A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that we stick in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada.
Who needs a visitor visa
Most travellers need a visitor visa
Most travellers 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.
A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that we put in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to travel to Canada.
How long you can stay
Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.
At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave by.
If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border officer after you finish at the kiosk.
Make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply
You may need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. The entry document you need depends on:
- the type of travel document you plan to travel with
- the country that issued your travel document
- your nationality
- how you’ll travel to Canada for this trip
Find out if you need a visitor visa
Who can get a visa
You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa.
You must:
- have a valid travel document, like a passport
- be in good health
- have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
- 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
- convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
- have enough money for your stay
- The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.
You may also need a medical exam and letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
Check the list of documents you need based on your situation.
Some people are not allowed to enter Canada
Some people are inadmissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:
- criminal activity
- human rights violations
- organized crime
You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons. Find out more about inadmissibility.
Minor children travelling to Canada
Make sure you know what to do if your minor children (children under the age of 18) will be travelling with you, with someone else, or alone.
Prepare documents and apply
The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.Why are you applying for a visitor visa? (required)
- To visit as a tourist
- To visit for business
- To visit your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residence
- For a family visit
- For compassionate reasons
- To join a vessel as a marine crew member (known as a “seafarer”)
- None of the above
Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
Find out how to give biometrics
Processing your visitor visa application
We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the documents you need.
If it’s incomplete, your application may be refused.
We may also ask you to
- go to an interview with our officials in your country
- send more information
- get a medical exam
- get a police certificate
We’ll tell you what to do if you need to do any of these.
We process most applications in a few weeks or less. Processing times depend on the visa office and if you need to do any extra steps (listed above).
Check your application status
The way to check your application status depends on how you applied. Find out how to check your application status.
If we approve your application
If you applied online
If you applied on paper
If we refuse your application
If you applied online
If you applied on paper
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Documents you need before you travel to Canada
In some situations, you’ll need to bring documents with you when you travel to Canada.
Situations where you may need extra documents on arrival
If either of the following situations applies to you or someone you’ll travel with, have the documents indicated in hand.
You have a child under the age of 18 (a minor child)
In Canada, a child under the age of 18 is considered a minor.
You may need to show
- a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada, and
- other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not
Find out more about minor children travelling to Canada
You were invited to come to Canada
If you got a letter from a person or company that invited you to Canada, bring that letter with you. A border services officer may ask to see it.
Find out more about letters of invitation
Your arrival in Canada
A valid visa and travel document don’t guarantee that you can enter Canada.
We determine if you meet all entry requirements
When you arrive, we’ll check your identity to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada.
- If you enter Canada at one of 4 major Canadian airports
- Your fingerprints will be checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk.
- The system will check your identity against the information collected when your application was submitted.
- If you enter Canada at a land port of entry
- Your fingerprints may be checked if we refer you to a secondary inspection, where a border services officer will use a fingerprint verification device to check your fingerprints.
When you enter Canada
If you pass the identity check, health assessment, and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer may stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada. You’re normally allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months.
In some cases, the officer may limit or extend your time in Canada, depending on the purpose of your visit. Ask questions if you’re not sure about something.
You won’t be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information. The officer must be convinced that
- you’re eligible for entry into Canada
- you’ll leave Canada at the end of your approved length of stay