Helping travelers visit Canada smoothly with clear visitor visa guidance and support.
A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an immigration document that allows foreign nationals to enter and travel within Canada. Unless you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need a visitor visa to enter Canada, whether you are travelling as a student, a temporary worker, or simply passing through.
If you are transiting through a Canadian airport before reaching your final destination, you may also require a visitor visa. Every year, many individuals apply to visit Canada. Unlike permanent residence, Canada does not place limits on the number of temporary visitors.
A visitor visa is required for anyone entering Canada who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or otherwise visa-exempt.
Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for a visitor visa, even if their PR card has expired. Instead, they must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, are also not eligible for a visitor visa and must travel using a valid Canadian passport.
If you are visiting or transiting Canada for business purposes rather than working as a temporary foreign worker, you may require a business visitor visa.
Individuals who require a visitor visa can apply:
Online
On paper
In person at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
If you are travelling as a family, each family member, including dependent children, must submit a separate application. However, all applications may be submitted together.
Depending on citizenship, applicants may be required to provide biometric information. This includes fingerprints and a photograph, which must be submitted at an authorized biometric collection location. Biometrics are usually collected after the visa application is submitted or at the time of submission if applying in person at a VAC.
Foreign nationals may legally stay in Canada for up to six months at a time on a visitor visa, whether it is a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Once this period ends, you must leave Canada.
If you wish to stay longer than six months, you must apply for an extension while you are still considered a temporary resident. It is recommended to apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current status expires.
If your visa expires while your extension application is being processed, you may remain in Canada while awaiting a decision. This is known as implied (maintained) status.
If eligible, you may also apply for permanent residence from within Canada.
When travelling to Canada, you must satisfy the immigration officer that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. As a visitor, you should be able to provide proof that you have valid reasons to return to your home country.
Whether you are visiting Canada for tourism, family, or business purposes, our experts can guide you through the visitor visa process and help ensure a smooth application experience.
