Canada Visitor Visa Requirements
Complete guide to Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) requirements for tourism, family visits, and business.
What This Means for You
You will need to apply online for a Canada Visitor Visa through the IRCC portal. The process involves creating an account, completing the online forms, uploading documents, and paying the fee.
Most applicants also need to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). This must be done before your application can be processed.
The visa fee is CAD 100, plus CAD 85 for biometrics (valid for 10 years). Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks but can vary. Budget approximately CAD 200 for the complete application.
Overview
The Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is required for citizens of countries not exempt from the visa requirement. It allows you to visit Canada for tourism, to visit family and friends, or for business purposes.
Applications are submitted online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Most applicants need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre.
Eligibility Requirements
- Valid travel document (passport)
- Good health (medical exam may be required)
- No criminal or immigration-related convictions
- Ties to home country (job, family, property)
- Sufficient funds for your stay
- Intent to leave Canada at end of visit
Required Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredValid for the duration of your stay
Photos
RequiredTwo passport photos meeting specifications
Proof of Financial Support
RequiredBank statements, employment letter
Flight Itinerary
RequiredTravel plans to and from Canada
Check IRCC requirements for acceptable travel documentation
Accommodation Proof
RequiredHotel booking or invitation from host
Include hotel confirmation or use our Sponsor Letter Generator for host invitations
Travel Itinerary
RequiredOfficial expectations for providing a detailed schedule of your intended activities while visiting Canada.
Use our Travel Itinerary Generator Try it now
Cover Letter
OptionalGuidelines for providing a clear, documented explanation of why you are traveling to the destination country.
Use our Cover Letter Generator Try it now
Invitation Letter
OptionalSpecific requirements, such as an invitation letter, when the primary purpose of your trip is visiting personal contacts.
Use our Sponsor Letter Generator Try it now
Employment Documents
RequiredRequirements for providing a letter from your employer confirming your status, salary, and authorized leave of absence.
Ties to Home Country
RequiredProperty, family, business documents
Application Steps
Check Requirements
Confirm you need a Visitor Visa
Create Account
Access the official secure login portal required to submit Canadian visa, eTA, or permit applications.
Complete Application
Guidance on navigating the IRCC secure portal to accurately complete required application questionnaires.
Upload Documents
Instructions for securely uploading all mandatory supporting evidence through the official online application portal.
Pay Fees
Instructions on the acceptable payment methods for settling the mandatory visa application and biometric enrollment fees.
Give Biometrics
Visit VAC for fingerprints/photo
Submit Passport
Instructions on securely submitting your physical passport to the visa application center for the visa counterfoil to be affixed.
Receive Visa
Instructions on how your physical passport with the affixed visa vignette will be returned to you.
Visa Fees
| Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | CAD 100 | - |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 | - |
Common Reasons for Refusal
Understanding these can help you strengthen your application
- 1Insufficient proof of ties to home country
- 2Inadequate financial documentation
- 3Unclear purpose of visit
- 4Previous immigration violations in Canada or elsewhere
- 5Concerns about intent to leave Canada
- 6Incomplete or inconsistent application
- 7Health or security concerns
If your application is refused: You will receive a letter explaining the reason. In most cases, you can reapply immediately with a stronger application addressing the concerns raised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Canada with a Visitor Visa?
Can I extend my Canada Visitor Visa?
Do I need a return ticket for Canada visa?
How much bank balance is needed for Canada visitor visa?
What is biometrics and where do I give it?
Generate Your Documents
Create all required documents for your Visitor Visa (TRV) application
View all toolsProcessing Time
Important
Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate website before applying.
Official Sources
This information is based on the following official sources. Always verify with these sources before submitting applications.
Access the official government portal to securely complete and submit your electronic visa application form.
The official, personalized IRCC document checklist required for your specific visitor or study permit application.
Authoritative guidance on who needs to give biometrics, how much it costs, and where to go.
Create or sign in to your account
A verified compilation of current consular application fees to help you budget accurately for processing.
Links open in a new tab. VisaCalm is not responsible for external website content.