A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows foreign nationals to travel to Canada for short-term stays such as tourism, family visits, or business purposes.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
You may require a Visitor Visa if you:
- Are from a country that is not visa-exempt.
- Plan to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or short-term courses (less than six months)..
- Need to transit through Canada.
Types of Visitor Visas
- Single-Entry Visa: Permits entry to Canada once. Becomes invalid after departure, except for specific travel to the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows multiple entries to Canada for up to 10 years or until passport expiry.
- Super Visa: Designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing extended visits for up to five years at a time. See more...
- Transit Visa: Required for travelers passing through Canada on their way to another country and who will be in Canada for less than 48 hours.
- Business Visitor Visa: For individuals coming to Canada for temporary business activities, such as meetings, training, or conferences, without entering the Canadian labor market. See more...
What a Visitor Visa Does NOT Allow
- No Work Rights: Employment in Canada is not permitted.
- Not for Permanent Residency: It’s for temporary stays only.
- Stay Limitations: Generally limited to six months per visit.