Visitor Visa Canada
A visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) lets you travel to Canada for tourism, family visits or business. Approval depends on showing genuine purpose, sufficient funds and strong ties to your home country.
What is a visitor visa?
A visitor visa, formally a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a document that allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to Canada temporarily. Officers assess whether you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay, based on your ties, finances and purpose of travel.
Temporary stay
Usually up to six months per entry.
Ties matter
Show strong reasons to return home.
Funds required
Demonstrate you can support your visit.
Reasons to visit
Purpose of travel shapes the documents you should provide.
Visiting family
See relatives living in Canada.
Business visits
Meetings, conferences and short business trips.
Tourism
Travel and sightseeing in Canada.
How to apply for a visitor visa
A strong application answers an officer's questions before they ask.
Confirm you need a TRV
Check whether your nationality requires a visa.
Define your purpose
Clarify why you're visiting and for how long.
Show your ties
Employment, family and property in your home country.
Prove funds
Bank records or a host's support letter.
Submit & biometrics
File the application and complete biometrics.
Decision
Travel once approved.
What you may need
Requirements vary by situation. Below are commonly requested documents.
Identity
- Valid passport
- Photos
Financial
- Bank statements
- Proof of support if hosted
Ties to home
- Employment letter
- Property or family ties
Purpose
- Invitation letter
- Travel itinerary
Who this is for
These profiles commonly apply with our support.
Family visitors
Visiting relatives in Canada.
Business travellers
Short business trips.
Tourists
Holiday travel.
Parents of students
Visiting student children.
Event guests
Weddings and family events.
Repeat visitors
Returning travellers.
Visitor visa questions
How long can I stay?
Visitors are usually authorized for up to six months, at the officer's discretion.
Why are visitor visas refused?
Most often for insufficient ties to the home country, unclear purpose, or inadequate funds.
Can I extend my stay?
You may apply for a visitor record to extend your stay before your status expires.
Can I work or study?
No. A visitor visa does not authorize work, and study is limited to short courses.
Can my parents visit long-term?
The Super Visa allows much longer stays for parents and grandparents.
Plan your visit to Canada
Get licensed help building a stronger visitor visa application.