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.