Visitor Visa

Types of Visitor Visa

• Single-entry visa: Allows you to enter Canada once. Once you leave Canada, you need to apply for a new visa to return.
• Multiple-entry visa: Allows you to enter Canada multiple times before the visa expires.

The validity of the visa generally can last up to 10 years or until the expiry of your passport or biometrics, whichever comes first.

How Long Can You Stay in Canada?

• Standard Stay: Most visitors are allowed to stay for up to 6 months.
• At the Port of Entry: The border services officer may decide to grant you a stay that is shorter or longer than 6 months. They will note the required departure date in your passport.
• You may also receive a visitor record, which will show the specific date you need to leave by.
• Without a Stamp: If you don’t get a stamp, you can stay for 6 months from your entry date, or until the expiry of your biometrics or passport, whichever comes first.
• Super Visa Holders: Those holding a Super Visa (for parents and grandparents) and entering Canada after June 22, 2023, can stay in Canada for up to 5 years.

If you do not receive a stamp in your passport but wish to have one, you could request a stamp from a border services officer at the airport, especially if you used primary inspection kiosks.

Do You Need a Visitor Visa?

To determine if you need a visitor visa, consider the following:

• The type of travel document (passport) you have.
• The country that issued your travel document.
• Your nationality.
• How you plan to travel to Canada.

Who Can Get a Visitor Visa?

To be eligible for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to Canada, you must meet several basic requirements:

Basic Requirements:

• Valid Travel Document: You need to have a valid passport or another recognized travel document.
• Good Health: You must be in good health. In some cases, a medical exam might be required.
• No Criminal or Immigration-Related Convictions: You should have no past criminal or immigration-related
• Strong Ties to Your Home Country: You need to prove to the immigration officer that you have ties to your home country. These could include:
  • A job
  • Home
  • Family
  • Financial assets

These ties will show that you have reasons to return home after your visit to Canada. 

• Intent to Leave Canada: You must convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
• Sufficient Funds: You need to demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Canada. The exact amount required depends on:
  • The length of your stay
  • Whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or family.
• Additional Documents (if applicable):
  • You may be asked for a medical exam.
  • If you are visiting family or friends, you may need a letter of invitation from your host in Canada.

 

Who May Be Inadmissible to Canada?

Some people may be inadmissible, meaning they are not allowed to enter Canada. Reasons for inadmissibility can include:

• Criminal Activity: Involvement in crimes such as theft, assault, or drug offenses.
• Human Rights Violations: Participation in or association with human rights violations.
• Organized Crime: Being involved in organized criminal activity.
• Security Risks: Being considered a threat to national security.
• Health Reasons: Having a medical condition that poses a risk to public health.
• Financial Issues: Being unable to prove sufficient financial resources to support your stay or having previous issues with finances or debt in Canada.
• If you are inadmissible, it could affect your chances of obtaining a visa or entry into Canada.

 

Minor Children Traveling to Canada

If minor children (under the age of 18) will be traveling with you, or if they will be traveling alone or with someone else, ensure you know the proper steps and documents required for their entry into Canada. You may need to provide:

• Parental consent letters.
• Additional documentation for minors traveling without both parents.

Make sure to check the requirements for minors to ensure everything is in order for their entry into Canada.

General Document Checklist for Visitor Visa:

Visiting as a tourist:

• Passport (or equivalent travel document)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (if applicable)
• Family Information (IMM 5645)
• Minor Children Documents (if applicable)
• Travel History (Previous Visas)
• Itinerary
• Bank Account Statement
• Authority to Release Personal Information (IMM 5475) (if applicable)

Visiting for business:

• Passport (or equivalent travel document)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (if applicable)
• Travel History (Previous Visas)
• Itinerary
• Bank Account Statement
• Employer Information
• Letter of Invitation from business in Canada
• Authority to Release Personal Information (IMM 5475) (if applicable)

Visit your spouse/family who has sponsored you for Permanent Residence:

• • Passport (or equivalent travel document)
  • Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (if applicable)
  • Family Information (IMM 5645)
  • Minor Children Documents (if applicable)

• Travel History (Previous Visas)
• Itinerary
• Bank Account Statement
• Employer Information
• Letter of Invitation from sponsor
• Itinerary
• Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409)
• Authority to Release Personal Information (IMM 5475) (if applicable)