Canadian Visitor Visa

CANADIAN VISITOR VISA

A visiting visa (sometimes known as a temporary resident visa) is a piece of paper that is placed in the passport. It demonstrates that you meet the entry requirements for Canada.

The majority of visitors visiting Canada require a visitor visa. If you're passing through a Canadian airport on your way to your final destination, you could require one.

It is officially referred to as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Types of visitor visa

In Canada, there are two types of visitor visas:

• Single-entry visa: These are issued for a term of up to six months.
• Multiple-entry visa: Multiple-entry visitor visas are valid for up to ten years or one month before the passport or re-entry visa expires (whichever date comes first).

Canadian Visitor Visa Eligibility Requirements

• A valid passport is required.
• Evidence of good health.
• There is no criminal record or convictions relating to immigration.
• You must provide proof that you intend to return to your home country (stating you have ties such as a job, home, financial assets or family).
• Proof of sufficient funds to see you through your stay.
• The length of your stay and where you'll be staying temporarily.

In some cases one won’t be permitted to enter Canada

Reasons include:-

• criminal activity
• human rights violations
• organized crime

You may also be deemed ineligible due to security, health, or financial concerns.

How long will you be able to stay?

Most travellers can stay in Canada for up to six months.

The border services officer at the point of entry may authorize you to stay for less than or more than 6 months. If that's the case, they'll stamp your passport with the date you need to leave by. They may also provide you with a guest record, which will detail the date by which you must depart.

If your passport does not have a stamp, you can stay in Canada for up to 6 months from the date you entered or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can get a stamp from a border services officer if you need one. If you arrive at an airport that employs primary inspection kiosks, inquire after you have completed the kiosk.

Process of applying for a Canadian visitor visa

Applications are submitted online through IRCC's (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) secure portal. The typical steps are:

1. Create an IRCC secure account and complete the online application form, answering questions about your travel purpose, background, and ties to your home country.
2. Upload supporting documents — passport pages, photos, proof of funds, and travel history.
3. Pay the application and biometric fees online.
4. Give your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre, if required.
5. Track your application status online until a decision is issued.

Processing times vary by visa office and season, so it's best to apply well ahead of your planned travel date.