Have you ever dreamt of exploring the bustling cities of Canada for business, conferences, tourism, or visiting a family member, friend, or spouse? If so, you'll likely need a visitor visa, also known as a temporary resident visa, to turn your travel aspirations into a reality.
A visitor visa is a formal document affixed to your passport, serving as official proof that you meet the requirements to enter Canada. Whether you're planning a leisurely vacation or transiting through a Canadian airport en route to your final destination, a visitor visa is often a prerequisite for most travelers.
To be eligible to apply for a visitor visa you should:
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 a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada (if you are coming to visit someone in Canada).
Additional documents
For those Visiting a Family: There are two types of visas you can apply for. You could either go for a regular tourist visa or a super visa (open to parents and grandparents offering them the possibility of visiting Canada for up to 5 years on each entry into Canada following an invitation from their child or grandchild who MUST be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident). Also, depending on your circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, baptismal certificates, or adoption papers, to establish your relationship with the family member you plan to visit.
For Tourism: You do not need an invitation letter as a tourist, however, you need to determine if you need a visiting visa before beginning your application process. Most travelers from countries outside the United States are required to obtain a visitor visa, with a few exceptions. To check if your country of residence necessitates a visitor visa, you can visit the official Canadian government website, consult the Canadian embassy or simply ask INFOPLACE
For Business or a conference: If you're attending a conference, request a letter of invitation from the event organizers or the hosting organization in Canada. This letter should detail the purpose, duration, and itinerary of your visit. Also, include proof of business activities. Gather any documents that demonstrate the nature of your business activities or conference participation, such as conference registration, business contracts, meeting schedules, or letters from your employer explaining the purpose of your trip.
Most visitors to Canada are allowed a maximum stay of up to 6 months. However, upon arrival at the port of entry, a border services officer may permit you to stay for a shorter or longer duration. In such cases, they will indicate the date by which you must leave Canada on your passport or provide you with a visitor record document specifying the departure date.
Understanding the specific requirement for a Canadian Visa Application is crucial to increase your likelihood of receiving approval. Our team of licensed consultants is available to provide tailored advice as you look to apply for your Canadian visa. Book a consultation with one of our consultants to get proper guidance on your application.