VISA INFORMATION ABOUT

CANADA

Visitor visa: About the document

Fees

From: $100

Processing time ^?

Varies by country

You may need to give biometrics with your application. This processing time doesn’t include the time you need to give biometrics.

About the document

A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that we stick in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada.

Most travellers need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You may also need one if you’re transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to your final destination.

You can apply for a visitor visa online or on paper.

How long you can stay

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave by.

If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay 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 for one. 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 entry document you need depends on:

the type of travel document you plan to travel with
the country that issued your travel document
your nationality
your method of travel to Canada for this trip

Find out if you need a visitor visa.

Features

Check if your representative is authorized

If you’re using an immigration agent (consultant, lawyer or Quebec notary), they must be licensed to represent you or give advice.

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