Come to Canada With a Visitor Visa

If you are travelling to Canada for leisure, business, to visit family and friends, or even just passing through the country, a visitor visa is a mandatory legal document you must obtain prior to entering the country. As part of the immigration process, a visitor visa grants you the legal authorization to enter Canada temporarily for a variety of reasons which can include, tourism and visiting family.

Are you eligible to apply?

To be eligible for a Canadian visitor visa, there are several general requirements you must meet, regardless of the purpose of your visit.

You need to:

1. Have a valid travel document or passport which proves your identity and citizenship.
2. You should be in good health and in some cases, you might need a medical exam to ensure it is safe for you to enter Canada.
3. Depending on your country of residence you may need to secure travel insurance for your travel dates to Canada.
4. Immigration officers will also need to be confident that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, which is why demonstrating strong ties to your home country is crucial. This can include showing proof of a return ticket, financial stability such as owning property, or having a job or family that will demonstrate your intent to leave.
5. If you are inadmissible to Canada, you will not be allowed to enter the country. However, in certain situations, you might still be permitted to enter if you have a valid reason for travelling. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) may issue you a temporary resident permit allowing you to stay in Canada temporarily.

For a full list of documents pertaining to your own individual circumstances such as visiting your spouse or partner who has sponsored you for permanent residency, visiting family for leisure or compassion, or to join a vessel as a marine crew member, the IRCC website has a document checklist for each of these situations, all you have to do is select your reason for travel from the list located here on their website.

How to Apply and Fees

To apply for a visitor visa, you must submit your application online through the IRCC portal. If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, or if you are travelling with a refugee, stateless, or non-citizen travel document, you may apply on paper.

The application fee for a visitor visa begins at $100 CAD. This fee may increase if additional requirements apply to your situation, such as the need for biometrics, a medical exam, or a police certificate.

How to extend Your Visitor Visa

If you want to stay in Canada longer as a visitor, you must apply for a visitor record. A visitor record is different from a visitor visa as a visitor record is a document that grants you permission to stay in Canada for a longer period.

To extend your stay, you need to apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before your status expires. If you are already in Canada and decide to extend your trip.

Processing Time for Visitor Visa’s

The processing time for a visitor visa to Canada can vary depending on several factors, including the applicant’s country of residence, the type of visa being applied for, and the volume of applications being processed at the time. There is no singular, universal standard processing time that applies to all applicants, as each case is assessed individually.

Applicants should check the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as the website provides a tool where individuals can enter their home country and the type of visa they are applying for, and it will generate a more precise estimate of the processing time.

Whether you are planning a short visit to Canada for business, family, or leisure, ensuring your visitor visa application is completed accurately and on time is crucial to the success of your trip.

At Canadim, we can help with your visitor visa application. Contact us to start yours if you are planning to visit Canada soon.