Vistor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

Overview:

Most travellers need a visitor visa to travel to Canada and can stay for up to 6 months. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. They might also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave by. If you are from a visa-exempt country then you'll need to get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online instead.

 

Eligibility Requirements:

  • have a valid travel document, like a passport
  • convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
  • satisfy an officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
  • show that you have enough money for your stay
  • not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so,
  • be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity,
  • not be a risk to the security of Canada,
  • provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish your admissibility, and
  • be in good health (complete a medical examination if required).
  • may need a  letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

How to apply:

You can apply for a visitor visa online or on paper.

 

Application from inside Canada:

Eligibility Requirements:

You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada (You should apply at least 2 months before you plan to leave Canada) if you meet all the conditions below:

  • you’re already in Canada
  • you hold a valid study or work permit
  • you want to leave and return to Canada in the near future
  • your existing visitor visa is expired or was valid for only one entry

Application Documents (for applicants in Canada):

  • IMM 5721 Document Checklist – Applicants in Canada
  • IMM 5257 Application form for TRV
  • IMM 5707 Family Information Form
  • IMM 5476 Use of a Representative (if applicable)
  • IMM 5409 Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (if applicable)
  • IMM 5475 Authority to Release Information (if applicable)
  • Proof of payment
  • Valid passport
  • Two 35mm x 45mm photos (either black and white or colour) taken within the last 6 months meeting the specifications requirements
  • An additional empty prepaid 21 x 32mm Xpresspost - National envelope from Canada Post
  • Photocopy of your current immigration status in Canada (e.g. study or work permit)
  • Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  • Proof of current studies (e.g. original transcript and letter from the school) if you are currently studying in Canada
  • Proof of your current employment (e.g. a letter from your employer) if you are currently working in Canada

Application Documents (for applicants outside Canada):

  • IMM 5484 Document Checklist
  • IMM 5257 Application form for TRV
  • IMM 5707 Family Information Form
  • IMM 5409 Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (if applicable)
  • Two 35mm x 45mm photos (either black and white or colour) taken within the last 6 months that meet the specifications
  • IMM 5476 Use of a Representative (if applicable)
  • Proof of payment in an acceptable format (Visa office do not accept payments from Canadian banks)
  • Photocopy of the information page(s) of your valid passport or travel document
  • Two 35mm x 45mm photos (either black and white or colour) taken within the last 6 months meeting the specifications requirements
  • Proof of Financial Support
  • Photocopy of your Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
  • Purpose of Travel
  • Proof of your current immigration status (if you country of residence differs from the country of citizenship on your passport)
  • Minors travelling alone or with parents must provide custody documents
  • Any additional documents required by the responsible visa office

 

Application Process:

  • Get documents ready
  • Complete the application
  • Pay application fees
  • Submit the application

 

Application fees:

You must pay your fees online. You must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application.

Government fees:

Application fee : $100

Biometrics fee: $85

Third-party fees: medical exam, police certificate, notary, translation, delivery and postage, etc.