Canada Visitor Visa applications, built to be approved
The Temporary Resident Visa is the gateway to Canada for citizens of visa required countries. With weak ties and dual intent driving most refusals, the quality of your application decides your approval.
Visitor Visa Program guide
What is a visitor visa (TRV)?
A temporary resident visa for tourism, family visits, business and medical travel.
A Visitor Visa, officially called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is the document that allows citizens of visa required countries to enter Canada for short stays. It is a counterfoil placed in your passport by a Canadian visa office once IRCC approves your application. The TRV authorizes you to travel to a Canadian port of entry, where a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer decides how long you can remain in Canada. If the officer does not stamp your passport, you may stay for up to six months from the date of entry.
A visa officer issues either a single entry or multiple entry visa and decides how long it will be valid. As of November 2024, officers exercise this discretion case by case rather than defaulting to long validity multiple entry visas. A visitor visa may be valid for up to ten years or until the expiry of your passport or biometrics, whichever comes first.
The visa covers a range of temporary purposes including tourism, visiting family, medical treatment, attending conferences and business visitor activities such as meetings, training and special events that do not involve working for a Canadian employer. You may also study in Canada without a study permit if the program lasts six months or less and is completed within your authorized stay. Anything longer, or any paid employment, requires a separate work or study permit.
Visa or eTA
Do you need a Visitor Visa (TRV) or an eTA?
What you need to enter Canada depends on two factors: your country of citizenship and how you arrive. Most travellers fall into one of three categories defined by IRCC.
Visa exempt
Need only an eTA to fly to Canada
Citizens of around 50 countries are not required to obtain a visa to visit Canada for tourism or business. They need only an electronic travel authorization, applied for online with basic biographical information.
$7 CAD · valid up to 5 years
Partial visa
TRV required, eTA possible under conditions
Citizens of certain visa required countries may use an eTA only if they hold a valid United States non immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past ten years. Otherwise, a TRV is required.
TRV or eTA · conditional eligibility
Visa required
A TRV is the only travel document
Citizens of most visa required countries must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa before travelling to Canada. The application is submitted online through the IRCC Portal and biometrics are required for most applicants.
$100 CAD + $85 biometrics
Source: canada.ca · IRCC · Entry Requirements by Country · Updated December 2025
Eligibility
Who can apply for a visitor visa?
IRCC sets six core requirements plus situational documents. Meeting them on paper is the minimum.
Valid travel document
A passport or equivalent travel document valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada.
Sufficient funds
Enough money to cover your stay and return. Amount depends on duration and accommodation.
Strong ties to home country
Job, home, financial assets or family that will take you back at the end of your visit.
Intent to leave Canada
Credible evidence that you will leave at the end of your authorized stay. Travel history and home circumstances matter.
Good health
IRCC may require a medical exam depending on your country, length of stay and planned activities.
No inadmissibility
No criminal convictions, human rights violations, organized crime ties, or security, health and financial concerns.
Letter of invitation (when applicable)
Required when visiting family, friends or a specific business event in Canada. Confirms purpose and accommodation, but does not guarantee approval.
Source: canada.ca · IRCC · Visitor Visa Eligibility · Updated May 2025
What you need to submit
A complete visitor visa application combines four document categories. Missing or inconsistent items are the leading cause of refusals and processing delays.
Application forms
- IMM 5257 · Application for Visitor Visa
- IMM 5645 · Family Information Form
- IMM 5484 · Document Checklist
- IMM 5476 · Use of Representative (if applicable)
Identity and travel
- Valid passport for the full duration of stay
- Digital photo per IRCC specifications
- Travel history with prior visas and stamps
- Day by day travel itinerary
- Copies of old passports when available
Financial proof
- Bank statements typically for the last 4 months
- Employment letter with salary and position
- Most recent tax return or notice of assessment
- Business ownership documents if self employed
- Proof of additional income when applicable
Purpose specific evidence
- Letter of invitation from Canadian host
- Proof of relationship when visiting family
- Hotel reservation or host accommodation details
- Event registration for business or conferences
- Medical appointment letter when seeking treatment
Source: IRCC Guide 5256 · Document Checklist IMM 5484 · canada.ca
Step by step application
Most visitor visa applications follow eight stages from initial assessment to passport submission. Processing times vary by country and applications are submitted online through the IRCC Portal.
Confirm TRV pathway and timeline
Gather forms and supporting evidence
Create or sign in to apply online
Complete forms and upload documents
$100 application plus $85 biometrics
Provide fingerprints and photo at a VAC
Only if requested by IRCC
Submit passport for visa counterfoil
Source: canada.ca · IRCC · Guide 5256 · Apply Visitor Visa · Updated 2026
Why hire an RCIC?
Visitor visa refusals most often stem from insufficient ties to the home country, weak evidence of intent to leave Canada, inadequate proof of funds, or inconsistencies across forms. Visitor visa refusals carry no right of appeal to the Immigration Appeal Division. The available options are to reapply with stronger evidence or to seek judicial review at the Federal Court, a costly process with limited grounds and no guarantee of a different outcome.
Under Canadian law, paid representation before IRCC is restricted to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs), lawyers, and Quebec notaries. RCICs are licensed and regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), with mandatory continuing education and a binding code of ethics.
Megrez Immigration Consultants is a CICC licensed firm and has operated in Vancouver since 1996.
Related Services
Visiting Canada starts with the right travel document.
Whether you need a visitor visa, eTA, super visa or business pathway, a licensed RCIC can review your case, recommend the right route, and prepare a complete application.
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