Whether you’re coming to Canada to visit family, attend a business meeting, explore the country as a tourist, or be present for a special occasion, you need to make sure you have the right authorization to enter. For many nationalities this means applying for a Temporary Resident Visa — commonly called a visitor visa. The process is straightforward, but the details matter. We make sure your application is complete, accurate, and gives you the best possible chance of approval.
Do you need a visitor visa?
Not everyone needs a visa to visit Canada. Whether you need one depends on your nationality:
- Visa-required countries — citizens of many countries must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travelling to Canada
- eTA countries — citizens of visa-exempt countries (other than the United States) travelling by air need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is a simpler online application
- United States citizens — generally do not need a visa or eTA to visit Canada, but do need a valid passport or other accepted travel document
We confirm at your consultation exactly what you need based on your nationality and travel plans.
What is a Temporary Resident Visa?
A Temporary Resident Visa is an official document placed in your passport by a Canadian visa office. It shows that you have met the requirements to enter Canada as a visitor. A TRV can be issued as:
- Single entry — allows one entry into Canada
- Multiple entry — allows multiple entries into Canada for up to ten years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first
Most applicants are issued a multiple entry visa, which is convenient if you plan to visit Canada more than once.
What is an eTA?
An Electronic Travel Authorization is a simpler, faster authorization for citizens of visa-exempt countries travelling to Canada by air. It is linked electronically to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires. Applying for an eTA is a straightforward online process — but even simple applications can be refused if information is incomplete or inconsistent.
How long can you stay?
A visitor visa or eTA does not determine how long you can stay in Canada — that is decided by the border services officer when you arrive. In most cases visitors are allowed to stay for up to six months. If you need to stay longer you must apply for an extension before your authorized stay expires.
What is the Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a special multiple-entry visa available to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa it allows stays of up to five years at a time without needing to renew status, and is valid for up to ten years. It requires proof of a letter of invitation from your child or grandchild in Canada, proof of their financial support, and Canadian medical insurance coverage for the duration of your stay.
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident whose parents or grandparents want to visit for an extended period, the Super Visa is often the best option while a permanent family sponsorship application is in progress.
How does the process work?
Step 1 — Determine what authorization you need The first step is confirming whether you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or neither, based on your nationality and how you plan to travel to Canada.
Step 2 — Gather required documents You gather your supporting documents. These typically include a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial means to support yourself during your visit, proof of ties to your home country that demonstrate your intention to return — such as employment, property, or family — and a letter of invitation if you are visiting family or friends in Canada.
Step 3 — Submit your application Your TRV application is submitted online to IRCC with all supporting documents and the required fee. An eTA application is a simpler online process linked directly to your passport.
Step 4 — Provide biometrics (if required) Most TRV applicants must provide biometrics — fingerprints and a photo — at a designated collection point in their home country. You will receive instructions on when and where to do this after submitting your application.
Step 5 — Processing and decision IRCC reviews your application. Processing times vary significantly by country of origin and application volume. Once approved your visa is placed in your passport or your eTA is linked electronically to your travel document, and you can make your travel arrangements.
Step 6 — Entry to Canada Upon arrival a border services officer makes the final determination on your length of stay — typically up to six months. You may be asked questions about the purpose and duration of your visit.
How long does processing take?
Processing times vary significantly by country and application volume. Some applications are processed in a matter of days; others take several weeks or longer. We advise you on current processing times for your specific situation and make sure your application is submitted with enough lead time before your planned travel dates.
What can go wrong — and how we help
Visitor visa refusals are more common than people expect, and a refusal can complicate future applications. Common reasons include:
- Insufficient proof of financial means to support yourself during your visit
- Weak demonstration of ties to your home country — property, employment, family — that would motivate you to return
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Previous immigration violations or refusals
- Concerns about the genuine purpose of your visit
At TDL Immigration we assess your application honestly before submission. If there are factors in your profile that could raise concerns — previous refusals, limited ties to your home country, or a complex travel history — we address them proactively and make sure your application tells a complete and convincing story.
F.A.Q.
Here are some common questions about visitor visas.
Can I work or study on a visitor visa?
No — a visitor visa or eTA does not authorize you to work or study in Canada. If you plan to work or study you need the appropriate permit. Attempting to work or study on a visitor visa can have serious consequences for future applications.
Can I extend my stay in Canada as a visitor?
Yes — if you want to stay longer than the period authorized by the border services officer at entry, you must apply for an extension before your authorized stay expires. We can assist with extension applications.
What if my visitor visa application is refused?
A refusal letter will explain the reasons for the decision. Depending on the circumstances you may be able to reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns raised. We review refusal letters carefully and advise you on the most realistic path forward.
I have a valid US visa — can I use it to visit Canada?
In some cases yes — certain US visa holders are eligible for an eTA rather than a full TRV. We confirm your specific situation at consultation.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Canada?
Travel insurance is not legally required for most visitor visas, but it is strongly recommended. Canada does not provide healthcare to visitors and medical costs can be very high. For the Super Visa, Canadian medical insurance is a mandatory requirement.
Can I apply for a visitor visa if I have been refused before?
Yes — a previous refusal does not permanently bar you from applying again. However, it is important to understand why you were refused and address those concerns in a new application. We review your previous refusal and advise you on the strongest approach for reapplying.
Planning a visit to Canada?