Canada welcomes visitors as a tourist, student or temporary worker. Every
year, more than 5 million people visit Canada (on visitor visa) to enjoy the many opportunities
this country has to offer.
Depending on where you live, and the reason for your visit, you will need to
meet certain entry requirements. In some cases, if you are planning to stay in
Canada for a certain period of time, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa
which is also know as the Visitor Visa.
Visiting Canada - Who Can Apply
If you plan to visit Canada, you must:
- Have a valid travel document, such as a passport;
- Be in good health;
- Have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can
vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether
you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives.
- Convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of
your visit.
- Convince an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home
and family, that will take you back to your country of origin;
You may also need:
- A Temporary Resident Visa, depending on your citizenship;
- A medical examination; and
- A letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
Visiting Canada - How to Apply
If you want to visit Canada, you may need a visa. Canada requires citizens
from some countries and territories to get a visa before they can enter Canada.
Before you plan your visit, you should find out if
you need
a visa?
If you do need a visa your next step would be to obtain a temporary resident
visa application kit. You can
download the application kit online or you can also ask for an application
to be mailed to you:
- Outside Canada, you can contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or
consulate responsible for your area.
You will need to include the following documents with your application:
- A valid travel document (such as a passport) for each family member on the
application;
- Two recent passport photos of each family member.
- The application fee and the IMM 5401 receipt. Your fee will not be
refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
- Proof that you have enough money for your visit to Canada. The amount of
money may vary, depending on the circumstances for your visit, how long you
will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.
- You may need to include other documents. These documents could be
identification cards, proof of employment, a letter of invitation from
relatives or friends in Canada, or a proposed itinerary.
Visiting Canada - After Applying
Most applications for Temporary Resident Visas are processed within a month
or less. Processing times vary depending on the visa office.
After you send your application, it will be reviewed at the visa office to
ensure it has been completed correctly and that it contains all of the required
documents. A visa officer will decide if an interview with you is necessary. If
an interview is required, you will be notified of the time and place.
If your application is refused, your passport and other documents will be
returned to you. You will also receive an explanation why your application was
refused. If you sent fraudulent documents, they will not be returned.
If your application is approved, your passport and documents will be returned
to you with your visa.
