Canada Visitor Visa
Canada, known for its lush landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture, attracts millions of global visitors each year. Before you embark on this exciting journey, it's essential to understand the procedures involved in obtaining a Canada Visitor visa. The Canada Visitor visa, also known as the Canada visitor visa, is a legal document that allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for tourism, business, or visiting family and friends. This visa permits you to stay in the country for up to six months from the date of entry. However, the actual period of stay will be determined by the immigration officer at the port of entry. This visa is generally issued for multiple entries, enabling you to leave and re-enter Canada multiple times during the visa's validity. Nonetheless, the total duration of stay should not exceed the maximum limit set by the visa.
How to Tell if You Need a Canadian Visitor Visa?
Determining whether you need a Canada Visitor visa depends on your nationality. Citizens from countries not visa-exempt must apply for a Canada Visitor visa before visiting the country.
If you are from one of the following nations, you may not need a Visitor Visa to enter Canada:
Country | Country | Country | Country |
---|---|---|---|
Andorra | France | Montserrat | Australia |
Anguilla | Germany | Netherlands | Austria |
Antigua and Barbuda | Gibraltar | New Zealand | Bahamas |
Barbados | Greece | Norway | Bermuda |
British Virgin Islands | Holy See | Papua New Guinea | Brunei |
Cayman Islands | Hong Kong | Pitcairn | Chile |
Croatia | Hungary | Poland | Cyprus |
Czech Republic | Iceland | Portugal | Denmark |
Estonia | Ireland | St. Helena | Israel |
Falkland Islands | Italy | San Marino | Japan |
Latvia | Singapore | Slovakia | Liechtenstein |
Lithuania | Slovenia | Solomon Islands | Luxembourg |
Malta | Switzerland | Mexico | Taiwan |
Monaco | United Kingdom | --- | --- |
What is ETA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. This digital document allows travelers to board a flight to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport. The eTA aims to improve border security and streamline the screening process for travelers entering Canada.
Visa-exempt foreign nationals must obtain an eTA before flying to Canada, except for citizens of the United States, who are exempt from this requirement. The eTA permits multiple entries into Canada for up to five years or until the passport used in the application expires, whichever comes first.
To apply for an eTA, you need a valid passport from a visa-exempt country, a valid credit card, and an email address. The application process is simple and completed online, with a fee of 7 CAD. Once approved, the eTA remains valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever happens first. If you are traveling with a minor child without your spouse, additional documents may be required. It’s advisable to verify specific requirements before your trip. Please note that the eTA is only required for air travel to Canada. If you enter Canada by land or sea, different entry requirements may apply.
What Types of Canada Visitor Visa Are There?
The Visitor visa Canada comes in the following two variants:
- The Single-Entry Visa: Allows you to enter Canada once, stay up to six months, and then leave.
- The Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows you to enter and exit Canada multiple times for ten years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.
Canada Visitor Visa Requirements
You must meet specific requirements to apply for a Canada Visitor visa. These include:
- A valid passport
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial means to cover your stay in Canada
- Medical examination report (if required)
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit
- Travel and health insurance
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Payment of the visa application fee
In addition to these, you might also need to provide other documentation depending on your circumstances and the Canadian immigration authorities' requirements.
How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?
Follow these steps to apply for a Canada Visitor visa:
- Create Your Online Account: Create an online account on the Canadian government's official website. This account will serve as your dashboard where you can fill out your application form, upload required documents, pay the visa fee, and track your application status.
- Upload All Required Documentation: After creating your account, complete the application form and upload all required documents, including a valid passport, recent passport-size photographs, proof of financial means, travel insurance, and others as per the Canada Visitor visa requirements.
- Pay Your Fees: Pay the Canada Visitor visa fees. The Canadian visa processing fees are as follows:
Fees | CAD |
---|---|
Visitor visa processing fee (per person) | 100 |
Family Visitor visa (1 fee per family of 5 or less) | 500 |
Extend your stay – per person | 100 |
Restore your visitor status | 200 |
You can pay online using a credit or debit card.
After you apply, processing takes 2-4 weeks, depending on the country and time of year. If approved, the visa will be stamped on your passport; if denied, you'll receive a reason for refusal.