Canada Visitor Visa is a permit that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a limited period for tourism, visiting family or friends, or other short-term purposes. Most individuals from foreign countries need a visitor visa to enter Canada, unless they are from a visa-exempt country.
The usual duration of stay on a visitor visa is up to 6 months, although a border officer may allow a shorter period depending on circumstances.
There are different types of visitor visas:
- Single Entry Visa: allows entry into Canada only once.
- Multiple Entry Visa: allows multiple entries and exits during the visa’s validity period.
- Super Visa: designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing extended stays of up to 2 years per visit.
With a standard Canada Visitor Visa, you can usually stay in Canada for up to 6 months per visit. However:
- The exact duration is determined by the border officer at the port of entry.
- You might be given a shorter period depending on your travel purpose or documentation.
- If you want to stay longer than allowed, you must apply for an extension of your visitor status while in Canada.
Overview
| Canada Visitor Visa | |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Tourism, visiting family/friends, short business trips |
| Who Needs It | Most foreign nationals traveling to Canada temporarily |
| Duration of Stay | Usually up to 6 months per visit |
| Entry Type | Single-entry or multiple-entry |
| Validity | Depends on the visa issued (up to 10 years for multiple-entry) |
| Application Requirements | Proof of funds, travel plan, ties to home country, and medical exam if required |
| Extension | Can apply for an extension from inside Canada |
| Processing Time | Varies by country (weeks to months) |
Who Needs a Visitor Visa for Canada?
Anyone who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or visa-exempt must apply for a Canada Visitor Visa.
- Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for a visitor visa, even if their PR card is expired. Instead, they must get a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).
- Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, cannot apply either. They must travel with a valid Canadian passport.
- If you are coming for business (not as a temporary foreign worker) or transiting through Canada, you may also require a business visitor visa.
Who can Apply? Let's talk About Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Canada Visitor Visa, you must:
- Have a valid passport
- Be in good health (a medical exam may be required for longer stays)
- Demonstrate ties to your home country (job, family, property) to prove you will return
- Have enough funds to cover your stay in Canada
- Not have a criminal record or pose a security risk
Document Requirements
Typical documents needed include:
- Passport or travel document
- Application form (IMM 5257)
- Proof of financial support (At least 2,000 CAD for each month of stay)
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- Letter of invitation from family or friends (if visiting them)
- Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property deeds, etc.)
- 2 recent passport-sized photos
- For Super Visa: proof of private medical insurance (minimum $100,000 coverage) and a letter of invitation from a child/grandchild in Canada
How to Apply
Applications can be submitted online or on paper through the official Government of Canada website.
Steps include:
- Create an account on the IRCC portal
- Complete the application form
- Upload supporting documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit biometric information (if required)
- Wait for the visa decision
Extend Your Stay
If you want to stay longer than your authorized period (usually 6 months), you can apply for an extension from inside Canada:
- Submit an “Extend Your Stay in Canada” application online at IRCC Extend Visa
- Apply at least 30 days before your status expires
- Continue to meet eligibility requirements and provide updated documents
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FAQs
Is Canada giving a visitor visa now?
Yes. Canada is currently accepting visitor visa applications. Processing times may vary depending on your country.
How long can I stay in Canada with a visitor visa?
Most visitors can stay up to 6 months. The border officer decides the exact time when you arrive.
What are the requirements for a Canada visitor visa?
You’ll need a valid passport, proof of funds, travel documents, ties to your home country, and sometimes a medical exam or invitation letter.
What is the minimum bank balance for a Canada visitor visa?
There’s no official set amount, but usually at least 2,000 CAD per month of stay is recommended to show you can cover your trip.
Is Canada rejecting a visitor visa in 2025?
Yes, some applications get refused if requirements aren’t met. The most common reasons are lack of financial proof, weak ties to home country, or incomplete documents.
Who can sponsor me in Canada for a visitor visa?
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident (like family or friends) can write you an invitation letter. However, they are not “sponsoring” financially like in other visa types.
How much money do I need to invite someone to Canada?
There’s no official minimum, but the host should show they can support the visitor if needed. Having steady income and savings helps.
What do I need to sponsor a visitor?
You’ll need to provide a signed invitation letter, proof of status in Canada, and details about your relationship with the visitor.
How much is the Canada visa fee?
The application fee is 100 CAD per person. Biometrics (if required) cost an extra 85 CAD.
Is a Canadian visa easy to get?
It depends. If you provide strong documents and clear proof of return to your country, approval chances are higher.
How many times can I visit Canada in one year?
If you have a multiple-entry visa, you can visit as many times as you want, usually for up to 6 months per visit.
Can I work in Canada with a visitor visa?
No. A visitor visa doesn’t allow you to work in Canada. To work legally, you’ll need a valid work permit.
Can I study in Canada with a visitor visa?
You can take short courses or programs (usually less than 6 months). For longer studies, you’ll need a study permit.
How many times can I extend a Canada visitor visa?
You can apply to extend your stay as a visitor, but each case is decided individually. There’s no fixed limit, but you must apply before your current status expires.
Can I change my visitor visa to a study permit or work permit in Canada?
Yes, it’s possible in some cases. For example, if you meet the requirements for a study permit or get a valid job offer for a work permit, you may apply. But you can’t simply “convert” it — you must apply through the proper process.
