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Home › Immigration › Visitor Visa

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

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TEMPORARY RESIDENCE

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — also called a Visitor Visa — is an official document placed in your passport that shows you have met the requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident for tourism, visiting family, or business meetings.

CAD $100
Application Fee
2–27 wks
Processing
Up to 6 mo
Stay Duration

Who Needs a Visitor Visa?

Citizens of most countries need a visitor visa to enter Canada. Some countries are visa-exempt and only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel. Check IRCC's visa requirement tool to see what you need based on your nationality.

Common reasons for entry: tourism, visiting family or friends, attending a conference or business meeting, or receiving medical treatment.

Eligibility Requirements

✓Valid passport (must not expire during your stay)
✓Sufficient funds to cover your trip
✓Ties to your home country (job, family, property)
✓No criminal record or immigration violations
✓No health risk to Canadians
✓Biometrics (most applicants)
✓Genuine intent to leave Canada by the end of your authorized stay

Step-by-Step Application Process

1
Determine Eligibility

Check the IRCC visa requirement tool online. Citizens of certain countries are visa-exempt.

2
Gather Required Documents

Prepare your passport, photos, financial proof, travel itinerary, and invitation letters.

3
Complete Application Form

Fill out the IMM 5257 form online through your IRCC account.

4
Pay Fees

Pay the CAD $100 application fee plus CAD $85 for biometrics online.

5
Biometrics Appointment

Book and attend a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

6
Wait for Decision

IRCC will review your application. Processing times vary by country.

7
Receive Visa Stamp

If approved, your passport will be stamped with the visitor visa sticker.

Required Documents

›Valid passport (with blank pages)
›Two recent passport-size photos
›Completed IMM 5257 application form
›Proof of financial support
›Travel itinerary / return flight booking
›Hotel reservation or invitation letter
›Proof of ties to home country
›Biometric receipt
›Application fee receipt

Tips for a Strong Application

✓Apply well in advance of your travel dates
✓Be honest and consistent in all your answers
✓Submit strong proof of ties to your home country
✓Provide a clear, detailed travel itinerary
✓Show sufficient funds
✓Include an invitation letter if visiting family/friends
✓Explain any gaps in employment or travel history
✓Submit a complete application to avoid delays
Planning a trip to Canada?

Apply early — processing times can take several weeks depending on your country. Our online portal makes the process simple and guides you through every step.

Start Visitor Visa Application