Visit Canada

Making Your Trip a Reality

Navigate the complexities of Canadian travel with a clear and professional approach. Whether your purpose is tourism, family, or business, securing the correct travel authorization is the first critical step.

Navigate the complexities of Canadian travel with a clear and professional approach. Whether your purpose is tourism, family, or business, securing the correct travel authorization is the first critical step.

 

Visitor Visa vs. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The travel document you need depends on your citizenship. Most foreign nationals require a visitor visa to enter Canada, while passport holders from visa-exempt countries only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

 
Visitor Visa

You need a Visitor Visa if:


  • You are a citizen of a country that does not have a visa-exemption agreement with Canada.


  • This is a formal document placed in your passport allowing you to enter Canada for a temporary stay.


  • Visitor visas are issued for a specific period up to a maximum of ten years. Visitors are typically admitted for up to six months at a time.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

You need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if:


  • You are a citizen of a visa-exempt country (e.g., most European countries, Australia, Japan, etc.) and are traveling to Canada by air.


  • The eTA is a digital travel document linked to your passport, valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

General Requirements

  • Valid Passport: You must hold a valid passport and other necessary travel documents.


  • Purpose of Visit and Funds: You must have a legitimate reason for traveling to Canada, whether for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends. You must also demonstrate you have sufficient funds for you stay in Canada.


  • Ties to Your Home Country: It is crucial to demonstrate strong ties to your country of residence.


  • Admissibility: You must be legally admissible to Canada. This means you must not have a criminal record or any health issues that could pose a risk to Canadian society.


  • No Intention to Work: A visitor visa does not permit you to work in Canada. If your goal is employment, you must apply for a work permit.

Process and Average Timelines

Visa Validity

A visitor visa can be issued for a validity period of up to 10 years or until one month before your passport expires, whichever comes first. However, this does not mean you can stay in Canada for 10 years.


Length of Stay

Upon your arrival, you may be admitted for up to six months at a time. If you wish to extend your stay, you must apply for an extension before your authorized period expires.


Processing Times

Processing times vary considerably and depend on the country from which you are applying. 

Traveler with backpack admiring Canadian Rocky Mountains scenery on visitor visa

How We Can Help You

Visa/eTA Application & Submission

We guide you through the entire process, from gathering required documents to filling out the application forms and submitting them to the Canadian government.

Document Checklist & Review

We provide a clear checklist of all necessary documents and carefully review your file to avoid common errors that can lead to delays or refusals.

Expert Consultation

Our consultants assess your specific case, advising on the best strategy to present your application and addressing any potential concerns regarding eligibility or admissibility.

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you’re handling it yourself or need guidance throughout, we’re here to support you.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consultation.
 

Start your immigration journey with confidence

Whether you're ready to start on your own—or want advice every step of the way—we've got your back.
Start with a $49.99 one-on-one consultation.

Get the help you need to succeed.

Understanding Admissibility

We provide guidance on factors that may affect your ability to enter Canada, such as past criminal convictions or medical issues, and offer solutions where possible.

Extending Your Stay

If you wish to stay longer, we can assist with the application to extend your visitor status inside Canada.

Business Travel Support

We offer specialized services for business visitors, ensuring you have the correct documentation for meetings, conferences, or trade.

Family Super Visa

For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, we can assist with the Super Visa application, which allows for extended stays.

Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry Visas

When you apply for a Canadian visitor visa, you do not choose whether to receive a single-entry or a multiple-entry visa. This decision is made at the discretion of the visa officer.


  • Single-Entry Visa: This visa allows you to enter Canada only once. If you leave the country, you will need a new visa to re-enter.


  • Multiple-Entry Visa: This visa allows you to enter and exit Canada as many times as you want during the validity of your visa.

Extend Your Stay in Canada

If you wish to remain in Canada beyond your authorized period, you must apply to extend your visitor status. You must apply before the expiry of your visitor status.

Visitor researching pathways from Canadian tourist visa to permanent residence

From Visitor to Immigrant

Canada offers numerous pathways for individuals worldwide to establish permanent residence, contributing to its diverse and thriving society. For skilled workers and professionals, the journey typically funnels through two primary immigration systems, each designed to welcome those who can contribute to the Canadian economy and integrate successfully into its communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most foreign nationals need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to visit Canada, depending on their country of citizenship, while U.S. citizens and permanent residents have different requirements, with U.S. green card holders needing an eTA for air travel. Visa-exempt countries (like the U.S., UK, Australia) need an eTA for air travel, but not for land/sea entry, whereas visa-required countries (like China, India, Brazil, Mexico) need a TRV for all entries. 

U.S. Citizens: Don't need a visa or eTA, but must show a valid U.S. passport or other approved travel document.

Canadian Citizens & Permanent Residents: Don't need a visa or eTA. 

Yes, but you must demonstrate strong ties to your home country, financial stability, and intent to return. IRCC reviews pending or refused visas elsewhere as part of the risk assessment. Explain the purpose of your visit clearly and provide supporting evidence of your return plans, such as employment, property, or family obligations.

A strong travel history, especially to visa-required countries, demonstrates compliance with immigration rules and increases approval chances. Lack of international travel is not automatic grounds for refusal, but IRCC often evaluates your ability to respect Canadian visitor status.

Yes, you can submit a family application including spouse and dependent children. Each applicant must provide personal documentation, biometrics, and proof of financial support. A combined application can streamline processing.

Processing times vary significantly; applicants from countries like India, China, and Nigeria may face 3–6 months or longer. Applying well in advance is crucial, especially for planned travel.

No. Visitor visas do not authorize employment or full-time studies. If you want to work in Canada you must apply for a work permit. Violating these rules may result in inadmissibility and affect future applications.

Consult with an immigration expert

licensed and insured representatives with you every step of the way

Consult with an immigration expert today

licensed and insured representatives with you every step of the way.

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CanadianVisas.com is operated by Can-Am Immigration Inc., a Canadian immigration consulting firm. We provide access to Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), as well as full representation services and self-guided immigration tools. CanadianVisas.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice, except as authorized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Citizenship Act of Canada.

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