Visitor Visa

Each year, thousands of people enter Canada as tourists, to travel and see this great country, to visit friends and relatives, or to decide if they wish to immigrate permanently.

Do You Require A Visitor Visa?

Every year, many foreign nationals visit Canada without a visitor visa, or more accurately, a “temporary resident visa.”  Only citizens of certain countries require a temporary resident visa before visiting Canada.  The list of countries does change fairly regularly.

Click here for the current list of countries

whose citizens require a temporary resident visa to visit Canada.  A visa must be obtained before you arrive, it cannot be applied at the border or a port of entry.  If you are not a citizen of one of the listed countries, then you do not need to apply for a temporary resident visa.

Length of Time in Canada

Typically a temporary resident visa is issued for up to 6 months.  There are circumstances where visitors stay for longer than a 6 month period, discussed below.

Obtaining a Visitor Visa

If you require a visitor visa before entering Canada, there are a number of factors that IRCC will consider when reviewing your application.

Consider all the factors discussed here and think about the best evidence you can include in your application in order to maximize your chances of success.