Canadian Visitor Visa
Visit Canada with Confidence
Whether visiting family, exploring Canada’s beauty, or conducting business — we help you navigate visitor visa applications, extensions, and Super Visas with expert guidance
20+ Years Experience
Licensed by Law Society & CICC
Women-Led Immigration Practice
VISITING CANADA — UNDERSTANDING YOUR OPTIONS
Canada welcomes millions of visitors each year — tourists exploring world-class destinations, family members reuniting with loved ones, business professionals attending meetings, and friends experiencing Canadian culture. Whether you’re planning a short vacation or an extended stay with family, understanding Canada’s visitor visa requirements is your first step.
Depending on your citizenship and purpose of visit, you may need:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — Also called a visitor visa, required by citizens of visa-required countries
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — For visa-exempt travelers arriving by air
- Visitor Record — To extend your stay beyond your initial authorized period
- Super Visa — Special multi-year visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents
At IPJ Immigration, we understand that visitor visa applications can feel overwhelming, especially when so much depends on presenting your case correctly. From demonstrating ties to your home country to showing sufficient funds and proving genuine visit intentions, every detail matters.
We help you navigate Canada’s visitor visa requirements with clarity and confidence, ensuring your application is complete, accurate, and positioned for approval.
TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA (TRV) — STANDARD VISITOR VISA
Whether you need a Temporary Resident Visa depends on your citizenship. Citizens of certain countries require a TRV before traveling to Canada, while others are visa-exempt but may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying.
Check if you need a visa: Canada has visa requirements for over 140 countries. If you're from a visa-required country, you must apply for and receive a TRV before traveling to Canada. You cannot obtain one upon arrival.
What is a TRV?
A Temporary Resident Visa is an official document placed in your passport by a Canadian visa office. It shows you've met the requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident (visitor, student, or worker). Most visitor visas are issued as multiple-entry visas, allowing multiple trips to Canada within the visa's validity period (typically up to 10 years or until passport expiry).
How Long Can You Stay?
A TRV allows you to enter Canada, but the length of your authorized stay is determined by the border officer when you arrive. Most visitors can stay for up to six months. Your passport will be stamped with the date you must leave, or if no date is stamped, you can stay for six months from your entry date.
To qualify for a Canadian visitor visa, you must meet specific requirements and satisfy the visa officer that you're a genuine visitor with temporary intentions.
Basic Requirements:
Valid Passport
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada.
Purpose of Visit
You must have a genuine reason to visit Canada — tourism, family visit, business activities, or attending events/conferences.
Intent to Leave Canada
You must satisfy the officer that you'll leave Canada when your authorized stay ends. This is demonstrated through:
- Strong ties to your home country (employment, property, family, business)
- Previous travel history (especially to countries with similar visa requirements)
- Consistent travel plans and reasonable visit duration
Financial Capacity
You must prove you can financially support yourself and any family members during your visit and afford return transportation.
Required amounts vary based on:
- Length of stay
- Whether you're staying in hotels or with family/friends
- Number of accompanying family members
Admissibility to Canada
You must be admissible — no serious criminal record, no security concerns, no medical conditions that pose public health risks.
Medical Examination (if required)
Depending on your country of residence and length of stay, you may need a medical examination by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
No Work or Study
Visitor visa holders cannot work or study in Canada (except for programs under 6 months) unless separately authorized.
Purpose of Visit
Officers doubt your stated reason for visiting. Solution: Provide detailed itinerary, hotel bookings, event registrations, or invitation letters.
Insufficient Ties to Home Country
Officer believes you may not leave Canada. Solution: Strong evidence of employment, property ownership, family responsibilities, business interests in home country.
Insufficient Funds
Cannot demonstrate financial capacity for visit. Solution: Comprehensive financial documentation including bank statements (6 months), employment letters, sponsor support.
Travel History
Limited or no previous international travel. Solution: Explanation of circumstances, detailed travel plan, strong ties documentation.
Previous Visa Refusals or Violations
History of refused visas or overstays. Solution: Address previous issues directly, explain circumstances, demonstrate changed situation.
If visiting family or friends in Canada, a letter of invitation from your host can strengthen your application.
What should it include:
- Host's full name, date of birth, contact information
- Host's status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident)
- Relationship to you
- Purpose and duration of visit
- Where you'll stay
- Host's promise to provide financial support (if applicable)
- Copy of host's proof of status and financial capacity
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION (eTA)
For Visa-Exempt Travelers Flying to Canada
If you’re a citizen of a visa-exempt country and flying to Canada, you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visitor visa.
What is an eTA?
An eTA is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It’s electronically linked to your passport and valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Who needs an eTA:
- Visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada
- Example countries: Australia, Japan, UK, most European countries
Who doesn’t need an eTA:
- Canadian citizens (including dual citizens)
- U.S. citizens
- Travelers with a valid Canadian visa
- Travelers entering by land or sea (only air travelers need eTA)
How to Apply:
Apply online through the official IRCC website. The application takes minutes and costs $7 CAD. Most eTAs are approved within minutes, though some may take longer if additional documents are requested.
Important: Get your eTA before booking your flight to Canada.
EXTENDING YOUR STAY — VISITOR RECORD
Need More Time in Canada?
If you’re already in Canada as a visitor and need to extend your stay beyond your authorized period, you can apply for a visitor record.
What is a Visitor Record?
A visitor record is a document that extends your legal status as a visitor in Canada beyond the initial six months (or the date stamped in your passport). It doesn’t allow re-entry to Canada — it only extends your ability to stay in Canada legally.
When to Apply:
Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires. If you apply before your status expires, you maintain “implied status” and can remain in Canada legally while waiting for a decision.
Requirements:
- Valid passport for extended duration
- Proof of sufficient funds for extended stay
- Reason for extension (family visit, tourism, awaiting medical treatment, etc.)
- Continue to meet visitor visa requirements
- Proof of ties to home country
- No work or study authorization
What Happens if You Don’t Apply in Time?
If your visitor status expires without applying for extension, you lose your legal status in Canada. You then have 90 days to apply for restoration of status — a more complex and expensive process.
Important: You must leave Canada before traveling elsewhere. A visitor record does not permit re-entry after leaving Canada. You would need a new visitor visa or eTA to return.
SUPER VISA — FOR PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS
The Super Visa is a special multi-entry visa designed specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows extended visits without the need for repeated visa applications or status extensions.
Key Differences from Regular Visitor Visa:
Length of Stay:
- Super Visa: Up to 5 years per entry (recently extended from 2 years)
- Regular Visitor Visa: Up to 6 months per entry
Validity:
- Super Visa: Up to 10 years
- Regular Visitor Visa: Up to 10 years
Multiple Entry:
Both allow multiple entries, but Super Visa permits much longer stays per entry.
For the Parent/Grandparent Applicant:
- Must be parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must have valid passport
- Must pass medical examination by IRCC-approved panel physician
- Must obtain Canadian medical insurance from approved provider:
- Minimum coverage: $100,000
- Valid for at least 1 year from entry date
- Covers healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Must meet standard visitor visa requirements (admissibility, intent to leave)
For the Canadian Sponsor (Child/Grandchild):
- Must be Canadian citizen or permanent resident (at least 18 years old)
- Must meet minimum necessary income (LICO):
- Income requirement: Meet Low Income Cut-Off for household size
- Must provide proof for most recent tax year
- Must provide written invitation letter
- Must provide proof of relationship to parent/grandparent
Financial Requirements (2026 LICO): Sponsor's household size includes sponsor, sponsor's family, and all parents/grandparents being invited.
Example household sizes and minimum income:
- 1 person: $29,380
- 2 people: $36,583
- 3 people: $44,966
- 4 people: $54,594
- 5 people: $61,920
- 6 people: $69,834
- 7+ people: $77,750
Required Documents:
From Parent/Grandparent:
- Completed application forms
- Valid passport
- Two photos meeting specifications
- Proof of relationship to Canadian sponsor
- Medical examination results
- Proof of Canadian medical insurance (minimum $100,000 coverage)
- Police certificates (if required)
- Biometrics
From Canadian Sponsor:
- Written invitation letter
- Proof of Canadian status (citizenship certificate, PR card, passport)
- Proof of income (Notice of Assessment from CRA)
- Proof of relationship
- Copy of birth certificate or other documents proving relationship
Extended Family Time:
Spend up to 5 years at a time with your children and grandchildren without needing status extensions.
Less Hassle:
No need to apply for visitor record extensions every 6 months.
Peace of Mind:
Long validity period (up to 10 years) means fewer applications and renewals.
Health Coverage:
Required medical insurance provides protection during extended stays.
Ideal for:
- Retirement-age parents wanting to spend significant time with family in Canada
- Helping with grandchildren or family caregiving
- Alternating time between home country and Canada
- Avoiding repeated visa applications
BUSINESS VISITORS TO CANADA
Conducting Business Without a Work Permit
If you’re coming to Canada for business purposes — meetings, conferences, negotiations, or exploring business opportunities — you may enter as a business visitor without needing a work permit.
What Business Visitors Can Do:
- Attend business meetings, conferences, or conventions
- Negotiate contracts or business deals
- Conduct market research or site visits
- Receive training or provide training to employees of Canadian company
- Participate in international exhibitions or trade shows
What Business Visitors Cannot Do:
- Enter the Canadian labor market (cannot work for a Canadian employer)
- Engage in productive work that would take jobs from Canadians
- Sell goods or provide services directly to Canadian consumers
Requirements:
- You must demonstrate your primary place of business and source of income is outside Canada
- Business activity must be international in scope
- You’re not entering Canadian labor market
- Visit is temporary (usually short duration)
Do You Need a TRV or eTA?
Business visitors from visa-required countries need a visitor visa. Business visitors from visa-exempt countries need an eTA (if flying) or no additional document (if entering by land or sea).
Note: For extended business stays or activities that constitute work, you may need a work permit. Specific trade agreements (CUSMA, CETA, etc.) may have different rules.
THE VISITOR VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
Step-by-Step: From Application to Arrival
Check if you need a visitor visa, eTA, or can enter visa-free.
Determine if you qualify for Super Visa (if applicable).
Understand specific requirements for your situation.
Required documents vary by visa type but typically include:
- Valid passport
- Completed application forms
- Photos meeting specifications
- Proof of financial support
- Travel itinerary and/or invitation letter
- Employment letter or proof of ties to home country
- Travel history (copies of previous visas/passport stamps)
- Purpose of visit documentation
- Medical examination (if required)
- Police certificates (if required)
- Biometrics fee payment
For Super Visa, additional:
- Medical insurance confirmation ($100,000 coverage)
- Sponsor's financial documents and invitation
Online Application (Recommended):
Submit through IRCC online portal. Upload all documents electronically.
Paper Application:
Submit by mail to visa application center (used in specific situations).
Pay application fees:
- Visitor visa (TRV): $100
- Super Visa: $100
- eTA: $7
- Biometrics: $85 (if required)
Most visitor visa and Super Visa applicants must provide biometrics at a designated collection center within 30 days of biometrics request.
Processing times vary significantly by country and visa type:
- Visitor visa: 2 weeks to 3+ months (varies by country)
- Super Visa: 2-4 months
- eTA: Usually minutes to a few days
IRCC may request additional information or documentation during processing.
If Approved:
- Visitor visa or Super Visa: Visa placed in passport, or approval letter issued (must be presented at Canadian port of entry)
- eTA: Electronically linked to passport (no physical document)
When You Arrive in Canada:
Border officer at Canadian port of entry makes final decision on entry and length of authorized stay. Even with valid visa, you can be refused entry if officer determines you don't meet requirements.
If Refused:
You receive refusal letter explaining reasons. You may be able to reapply with stronger application addressing refusal reasons.
Total Timeline: Can range from 1 week (eTA) to 4+ months (visitor visa from certain countries).
HOW WE HELP — YOUR TWO SERVICE OPTIONS
Whether you’re applying for a visitor visa, Super Visa, or visitor record extension, we provide expert guidance tailored to your situation.
Option 1: Professional Verified
You prepare your application with our expert guidance and review.
Perfect for visitors who want to be hands-on but need professional oversight.
- You're comfortable gathering documents and completing forms
- You want expert guidance on visitor visa requirements
- You want professional review to ensure accuracy
- You're looking for cost-effective professional support
Eligibility Assessment
Determine which visa type you need and confirm you meet requirements.
Document Checklist
Customized checklist for your specific visa type and circumstances.
Application Guidance
Clear instructions on completing forms, writing letters, and compiling evidence.
Full Legal Audit
Comprehensive review of your prepared application with detailed corrections.
Final Verification
Final review before submission to ensure completeness.
Investment:
- Visitor Visa (TRV): $850
- Visitor Record (extension): $350
- Super Visa: $1,200
Option 2: Full Representation
We handle everything for you from start to finish.
Perfect for visitors who want complete peace of mind or have complex situations.
- You want stress-free, fully managed process
- You have previous refusals or complex circumstances
- You prefer a legal team to handle all aspects
- You value ongoing communication and professional representation
Complete Application Preparation
We prepare all forms, organize documents, compile your application.
Letter Writing
We draft explanation letters and purpose of visit statements.
IRCC Communication
We act as your authorized representative and handle correspondence with IRCC.
Additional Document Requests
We manage any IRCC requests for additional information.
Ongoing Support
Regular communication from application to approval.
Investment:
- Visitor Visa (TRV): Starting from $1,850
- Visitor Record (extension): Starting from $750
- Super Visa: Starting from $2,500
Final quote provided after initial consultation based on complexity.
Still Not Sure Which Option Fits?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call. We’ll discuss your situation and help you choose the service level that matches your needs, timeline, and comfort level.
How We Charge: Clear, Fair, and Transparent
We believe you should know exactly what to expect. Our fees are straightforward, with no hidden costs or surprises.
WHY CHOOSE IPJ IMMIGRATION FOR YOUR VISITOR VISA
Choosing the right immigration support can make all the difference in your permanent residence journey. Here’s what sets IPJ Immigration apart:
Experienced in Both Simple and Complex Cases
From straightforward applications to misrepresentation, inadmissibility, and procedural fairness letters, we bring over 20 years of experience to every situation — whether you need full representation or a guided review before submitting.
Warm, Human Support for Every Client
We take the time to understand your story, your goals, and your concerns. You’re never treated like a file number — you’re a person, and your journey matters.
ESL‑Friendly Communication
We explain every step in clear, simple language. No jargon. No confusion. Just steady, accessible guidance that supports both full‑service clients and those completing their own applications.
Thorough, Organized Application Preparation
Every form, document, and submission is reviewed with care to reduce delays and strengthen your application — including detailed reviews for clients who want expert feedback before submitting on their own.
Transparent, Predictable Process
You always know what stage you’re in, what comes next, and what we’re doing on your behalf. No surprises, no uncertainty
Clear, Steady Guidance You Can Trust
Immigration can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re preparing your application on your own. We provide calm, organized support so you always know what to expect and how to move forward.
A Women‑Led, Family‑Run Firm
Our approach is grounded in empathy, integrity, and genuine care — values that shape every interaction and every application we support.
A Lawyer and Immigration Consultants Working Together
Your application benefits from a team that combines legal insight with regulated Canadian immigration consulting. Our professionals are licensed by the Law Society of Ontario and the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants, and we maintain active memberships with CILA and CAPIC to stay current with evolving policies and best practices. This collaborative approach strengthens your strategy, reduces errors, and ensures your case is reviewed from multiple professional perspectives.
Our Regulators
Our Associations
What Our Clients Say
Every application represents someone’s hopes, dreams, and future. Here are just a few of the people we’ve been honored to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most visitors can stay up to six months. The actual authorized stay is determined by the border officer when you arrive. Your passport may be stamped with a specific date to leave, or if no date is stamped, you can stay six months from entry.
No, visitor visas don't authorize work or study in Canada. You can take short courses (under 6 months), but cannot work without a work permit.
A visitor visa (TRV) is required for citizens of visa-required countries. An eTA is required for visa-exempt citizens flying to Canada. ETAs cost $7 and are electronically linked to your passport. Visitor visas cost $100 and are placed in your passport.
Super Visa medical insurance typically costs $1,500-$3,000+ annually depending on the parent/grandparent's age, health, and coverage level. Minimum $100,000 coverage for at least 1 year is required.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor record to extend your stay. Apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires. You'll need to continue meeting visitor requirements and show reason for extension.
Overstaying is a serious violation. You lose legal status and must leave Canada or apply for restoration within 90 days. Overstaying can affect future applications and ability to return to Canada.
You'll receive a refusal letter explaining reasons. You can reapply with a stronger application addressing the refusal reasons. Previous refusals don't automatically prevent future applications if circumstances change.
Not required, but an invitation letter from family or friends in Canada can strengthen your application, especially if staying with them. It should include host's information, relationship, visit details, and host's proof of status.
There's no fixed amount. Required funds vary based on length of stay, where you're staying (hotel vs with family), number of family members, and your circumstances. Typically show several thousand dollars for short visits.
Processing times vary significantly by country. Some countries: 2-4 weeks. Others: 2-3+ months. Check current processing times for your specific country on IRCC website.
In limited circumstances, yes. However, most study and work permits require application from outside Canada. Speak with an immigration professional about your specific situation.
How Would You Like to Get Started?
You can reach us in the way that feels most comfortable for you. If you prefer to speak with someone directly, you can book a consultation. If you’re still deciding between Guided Application Review and Full Care Representation, you can complete a short questionnaire and receive a personalized recommendation within 24 hours.
Book a Consultation
Free 15‑Minute Discovery Call
A short conversation to understand your situation and help you choose between Full Care Representation and Guided Application Review.
Paid 45‑Minute Consultation
A focused session for specific needs such as strategy, refusals, restoring status, or detailed immigration questions.
Clear, practical guidance tailored to your case.
Start With a Guided Questionnaire
Complete a short questionnaire to help us understand your comfort level, your timeline, and the complexity of your situation. A licensed consultant will review your answers and get back to you within 24 hours with a clear, personalized recommendation.