A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document stuck in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada.
Who needs a visitor visa
Most travelers need a visitor visa
Most travelers need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You may also need a visa if you are 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 stuck in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to travel to Canada.
How long you can stay
Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months.
At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they will mark the date you need to leave in your passport. They may also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave.
If you do not get a stamp in your passport, you can stay in Canada 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. 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 type of entry document you need depends on:
- the type of travel document you plan to use to travel
- the country that issued your travel document
- your nationality
- how you will travel to Canada for this trip
Who can apply
Who can get a visa
You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa.
You must:
- have a valid travel document, such as 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 need depends on how long you will stay and whether you will be staying 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.
Check the list of documents you need based on your situation.
Some people are not allowed to enter Canada
Some people are not admissible to Canada, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You may be inadmissible for many reasons, including involvement in:
- criminal activity
- human rights violations
- organized crime
You may also be inadmissible for security, health, or financial reasons. Learn more about inadmissibility.
Minor children travelling to Canada
Make sure you know what to do if your minor children (children under 18 years old) will be travelling with you, with someone else, or alone.
KeyApply Services
KeyApply's immigration consulting services specialize in preparing visitor visa applications for clients, making the visa application process smoother and more efficient. We provide comprehensive support from the first step of the application process until completion, including:
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Consultation and Profile Assessment: The team of experts at KeyApply will assess your profile and provide professional advice on the success rate of your visa application.
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Application Preparation Support: We help you prepare and organize all required documents, ensuring that your application meets all necessary requirements and standards.
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Application Procedure Guidance: KeyApply guides you through each step of the application process, including filling out forms, preparing supporting documents, and submitting your application.
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Visa Interview Consultation: If required, we provide consultation and coaching on how to prepare for and conduct a visa interview, helping you feel confident and ready for the process.
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Application Updates and Tracking: KeyApply tracks the progress of your visa application and provides regular status updates.
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Post-Application Support: After submission, we continue to support you in case any additional steps are required by immigration authorities.
🌍 International travel insurance available
We also provide global travel insurance, including coverage for medical emergencies and risks incurred during your trip.
With extensive experience and expertise in the immigration field, KeyApply is committed to providing high-quality immigration consulting services, helping clients access and clearly understand immigration regulations and procedures, thereby increasing their chances of success in obtaining a Canadian visitor visa.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I just graduated from high school, I am over 18, and I want to apply for a Canadian visitor visa. How should I prepare my documents and how much does it cost?
Someone who has just graduated from high school and is over 18 can apply for a Canadian visitor visa; there is no general mandatory requirement to have a job or independent income. The application should honestly explain the purpose of the trip, the itinerary, the duration of stay, the source of funding (which can be supported by parents with provided documentation), travel history if any, along with ties and plans to return to Vietnam, such as continuing studies. IRCC evaluates the entire situation; there is no way to guarantee a visa approval. Government fees are typically 100 CAD for visa processing and 85 CAD for biometrics if required, totaling 185 CAD; this does not include KeyApply service fees, translation fees, or any other incidental costs. Please check the IRCC fee schedule at the time of submission.
If I have Canadian permanent resident (PR) status, what type of visa can I use to invite my family over, how long can they stay, and when must I renew my PR card?
A Canadian PR can write an invitation letter for relatives to apply for a visitor visa to visit, but an invitation letter does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. The visa applicant must still prove they meet the requirements, including purpose of visit, financial sufficiency, and intent to leave Canada on time. This is not a permanent residency sponsorship procedure.
Visitors are generally allowed to stay for up to 6 months per entry, unless a border officer decides on a different duration. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply to extend your visitor status before it expires. The visa validity does not equate to the authorized duration of stay per entry.
Inviting parents or grandparents: If the inviter is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, parents/grandparents may consider a Super Visa instead of a regular visitor visa. The Super Visa may allow stays of up to 5 years per entry and is valid for multiple entries for up to 10 years, depending on the visa issuance decision and applicable conditions. The inviter must meet requirements regarding age, residency status, and income; parents/grandparents must meet IRCC requirements for medical insurance, medical exams, and other conditions. This is still a temporary visit category, not permanent residency sponsorship.
PR cards are typically valid for 5 years, sometimes 1 year. You can apply for a new card when your card has less than 9 months of validity or has expired. An expired card does not automatically result in a loss of PR status. The residency obligation is typically at least 730 days in every 5-year period, with exceptions as provided by law.
Reference: PR card renewal services and Invitation letter services.
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