Visitor Visa
Visitor Visa
An approved application to visit Canada temporarily for either work, leisure or study less than six months at a time is often called a Visitor Visa, however there are exemptions.
Who Needs A Visitor Visa?
In most cases, citizens from foreign countries would need to apply for and obtain appropriate authorization from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in order to enter into Canada.
If you are a citizen of a country on the visa-exempt list and traveling to Canada by air, you may be eligible to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). If traveling by car, train, bus or boat and a citizen of a visa exempt country or a U.S citizen, a passport document may suffice.
Foreigners from countries not on the visa exempt list would need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in order to enter Canada.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Getting an eTA is simpler, faster and cheaper compared to a TRV. You would need a passport, a credit/debit card to pay the fee, an email and access to the internet to fill the online form.
Be careful when filling the form to avoid errors and mismatch of information, If it doesn't seem like what you can do on your own, a professional immigration expert will be able to do it on your behalf.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Unlike an eTA, getting a TRV takes more effort, money and documents.
You have the options of applying via online or on paper. In addition to the forms to be filled, you may need to submit a Letter of Invitation and a proof of their finances if invited by someone in Canada who will be responsible for your trip.
To sum it, required supporting documents will depend on your situation. Processing times also varies depending on the country from where you are applying.
Super Visa
With the Super Visa, parents or grandparents of a Canadian or permanent resident may be able to visit and remain in Canada for five years without extending their stay every 6 months.
Requirements to be Eligible:
The following are some of the requirements to be met before an interested applicant can apply for Super Visa:
- Be a parent/grandparent of a Canadian or permanent resident
- Meet and provide proof of minimum income requirements
- Have a letter of financial support
- Have a minimum of a one year medical insurance from a Canadian based company
- Prove that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
Some changes:
As of July 4, 2022, the Super Visa has been modified to include:
- Five years length of stay per entry
- Current holders of the Super Visa can extend their stay by up to two years
- IRCC will have the authority to designate medical insurance companies to provide travel insurance to future applicants.
Just like a TRV, the processing time will depend on the country you are applying from.
Family visit? Vacation or business trips? We can get you to Canada!
Experience and explore Canada's beautiful cities and heritage. The first step is a click away: find out your options and eligibility for a Visitor Visa to Canada.