Visitor Visa
Canada’s Visitor Visa allows individuals to enter Canada temporarily and requires them to return back to their country after a short period of time. There are two types of visitor visas:
- Multiple-Entry Visa
- Single-Entry Visa
Individuals may apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada for different purposes such as tourism, visiting family, exploring business opportunities, attending conferences or seminars, completing short-term studies or etc.
Citizens of particular countries are exempt from requiring a visitor visa to enter Canada. Scroll down this page for a list of visa-exempt countries.
Difference between Multiple-Entry Visa and Single-Entry Visa
The main difference between a multiple-entry visa and a single-entry visa is that on a single-entry visa, you can only enter Canada once. If you want to re-enter, you have to apply for a visa again. However, with a multiple-entry visa, your visa expiry will be the same as your passport expiry (up to 10 years), and you will be allowed to enter Canada multiple times during the validity period of your visa.
How to Qualify for a Visitor Visa?
Individuals must meet certain requirements to qualify for a Canadian visitor visa. The IRCC officers will determine whether you are eligible for a visitor visa or not.
Generally, to be eligible for a Canadian visitor visa, you must prove that your visit to Canada is temporary and you have the financial ability to cover all trip costs. As a visitor, you must prove that you have no intention of staying in Canada beyond your stay.
Some general documents that you need to submit as part of your application:
A passport valid for at least six months
A passport photo
Proof of funds to cover the entire cost of the trip, including travel, accommodation, and living expenses
An invitation letter from a family member in Canada that you are going to visit (if applicable)
Always remember, in immigration law every case is unique on its own. IRCC's document checklists are required from a typical visitor and only submitting those documents might not be enough. Depending on your case, you might need to submit more documents in addition to the general document checklist.
At Moshiri Immigration, we provide our clients with a detailed list of required documents depending on their unique circumstances to increase their chances of success.
Visitor Visa Quick Facts
Usually, you are only allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months during each visit. Unless otherwise specified by the border officer at the time of entry.
You may extend your stay in Canada (if eligible).
You cannot work in Canada with a visitor visa.
You cannot study for a course or program with a duration of more than six months.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt from requiring a visa to enter Canada. However, they must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
- Andorra
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- British citizen
- British National (Overseas)
- British overseas citizen (re-admissible to the United Kingdom)
- British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization or registration in one of the British overseas territories of:
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
- Gibraltar
- Montserrat
- Pitcairn Island
- Saint Helena
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- British Subject with a right of abode in the United Kingdom
- Brunei Darussalam
- Bulgaria
- Chile
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, must have a passport issued by Hong Kong SAR.
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Israel, must have a national Israeli passport
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Papua New Guinea
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania (electronic passport holders only)
- Samoa
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Solomon Islands
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan, must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number
- United Arab Emirates
- Vatican City State, must have a passport or travel document issued by the Vatican.
Visitor Visa FAQ
The application processing fee for visitor visa is $100.00. However, you might have an additional $85.00 biometric fee.
No. You only need a visitor visa to travel to Canada or a valid eTA (if eligible). You do not need both.
Normally, you are allowed to stay in Canada up to six months in each visit during the validity of your visa. However, this duration can be longer or shorter depending on the visitor record issued to you by the officer at the border.
Yes, you can extend your stay in Canada and submit an extension application. However, there is no guarantee that your application will be approved and your stay would be extended. You must satisfy the officer that you will return to your home country after your visit and you have valid reasons to extend your stay.
If your visitor visa has expired and you wish to renew, you will have to start the application process like the first time you applied for your visa. There is no renewal process, you will have to submit a new visitor visa application with all the supporting documents.
No, you are not allowed to work in Canada while on a visitor visa.
How Can We Help
Canadian immigration laws can be complex and challenging. At Moshiri Immigration, our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC) specialize in Canadian immigration law. We have successfully handled many successful visitor visa applications, and we can help you too!
Our years of experience allow us to provide practical and straightforward advice, ensuring you get the results you want. From the moment you become a client at Moshiri Immigration, we guarantee that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and personal attention.
