Visitor Visa (TRV)

Overview

A Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is an official document stuck in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada.

Most travelers need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You may also need one if you're transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to your final destination.

Eligibility & Requirements

Valid Passport: Have a valid travel document, such as a passport.
Good Health: Be in good health (medical exam may be required).
No Criminal Record: Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.
Strong Ties: Convince an immigration officer that you have ties - such as a job, home, financial assets, or family - that will take you back to your home country.
Intent to Leave: Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
Sufficient Funds: Have enough money for your stay (bank statements, employment letter).

Types of Visitor Visas

Single Entry Visa

Allows you to enter Canada only one time. Once you leave Canada (excluding travel to the United States and St. Pierre and Miquelon), you will need a new visa to return.

Multiple Entry Visa

Allows you to seek entry to Canada as often as needed while your visa is valid. The maximum validity is up to 10 years or the expiry date of your passport or biometrics, whichever comes first. Officers decide the entry type and the validity period case by case, so a shorter validity can be issued.

Validity, Officer Discretion and Cancellation

Entry type and validity: IRCC's guidance tells officers to use their judgement in choosing single or multiple entry and in setting the validity period. Factors include whether the visit is a one-time event or recurring, whether you have stable funds, and your ties to your home country. Ten years is the maximum, so do not plan on the assumption that you will receive a 10-year multiple-entry visa.
A visa can be cancelled: Bill C-12 received Royal Assent on 26 March 2026. It allows the Governor in Council (Cabinet), by order in council and in the public interest, to cancel, suspend or change large groups of immigration documents, including visas and eTAs. IRCC lists the grounds as fraud, administrative errors, and concerns for public health, safety or national security. Check IRCC announcements before you travel and keep your application records and travel documents with you.

Required Documents

Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay
Photograph: A digital photo that meets IRCC's photo specifications, uploaded with your online application. Your personalised checklist in your IRCC account confirms the exact requirement
Proof of Funds: Bank statements (last 6 months), fixed deposits
Travel Itinerary: Flight bookings, hotel reservations
Employment Proof: Letter from employer, business registration
Invitation Letter: If visiting family or friends in Canada
Purpose of Visit: Documents supporting your travel purpose

Processing Time & Fees

Processing Time: Varies by country and application type. Check IRCC's processing times tool for the current estimate, which is not a maximum or a guarantee
Application Fee: CAD 100 per person (maximum CAD 500 for a family of 5 or more applying together)
Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 per person, or a maximum of CAD 170 for a family of 2 or more applying together, if you are required to give biometrics
Stay Duration: Up to 6 months per visit

Common Questions

Canada Visitor Visa FAQs

What is a Canadian Visitor Visa?

The Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV) allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for tourism, visiting family, or business activities for up to 6 months.

Who needs a visitor visa for Canada?

Citizens of countries not on Canada's visa-exempt list need a TRV. Visa-exempt nationals who fly to Canada (for example, UK and EU citizens) need an eTA. US citizens need neither a visa nor an eTA.

What documents are required for visitor visa?

Required documents include a valid passport, a digital photo that meets IRCC's specifications, financial proof, travel itinerary, invitation letter (if visiting family), and evidence of ties to home country. Your personalised checklist in your IRCC account lists anything further.

How much financial proof is needed?

Show enough funds for your trip and your return travel. IRCC lists a bank statement covering at least 6 months, an employer letter, an itinerary and a letter of invitation among its recommended documents.

Can I extend my visitor visa in Canada?

Yes, you can apply to extend your stay before your authorized period expires. Apply for a visitor record to extend. The fee is CAD 100 per person, and extensions are granted at the immigration officer's discretion.

Can I study on a visitor visa?

You can study short courses (6 months or less) without a study permit. Longer programs require a study permit.

Can I work on a visitor visa?

No, visitor visa doesn't permit work. Business activities like meetings and conferences are allowed, but not paid employment.

What is the processing time for visitor visa?

Processing times vary by country and application type. IRCC publishes the current estimate on its processing times tool and states that it is not a maximum or a guarantee, so apply well in advance of your travel dates.

Can my visitor visa application be refused?

Yes, common reasons include insufficient ties to home country, inadequate finances, incomplete documentation, or concerns about genuine visitor intent.

What's the difference between single and multiple entry visa?

Single entry allows one visit. Multiple entry allows you to seek entry as often as needed during the validity period, which can be up to 10 years or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first. Officers decide the entry type and validity case by case, so a single-entry visa or a shorter validity can be issued and 10 years is a maximum, not a standard.