Visa
The Canada Visitor Visa permits various activities, including:
Visiting Family and Friends: Individuals can visit relatives or friends residing in Canada.
Tourism: Exploring Canada’s attractions, participating in tours, and enjoying leisure activities.
Business Activities: Attending meetings, conferences, or trade shows, provided the visitor is not working or receiving payment from a Canadian source.
Medical Visits: Receiving medical treatment in Canada, provided all necessary arrangements have been made in advance.
What is a Canada Tourist Visa?
The Canada Tourist Visa is usually a subclass of the Visitor Visa where the reason for visiting Canada is mainly tourism. This visa is for those visitors who want to visit this country of Canada specifically to enjoy scenic beauty there or go for some cultural tourism as well as recreational activities.
Eligibility Requirements
The basic requirements for Canada Tourist Visa are nearly similar to any Canada Visitor Visa with special emphasis on the intended reason of visit being tourism.
The applicant has to show their genuineness with purposes of visit being strictly tourism and they have enough money to sustain them in Canada.
Application Process
The application process for a Canada Tourist Visa follows the same steps as the Visitor Visa process. Applicants must:
1. Complete the Application Form: Must show that the reason for the visit is tourism.
2. Pay the Application Fee: Charges to be paid are generally similar to the charges of a Visitor Visa.
3. Submit Supporting Documents: Focus on documents that relate, in one way or another, to tourism ties brought by an itinerary or a hotel reservation.
4. Biometrics: Give fingerprints and a picture.
5. Attend an Interview: If so required Lehnavi and other alternate models will be presented.
6. Wait for Processing: Processing of documents may take longer depending on the period of the year as everyone prefers to travel during holidays.
Duration and Extensions
The Canada Tourist Visa also generally permits a stay of up to six months in the country. The validity of extensions is similar to the conditions of the Visitor Visa, but the applicant has to provide legitimate reasons as to why more time for tourism purposes is required.
Activities Permitted Under a Tourist Visa
The Canada Tourist Visa specifically allows for activities centred around leisure and tourism, including:
Sightseeing: Experiencing wildlife safaris, exploring natural reserves, and artefacts’ and cultural attractions’ sites.
Recreational Activities: Specific examples include getting engaged in trails such as hiking, skiing or even camping.
Tours: Using guided tours for different Canadian cities and areas.
Cultural Experiences: Taking festivals, cultural shows, and knowing more about Canada’s cultural background and history.
Key Differences Between Canada Visitor Visa & Tourist Visa
The two forms of visa are quite similar but there are slight differences and these are focused on the reason for visiting the country and what the visitor is free to do while in the country.
Purpose of Visit
Visitor Visa: It can be for commercial purposes, visiting relatives/ friends, medical purposes, or even a leisure visit to see tourist attractions.
Tourist Visa: The objective is mainly recreational and tourism related.
Permissible Activities
Visitor Visa: Is used more frequently as this design allows for different kinds of activities, including business ones.
Tourist Visa: Specialised mainly in tourism-related services and does not allow significant diversification of services.
Visa Duration
Visitor Visa: It usually takes up to six months but the duration could vary depending on the purpose of the visit.
Tourist Visa: In general, they last for a maximum of six months, but can be extended, which is typically for further tourism operations.
Eligibility Criteria
Visitor Visa: Needs more official papers to include several purposes like, business invitation, medical, or relationship.
Tourist Visa: Specific documents that are frequently used in tourism like a travel plan, bookings, and receipts of the recreational activities they entailed, among others.
Common Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that a Canada Visitor Visa and a Tourist Visa are one and the same thing. However, the main difference is in one’s plan to visit the place.
In fact, Both are related as the major purpose of travelling. Though it specifies that the applicant has to travel for non-immigrant purposes, Visitor Visa is more general than the given document.
However, the Tourist Visa is even more limited in its purpose as it allows you to engage in tourism activities only.
Choosing the Right Visa for Your Trip
Choice of a visa depends on the purpose of the trip. If one is planning to engage in several activities such as spending time with the family, attending a business conference, and touring around the country, the Canada Visitor Visa is the most appropriate to apply for.
On the other hand, if you are planning to visit Canada for vacation, sight seeing or to visit places of tourism interest, then a Tourist Visa is enough.
It is also important to clearly understand your purpose while applying, since it is going to affect the visa officer’s decision and your further stay in the country. The following are tips which will help you in order to avoid delays or rejections in your visa application process:
Conclusion
Read this article to learn the difference between a Canada Visitor Visa and a Tourist Visa and if you are planning to visit this beautiful country. Although both visas allow the holder to enter the country, it is up to the holder to determine which visa best suits his or her purpose of visiting the country. Choosing the correct visa will make your working experience in Canada a pleasant one without any legal issues with the law. It’s important to accurately evaluate your travel requirements, submit all relevant documents and apply as early as possible before the desired date.
FAQs
Q Is a Canada Visitor Visa the same as a Tourist Visa?
A Yes, in Canada the Visitor Visa fulfils the role of what others call the Tourist Visa.
Q Can I work in Canada with a Visitor Visa?
A Yes, working in Canada is prohibited when holding a Visitor Visa but you may be allowed under certain circumstances.
Q How long can I stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa?
A You are allowed to stay up to 6 months but the immigration officer on duty may prefer to give you a shorter period of stay.
Q Can I extend my stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa?
A You can apply for an extension even if you are yet to exhaust the time provided under your current status.
Q Do I need a Visitor Visa if I’m from a visa-exempt country?
A No, but you will however require an Electronic Travel Authorization or an eTA for short.
Difference Between Canada Visitor Visa & Tourist Visa: A Comprehensive Guide
In the case of planning to visit Canada, it is very fundamental to make sure that the right visa is acquired among other necessities.
The terms Visitor Visa and Tourist Visa are used interchangeably which makes most visitors have a blurred line of understanding when making their bookings.
Although both terms are closely related, there are some differences between them especially when viewed through the lens of Canada.
This post aims to clarify the differences between the Canada Visitor and Tourist Visas so you can determine which is appropriate for you.
Before the end of this guide, you will know all there is to know about ASU and where and when to apply.
Introduction
When planning to travel to Canada it is very important to determine the kind of visa that one will be needed for when entering the country.
The most frequently used terms are the Canada Visitor Visa and the Canada Tourist Visa, and while the two names are quite similar, those who have to deal with them need to know that there are differences between the two.
While both visits give an individual an opportunity to enter Canada for non-immigrant purpose, they are somewhat distinct depending on the purpose and the duration of the visit.
Understanding Visas: A Brief Overview
Visas on the other hand, are government issued permits that allow people to come into, work or reside in a given country or travel out of the country.
It is important to differentiate them based on the type of visit, which in this case includes tourism, business, educational, and work visits.
Every country has its own rules of visas and it is good to know them so that one can avoid any confusion with the law of that country.
What is a Canada Visitor Visa?
The Canada Visitor Visa, which is also referred to as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) grants persons entry and stay in the Canadian state for social, cultural, business or family purposes for a limited period of time.
This is an immigration document issued by the Canadian government and usually applicable to all the foreigners from the countries that have no Visa waiver pact with Canada.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Canada Visitor Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including but not limited to:
Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay in Canada.
Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Ties to Home Country: Applicants need to show strong ties to their home country, such as a job, home, or family, to indicate they will return after their visit.
Purpose of Visit: The visit’s purpose must be clearly stated, whether it’s for business, family visits, or medical treatment.
Good Health: Some applicants may need to undergo a medical examination.
Criminal Background Check: Applicants must not have a criminal record and may need to provide police certificates.
Application Process
The application process for a Canada Visitor Visa typically involves the following steps:
1. Complete the Application Form: Applicants must fill out the appropriate form, available on the Government of Canada’s website.
2. Pay the Application Fee: A non-refundable fee is required for processing the visa application.
3. Submit Supporting Documents: This includes the passport, proof of funds, purpose of visit, and any additional documentation requested by the visa office.
4. Biometrics: Most applicants will need to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
5. Attend an Interview: Some applicants may be called for an interview at a Canadian consulate or embassy.
6. Wait for Processing: Visa processing times can vary depending on the country of application.
Duration and Extensions
The Canada Visitor Visa normally permits its holder to stay in the country for up to a period of six months. Nevertheless, the specific period is established by the border services officer on entry into the country. Extensions of visas are permitted, but only if an application is received and a legitimate justification for the extension is provided before the original visa expires
Activities Permitted Under a Visitor Visa
The Canada Visitor Visa permits various activities, including:
Visiting Family and Friends: Individuals can visit relatives or friends residing in Canada.
Tourism: Exploring Canada’s attractions, participating in tours, and enjoying leisure activities.
Business Activities: Attending meetings, conferences, or trade shows, provided the visitor is not working or receiving payment from a Canadian source.
Medical Visits: Receiving medical treatment in Canada, provided all necessary arrangements have been made in advance.
What is a Canada Tourist Visa?
The Canada Tourist Visa is usually a subclass of the Visitor Visa where the reason for visiting Canada is mainly tourism. This visa is for those visitors who want to visit this country of Canada specifically to enjoy scenic beauty there or go for some cultural tourism as well as recreational activities.
Eligibility Requirements
The basic requirements for Canada Tourist Visa are nearly similar to any Canada Visitor Visa with special emphasis on the intended reason of visit being tourism.
The applicant has to show their genuineness with purposes of visit being strictly tourism and they have enough money to sustain them in Canada.
Application Process
The application process for a Canada Tourist Visa follows the same steps as the Visitor Visa process. Applicants must:
1. Complete the Application Form: Must show that the reason for the visit is tourism.
2. Pay the Application Fee: Charges to be paid are generally similar to the charges of a Visitor Visa.
3. Submit Supporting Documents: Focus on documents that relate, in one way or another, to tourism ties brought by an itinerary or a hotel reservation.
4. Biometrics: Give fingerprints and a picture.
5. Attend an Interview: If so required Lehnavi and other alternate models will be presented.
6. Wait for Processing: Processing of documents may take longer depending on the period of the year as everyone prefers to travel during holidays.
Duration and Extensions
The Canada Tourist Visa also generally permits a stay of up to six months in the country. The validity of extensions is similar to the conditions of the Visitor Visa, but the applicant has to provide legitimate reasons as to why more time for tourism purposes is required.
Activities Permitted Under a Tourist Visa
The Canada Tourist Visa specifically allows for activities centred around leisure and tourism, including:
Sightseeing: Experiencing wildlife safaris, exploring natural reserves, and artefacts’ and cultural attractions’ sites.
Recreational Activities: Specific examples include getting engaged in trails such as hiking, skiing or even camping.
Tours: Using guided tours for different Canadian cities and areas.
Cultural Experiences: Taking festivals, cultural shows, and knowing more about Canada’s cultural background and history.
Key Differences Between Canada Visitor Visa & Tourist Visa
The two forms of visa are quite similar but there are slight differences and these are focused on the reason for visiting the country and what the visitor is free to do while in the country.
Purpose of Visit
Visitor Visa: It can be for commercial purposes, visiting relatives/ friends, medical purposes, or even a leisure visit to see tourist attractions.
Tourist Visa: The objective is mainly recreational and tourism related.
Permissible Activities
Visitor Visa: Is used more frequently as this design allows for different kinds of activities, including business ones.
Tourist Visa: Specialised mainly in tourism-related services and does not allow significant diversification of services.
Visa Duration
Visitor Visa: It usually takes up to six months but the duration could vary depending on the purpose of the visit.
Tourist Visa: In general, they last for a maximum of six months, but can be extended, which is typically for further tourism operations.
Eligibility Criteria
Visitor Visa: Needs more official papers to include several purposes like, business invitation, medical, or relationship.
Tourist Visa: Specific documents that are frequently used in tourism like a travel plan, bookings, and receipts of the recreational activities they entailed, among others.
Common Misconceptions
It is a common misconception that a Canada Visitor Visa and a Tourist Visa are one and the same thing. However, the main difference is in one’s plan to visit the place.
In fact, Both are related as the major purpose of travelling. Though it specifies that the applicant has to travel for non-immigrant purposes, Visitor Visa is more general than the given document.
However, the Tourist Visa is even more limited in its purpose as it allows you to engage in tourism activities only.
Choosing the Right Visa for Your Trip
Choice of a visa depends on the purpose of the trip. If one is planning to engage in several activities such as spending time with the family, attending a business conference, and touring around the country, the Canada Visitor Visa is the most appropriate to apply for.
On the other hand, if you are planning to visit Canada for vacation, sight seeing or to visit places of tourism interest, then a Tourist Visa is enough.
It is also important to clearly understand your purpose while applying, since it is going to affect the visa officer’s decision and your further stay in the country. The following are tips which will help you in order to avoid delays or rejections in your visa application process:
Conclusion
Read this article to learn the difference between a Canada Visitor Visa and a Tourist Visa and if you are planning to visit this beautiful country. Although both visas allow the holder to enter the country, it is up to the holder to determine which visa best suits his or her purpose of visiting the country. Choosing the correct visa will make your working experience in Canada a pleasant one without any legal issues with the law. It’s important to accurately evaluate your travel requirements, submit all relevant documents and apply as early as possible before the desired date.
FAQs
Q Is a Canada Visitor Visa the same as a Tourist Visa?
A Yes, in Canada the Visitor Visa fulfils the role of what others call the Tourist Visa.
Q Can I work in Canada with a Visitor Visa?
A Yes, working in Canada is prohibited when holding a Visitor Visa but you may be allowed under certain circumstances.
Q How long can I stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa?
A You are allowed to stay up to 6 months but the immigration officer on duty may prefer to give you a shorter period of stay.
Q Can I extend my stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa?
A You can apply for an extension even if you are yet to exhaust the time provided under your current status.
Q Do I need a Visitor Visa if I’m from a visa-exempt country?
A No, but you will however require an Electronic Travel Authorization or an eTA for short.
Author: lokeshwar Bandral
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