Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) for Canada: Complete Application Guide

What Is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?

A Temporary Resident Visa, commonly called a visitor visa, is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals from visa-required countries to travel to and enter Canada for a temporary period. The TRV is placed in your passport as a sticker or stamp and indicates that you have met the requirements for entry. However, having a TRV does not guarantee entry into Canada. The final decision to admit you is made by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry.

Not all foreign nationals need a TRV to visit Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries may instead need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is a simpler and faster process. To check whether you need a TRV or an eTA, use the IRCC eligibility tool. US citizens generally do not need a TRV or an eTA to visit Canada, though they still need valid identification.

Required Documents for a TRV Application

A strong TRV application requires careful preparation of supporting documents. The specific documents you need may vary depending on your nationality, personal circumstances, and the purpose of your visit, but the following are generally required:

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay and should have at least one blank page for the visa sticker
• Completed application forms: The IMM 5257 (Application for Temporary Resident Visa) and, if applicable, the IMM 5645 (Family Information Form)
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications
• Proof of financial support: Bank statements, employment letters, or other documents showing you can support yourself during your visit
• Purpose of travel: A letter explaining why you want to visit Canada and your planned itinerary
• Ties to your home country: Evidence that you will return home, such as property ownership, employment, family responsibilities, or ongoing education
• Letter of invitation: If you are visiting family or friends in Canada, a letter from your host including their contact information, immigration status, and details about your visit
• Travel history: Previous passports or copies of previous visas showing your travel history

Biometrics Requirement

Most TRV applicants are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of their application. Biometrics are collected at designated Visa Application Centres (VACs) around the world. You will receive a biometrics instruction letter after submitting your application, and you must provide your biometrics within 30 days of receiving the letter. Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so if you have provided them recently for another Canadian immigration application, you may not need to provide them again.

How to Apply for a TRV

You can apply for a TRV online through the IRCC online portal or on paper at a Visa Application Centre. Online applications are generally processed faster and allow you to track your application status. To apply online, you need a digital copy of your passport, digital photos, and scanned copies of your supporting documents.

The application fee for a TRV is CAD $100 per person, plus a biometrics fee of CAD $85 if applicable. Family applications may qualify for a maximum fee. Processing times vary by country and time of year but typically range from a few weeks to several months. Check the IRCC website for current processing times for your country.

After Submitting Your Application

After you submit your application, an immigration officer will review your documents and may request additional information or an interview. If your application is approved, you will receive your TRV in your passport. If it is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can reapply at any time with a stronger application that addresses the reasons for refusal. There is no limit on the number of times you can apply.

The Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

The Super Visa is a special type of temporary resident visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a regular TRV, which typically allows stays of up to six months, the Super Visa allows stays of up to five years per visit. The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years, which means you can enter and leave Canada multiple times during the visa's validity period.

To be eligible for a Super Visa, you must meet all the requirements for a regular TRV, plus the following additional requirements:

• Invitation letter: A signed letter from your child or grandchild in Canada inviting you and promising to provide financial support during your stay
• Proof of financial support: Evidence that your child or grandchild meets the minimum necessary income threshold for the number of people in their household
• Medical insurance: Proof of private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company, valid for at least one year, covering at least $100,000 in healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation costs
• Immigration medical examination: You must complete a medical exam with a designated panel physician

Extending Your Stay in Canada

If you are already in Canada as a visitor and want to stay longer than your authorized period, you must apply for an extension before your status expires. Most visitors are authorized to stay for six months from the date of entry, unless the CBSA officer specifies a different date. To extend your stay, submit an application to IRCC at least 30 days before your current status expires.

The extension application requires you to explain why you want to stay longer, provide updated proof of financial support, and demonstrate that you still meet the requirements for temporary residence. If your application is approved, you will receive a new authorized stay period. If you apply before your status expires, you are allowed to remain in Canada on implied status until a decision is made on your extension application, even if your original authorized stay period ends in the meantime.

Fees and Processing Times

The fee for a visitor extension application is CAD $100. Processing times vary but can take several weeks to several months. Apply as early as possible to avoid complications. You can check processing times on the IRCC website and track your application online.

Restoring Your Status

If your authorized stay has expired and you did not apply for an extension in time, you may be able to restore your status. Status restoration is available to visitors who apply within 90 days of losing their status. To restore your status, you must demonstrate that you met the requirements for temporary residence at the time your status expired, that you have not violated any conditions of your stay, and that you have a valid reason for not applying on time.

The fee for status restoration includes the extension fee (CAD $100) plus an additional restoration fee (CAD $229). There is no guarantee that restoration will be granted, and being out of status in Canada can have consequences for future immigration applications. It is always better to apply for an extension before your status expires.

The Visitor Record

A visitor record is a document issued by IRCC to visitors in Canada. It is not a visa and does not allow you to re-enter Canada if you leave. Instead, it serves as proof of your authorized stay and includes the date by which you must leave Canada. You may receive a visitor record when you apply for an extension of your stay, when you change the conditions of your stay, or when you enter Canada and the CBSA officer decides to document your authorized stay.

The visitor record is particularly useful if you need to prove your legal status in Canada to employers, landlords, or other parties. Keep your visitor record safe, as it is an important immigration document.

Common Reasons for TRV Refusal and How to Avoid Them

Understanding why TRV applications are refused can help you submit a stronger application. The most common reasons for refusal include insufficient proof of ties to your home country, inadequate financial documentation, incomplete applications, and failure to demonstrate a genuine purpose for the visit. Immigration officers assess the overall risk that an applicant will overstay their visa, so your application must convincingly show that you will leave Canada when required.

To strengthen your application, ensure all forms are completed accurately and honestly, provide comprehensive financial documentation, include a detailed travel itinerary, and address any potential concerns proactively. If you have previously been refused, address the reasons for the previous refusal directly in your new application. Consider consulting with an immigration professional if you are unsure about your application.

Getting Help with Your TRV Application

Applying for a Canadian visa can be complex, especially if you have a complicated travel history or personal circumstances. WelcomeAide can help you understand the process and prepare your application. Use our AI Newcomer Navigator to get answers to your questions about visitor visas, explore our blog for more immigration guides, learn about our mission, or see how to get involved in supporting newcomer communities across Canada.