Canada Visit Visa
Canada offers a visitor visa, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV), to individuals who wish to visit the country for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term courses or conferences. Here’s an overview of the Canada visit visa process:
Eligibility
To be eligible for a visitor visa, you must demonstrate to the Canadian immigration authorities that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay, have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Canada, have no criminal record, have enough ties to your homeland and pose no security or health risks.
Application Process
Determine whether you need a visitor visa
Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need to apply for a visitor visa before traveling to Canada, or you may be eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you're from a visa-exempt country.
Complete the application:
You'll need to fill out the appropriate application form, which can be done online or on paper, and provide supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and any additional documents required based on your specific situation.
Pay the application fee
There is a non-refundable fee associated with applying for a visitor visa.
Submit your application
If applying online, you'll submit your application electronically. If applying on paper, you'll need to mail your application to the appropriate visa office.
Attend biometrics appointment (if applicable):
Depending on your nationality, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) as part of the application process.
Processing Time
Processing times for visitor visa applications vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications and the visa office processing your application.
Decision
Once your application is processed, you will receive a decision on whether your visitor visa application has been approved. If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport, or you will receive an approval letter if you were granted an ETA.
Entry into Canada
Upon arrival in Canada, you will need to present your passport, visa (if applicable), and any other supporting documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They will verify your documents and determine whether you meet the entry requirements.
Types of visitor visas
In Canada, there are several types of visitor visas and permits, each serving different purposes and catering to various categories of travelers. Here are the main types:
1. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV):
This is the most common type of visitor visa for individuals who come from countries that are not visa-exempt. It allows individuals to visit Canada for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term courses or conferences.
2. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
The ETA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to the individual’s passport and is valid for multiple entries into Canada for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
3. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
This visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for an extended period. It is valid for up to five years per visit and allows multiple entries into Canada for up to 10 years. Renewable up to 2 years.
4. Business Visitor Visa
This visa is for individuals who need to visit Canada for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. Business visitors must prove that their main source of income and place of business are outside Canada.
5. Tourist Visitor Visa
This visa is for individuals who wish to visit Canada for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting attractions, or experiencing Canadian culture. Tourist visitors must demonstrate ties to their home country and provide an itinerary of their planned activities in Canada.
6. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
This permit is for individuals who are inadmissible to Canada due to criminality, health reasons, or other factors but have a legitimate reason for visiting, such as compassionate grounds or compelling circumstances. A TRP allows the individual to enter or remain in Canada for a specified period.
7. Visitor Record
A Visitor Record is an official document issued by the Canadian government to individuals who are already in Canada and wish to extend their stay as visitors, students, or workers. It serves as proof of legal status in Canada and outlines the conditions and duration of the individual’s authorized stay.
Types of visitor visas
In Canada, there are several types of visitor visas and permits, each serving different purposes and catering to various categories of travelers. Here are the main types:
1. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV):
This is the most common type of visitor visa for individuals who come from countries that are not visa-exempt. It allows individuals to visit Canada for tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or participating in short-term courses or conferences.
2. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA):
The ETA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is electronically linked to the individual’s passport and is valid for multiple entries into Canada for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
3. Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
This visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for an extended period. It is valid for up to five years per visit and allows multiple entries into Canada for up to 10 years. Renewable up to 2 years.
4. Business Visitor Visa
This visa is for individuals who need to visit Canada for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiating contracts. Business visitors must prove that their main source of income and place of business are outside Canada.
5. Tourist Visitor Visa
This visa is for individuals who wish to visit Canada for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, visiting attractions, or experiencing Canadian culture. Tourist visitors must demonstrate ties to their home country and provide an itinerary of their planned activities in Canada.
6. Temporary Resident Permit (TRP):
This permit is for individuals who are inadmissible to Canada due to criminality, health reasons, or other factors but have a legitimate reason for visiting, such as compassionate grounds or compelling circumstances. A TRP allows the individual to enter or remain in Canada for a specified period.
7. Visitor Record
A Visitor Record is an official document issued by the Canadian government to individuals who are already in Canada and wish to extend their stay as visitors, students, or workers. It serves as proof of legal status in Canada and outlines the conditions and duration of the individual’s authorized stay.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
The Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a document issued by the Canadian government to foreign nationals who wish to enter Canada temporarily for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or studying for a short duration.
Here are the key features of the TRV:
The primary purpose of the TRV is to allow foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for specific purposes, without the intention of establishing permanent residence.
To be eligible for a TRV, applicants must demonstrate that they intend to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay, have sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in Canada, have no criminal record (or provide a police clearance certificate if required), and meet other eligibility requirements set by the Canadian immigration authorities.
The application process for a TRV involves completing the appropriate application form (either online or on paper), providing supporting documentation (such as a valid passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and letter of invitation if applicable), paying the application fee, and attending any required biometrics appointments.
TRVs are typically issued for short-term stays, ranging from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on the specific circumstances of the visit. Extensions may be possible in some cases.
TRVs may be issued as either single-entry or multiple-entry visas. Single-entry visas allow the holder to enter Canada once, while multiple-entry visas allow for multiple entries into Canada during the visa’s validity period.
Holders of a TRV are not authorized to engage in gainful employment in Canada. Any work activities, including hands-on work or providing services, would require a work permit.
Upon arrival in Canada, TRV holders must present their passport, visa (if applicable), and any supporting documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They may be asked about the purpose of their visit and their intended activities in Canada.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the TRV is to allow foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for specific purposes, without the intention of establishing permanent residence.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a TRV, applicants must demonstrate that they intend to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay, have sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in Canada, have no criminal record (or provide a police clearance certificate if required), and meet other eligibility requirements set by the Canadian immigration authorities.
Application Process
The application process for a TRV involves completing the appropriate application form (either online or on paper), providing supporting documentation (such as a valid passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, and letter of invitation if applicable), paying the application fee, and attending any required biometrics appointments.
Duration of Stay
TRVs are typically issued for short-term stays, ranging from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on the specific circumstances of the visit. Extensions may be possible in some cases.
Multiple Entry vs. Single Entry
TRVs may be issued as either single-entry or multiple-entry visas. Single-entry visas allow the holder to enter Canada once, while multiple-entry visas allow for multiple entries into Canada during the visa’s validity period.
No Work Authorization
Holders of a TRV are not authorized to engage in gainful employment in Canada. Any work activities, including hands-on work or providing services, would require a work permit.
Entry into Canada
Upon arrival in Canada, TRV holders must present their passport, visa (if applicable), and any supporting documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They may be asked about the purpose of their visit and their intended activities in Canada.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
The Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It is an electronic document linked to the individual’s passport and is obtained through an online application process.
Here are the key features of the ETA:
The primary purpose of the TRV is to allow foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for specific purposes, without the intention of establishing permanent residence.
Most visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air are required to obtain an eTA before their trip. However, there are exceptions, such as Canadian citizens, permanent residents, U.S. citizens, and individuals with a valid Canadian visa. Travellers should check if they need an eTA before booking their flights
The application process for an eTA is entirely online and involves completing a simple application form on the official Government of Canada website. Applicants must provide basic personal information, passport details, and answers to a few eligibility questions. There is a processing fee associated with the application, payable online by credit or debit card.
Once approved, an eTA is valid for multiple entries into Canada for up to five years or until the passport linked to the eTA expires, whichever comes first. Each entry can be for a maximum stay of up to six months.
Unlike some visa applications, eTA applications do not require applicants to provide biometric information (such as fingerprints and photographs). However, travellers may be subject to biometric screening upon arrival in Canada.
Business Visitor Visa
A Business Visitor Visa is a type of visa that allows individuals to enter Canada temporarily for business-related purposes without the intention of entering the Canadian labor market. It’s designed for individuals who need to conduct business activities such as attending meetings, conferences, negotiating contracts, or exploring business opportunities in Canada.
Here are the key features of a Business Visitor Visa:
The primary purpose of a Business Visitor Visa is to facilitate short-term business activities in Canada. It’s not intended for individuals seeking to enter the Canadian labor market for employment purposes.
To be eligible for a Business Visitor Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they intend to engage in permissible business activities in Canada and that they have sufficient ties to their home country to ensure their departure from Canada at the end of their authorized stay.
Permissible activities for business visitors may include attending meetings, conferences, and trade shows; engaging in business negotiations; exploring investment opportunities; and conducting market research.
Business Visitor Visas are typically granted for short-term stays, ranging from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on the specific circumstances of the visit.
It’s important to note that individuals holding a Business Visitor Visa are not authorized to engage in gainful employment in Canada. Any work activities, including hands-on work or providing services, would require a work permit.
The application process for a Business Visitor Visa involves completing the appropriate application form, providing supporting documentation (such as a letter of invitation from a Canadian business, proof of funds, and a travel itinerary), paying the application fee, and attending any required biometrics appointments.
Upon arrival in Canada, business visitors must present their passport, visa (if applicable), and any supporting documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They may be asked about the purpose of their visit and their intended activities in.
Tourist Visitor Visa
A Tourist Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a type of visa that allows individuals to visit Canada temporarily for tourism purposes. It enables visitors to explore the country, visit family or friends, participate in leisure activities, or experience Canadian culture and attractions.
Here are the key features of a Tourist Visitor Visa:
The primary purpose of a Tourist Visitor Visa is to allow individuals to visit Canada for tourism and recreational purposes. It’s not intended for individuals seeking to enter the Canadian labor market for employment purposes.
To be eligible for a Tourist Visitor Visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient ties to their home country to ensure their departure from Canada at the end of their authorized stay. They must also have the financial means to support themselves during their visit and meet other eligibility requirements set by the Canadian immigration authorities.
Permissible activities for tourist visitors may include sightseeing, visiting national parks and attractions, attending cultural events and festivals, spending time with family or friends, and engaging in leisure activities such as hiking, skiing, or fishing.
Tourist Visitor Visas are typically granted for short-term stays, ranging from a few days to several weeks or months, depending on the specific circumstances of the visit. Extensions may be possible in some cases.
Individuals holding a Tourist Visitor Visa are not authorized to engage in gainful employment in Canada. Any work activities, including hands-on work or providing services, would require a work permit.
The application process for a Tourist Visitor Visa involves completing the appropriate application form, providing supporting documentation (such as proof of funds, a travel itinerary, and a letter of invitation if applicable), paying the application fee, and attending any required biometrics appointments.
Upon arrival in Canada, tourist visitors must present their passport, visa (if applicable), and any supporting documents to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. They may be asked about the purpose of their visit and their intended activities in Canada.
Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
The Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a document issued by the Canadian government to individuals who are deemed inadmissible to Canada due to factors such as criminality, health concerns, or other reasons but have a legitimate reason for entering the country temporarily.
Here are the key features of the TRP
The primary purpose of the TRP is to allow individuals who are otherwise inadmissible to Canada to enter or remain in the country for a specific period, provided they have a valid reason for their visit, such as compassionate grounds, humanitarian reasons, or compelling circumstances.
To be eligible for a TRP, applicants must demonstrate that they have a legitimate reason for their visit to Canada and that their presence in the country is not contrary to Canadian interests. They must also provide evidence of rehabilitation (if applicable) and satisfy the Canadian immigration authorities that they pose no risk to Canadian society.
The application process for a TRP involves completing the appropriate application form, providing supporting documentation (such as a detailed explanation of the reasons for the TRP request, police clearance certificates, medical reports, and any other relevant documents), paying the application fee, and attending any required interviews or biometrics appointments.
TRPs are typically issued for a specified period, ranging from a few days to several years, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Extensions may be possible in some cases, but applicants must reapply for a TRP before the current permit expires.
TRPs may be subject to conditions and restrictions imposed by the Canadian immigration authorities, such as geographic limitations on where the individual can travel within Canada or requirements to report to immigration officials at specified intervals.
While the TRP provides a temporary solution for individuals who are inadmissible to Canada, it is not a substitute for permanent residency or citizenship. Individuals seeking to remain in Canada on a more permanent basis may need to explore other immigration pathways, such as rehabilitation, sponsorship, or humanitarian and compassionate grounds applications.
Visitor Record
A Visitor Record is an official document issued by the Canadian government to individuals who are already in Canada and wish to extend their stay as visitors, students, or workers. It serves as proof of legal status in Canada and outlines the conditions and duration of the individual’s authorized stay.
Here are the key features of a Visitor Record:
The primary purpose of a Visitor Record is to extend the authorized stay of individuals who are already in Canada temporarily, such as visitors, students, or temporary workers. It allows them to remain in Canada beyond the expiration date of their initial authorization.
To be eligible for a Visitor Record, applicants must demonstrate that they have valid reasons for extending their stay in Canada, such as continuing their studies, visiting family or friends, or engaging in additional tourism or leisure activities. They must also meet the requirements set by the Canadian immigration authorities and satisfy any conditions attached to their original authorization.
The application process for a Visitor Record involves completing the appropriate application form, providing supporting documentation (such as a letter explaining the reasons for the extension, proof of financial support, and proof of ties to Canada or intent to return to their home country), paying the application fee, and submitting the application to the appropriate immigration office.
Visitor Records are typically issued for a specified period, depending on the individual’s circumstances and the reasons for the extension. The duration of the extension may vary, ranging from a few days to several months or years, as determined by the Canadian immigration authorities.
Visitor Records may be subject to conditions and restrictions imposed by the Canadian immigration authorities, such as limitations on employment or study activities, requirements to maintain valid health insurance coverage, or geographic limitations on where the individual can travel within Canada.
In some cases, individuals may be eligible to renew their Visitor Record to further extend their stay in Canada. Renewal applications must be submitted before the expiration date of the current authorization, and applicants must continue to meet the eligibility criteria and satisfy any conditions attached to their stay.
Parent And Grandparent Program (Parents Visa)
The Family Class sponsorship visa enables the parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or a person having procured a permanent residency to receive the right to stay with their child or grandchild having acquired the permanent residency and may gradually is able to apply for the citizenship in Canada. To stand eligible for Family Class sponsorship, the sponsor in Canada must amass a few pre-requisites:
How To Apply For Parent And Grandparent Program (PGP)
- The sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
- The sponsor must have aged 18 years or older
- The sponsor must surpass a minimum wage necessary to support the family for the
- The sponsor must agree to sign an undertaking to recompense any provincial social resource benefits are paid to the sponsor and accompanying family members, for a span of 20 years
- By acceding to the evaluation notices issued by the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) to reinforce their funding, sponsors would require confirmation that they met the minimum remuneration requirements, and they should also explain that they've been meeting the minimum income level for three consecutive years. The Canadian residents who want to apply as sponsors for the said program must first complete an online form on the website of Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to give their attention to applying for the visa category to sponsor their parents or grandparents. Having sent the application form acts as the first major step towards a family scholarship being part of the program. Applicants who have been invited to apply, avail a span of 90 days to capitulate a complete application along with supporting documents.
The Dependent Child Sponsorship Program (Child Visa)
Dependent children can use the sponsorship to reside along with their parents as permanent residents in Canada in the case of either natural or adopted children. The program for child sponsorship comes under the immigrant program’s Family Class subcategory. To apply for this service, Immigrants, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must verify the individual, sponsor, and their child for the sponsored person to acquire a visa.
The sponsor has to prove his / her friendship with the person being sponsored to acquire a visa under this immigration scheme. The entity whose adoption lawsuit is in the final step may begin supporting their child before the procedure is completed. To benefit from Canadian sponsorship, the applicant must read the specified program criteria, as well as additional traditional requirements, where appropriate in their case.
After The Completion Of The Sponsorship Immigration Process
The children who are sponsored through the Family Class of immigration are awarded the permanent residence in Canada which also includes standing equitable to study and acquire job opportunities in Canada.