Canada Tourist Visa

Canada is among the world's top tourist destinations that attract millions of visitors every year, and the process for obtaining a Canada Tourist Visa (often referred to as a Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) entails the comprehension of its requirements, procedure and updates.

What Is Canada Tourist Visa?

A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a government document that permits entry into Canada for tourism, family visits or business meetings and it is attached to your passport.

You can’t claim the right to work or to study in Canada (unless you apply for a permit separately).

A border services officer will determine your length of stay upon your arrival in Canada. Usually, the maximum stay for travelers with a tourist visa is 6 months but the exact time is decided at the point of entry.

Eligibility Criteria

Canada Tourist Visa requirements vary with the conditions of the applicant’s case.

• To be in possession of an allowable travel document (usually, the passport).
• Be healthy. Sometimes, a medical check-up may be required.
• Have no past criminal records or immigration violations.
• Inform the visa officer that you wish to leave Canada after the authorized stay.
• Prove that you have enough money to take care of yourself while being in Canada.
• Demonstrate connections to your home country (job, family, property) thus providing immigration with surety that you will go back.

Documents Required

The application for a Canada Tourist Visa involves the submission of multiple documents.

• A passport with its identification pages photocopied.
• A fully filled visitor visa application form (accessible through IRCC).
• A set of photographs that meet the requirements for the Canadian visa photo.
• Documentation of financial means (bank statements, payslips etc.) to demonstrate that your stay is financially manageable.
• A plan of travel or a booked ticket back home or your exit from Canada's plans.
• Proof for every night of your stay (hotel bookings, host invitation etc.).
• A medical exam or police certificate if needed (depending on your country or duration).
• An invitation letter in case of visiting family or friends (if applicable).

The visa office may require other documents such as proof of employment, business documents, etc.

In case biometric information is required from you, then it will also be necessary to provide your fingerprints and a photo at a visa application center (VAC).

Application Process

1. Check your eligibility and decide if a visa or eTA is required for you.
2. Collect all the documents that were listed above and get them ready.
3. Next, you have to complete the online application and submit it through the IRCC portal or by paper (it depends on your country).
4. Pay the fee for the visa and biometric fee (if applicable).
5. When biometrics are requested, go to a Visa Application Centre to submit them.
6. Then, sit tight as the processing takes place - the visa office might ask for more documents or an interview.
7. Finally, you get the decision - A visa sticker will be put on your passport if your application is approved and your passport will be given back to you.
8. You may now proceed to Canada - upon your arrival, a border official might allow you to stay for a maximum of 6 months or for a shorter period.

Each country has its own application steps, document submission and biometric procedures, so be sure to adhere to the guidelines given by your nearest Canadian visa office or VAC.

Fees

The following are the major fees for a Canada Tourist Visa -

• Visitor visa application cost - CAD 100
• Biometrics fee (for those who must provide biometrics) - CAD 85

Regardless of the decision on the visa, these fees are non-refundable.

Depending on your location, there could also be extra service fees for the use of a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Processing Time

The wait times for a Canada Tourist Visa differ from country to country and also depend on the workload of the visa office.

A Few Important Things

• The average processing time is 15 to 30 calendar days, provided that the documents for your application are complete.
• It may sometimes take longer up to 45 days or more during peak periods or if verification is needed.
• The indicated processing time does not include biometric taking time.
• Definitely, apply early ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your travel date.

Duration of Stay

Generally, the Canada Tourist Visa allows you to be in the country for six months at most, counting from the day you enter. The border services officer at the airport or land entry will then take the final call on the duration.

If your passport has been stamped and no date has been mentioned, you are given six months to stay. On the contrary, if the officer mentions a date or you are issued a visitor record, you must leave the country before that date.

To remain in the country for a longer period, you have to apply for a visa extension at least 30 days before your current visa expires.

Plan Your Canada Journey with Visafornation

At Visafornation, we advocate that the very first step to a successful journey is getting the right guidance. It doesn't matter if you're going to Canada for a brief holiday or meeting your relatives; our specialists will make sure that the whole visa process is smooth, transparent, and devoid of stress.

We provide document preparation, submission, and follow-up as part of our personalized visa assistance which is given according to the latest IRCC updates. When it comes to the number of visa approvals, visafornation has a very strong and positive track record which helps you to make your dream of visiting Canada a safe and confident reality.