Canada visas

Canadian Visa

If you're considering moving to Canada, visiting family, or simply going on holiday, you'll likely require a Canadian visitor or tourist visa for entry. Canada offers two types of tourist visas, single entry and multiple entry visitor visas, each with specific requirements.

These requirements depend on various factors, such as your purpose of stay, country of origin, duration of your visit, and connections to your home country.

To help you navigate the visa application process, we've created a Canada visitor visa checklist, ensuring you don't miss any crucial steps. However, the initial step is to determine if you need a visa or just an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Canadian Visa Eligibility Requirements (2026)

To qualify for a Canada Visa in 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Provide biometric data (if required).
• Show proof of sufficient funds for the stay.
• Demonstrate ties to their home country. (employment, family, or property).
• Have no criminal or immigration violations.
• Meet medical and security requirements.

Who Can Apply for a Canadian Visa in 2026

Foreign nationals from countries not listed as visa-exempt must obtain a valid Canada visa before travelling to Canada.

Citizens of visa-exempt nations entering by air must instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is electronically linked to their passport.

All travellers must meet the general entry and admissibility requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Visa-Required Nationals

Applicants from visa-required countries, such as India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines, and most African, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations, must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel.

This visa is required for tourism, family visits, business trips, or transit through a Canadian airport.

Applicants must demonstrate that they:

• Intend to visit temporarily and will leave Canada before the visa expiry date.
• Have sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
• Have no criminal record or previous immigration violations.
• Are in good health (a medical exam may be required for long stays).
• Have strong ties to their home country, such as employment, family, property, or education commitments.

Visa-Exempt Nationals

Citizens of countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, most EU member states, and select Caribbean and Pacific nations are visa-exempt for short-term visits (typically up to six months).

However, travellers entering by air must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight.

The eTA is:

Travellers entering by land or sea (e.g., from the United States) do not require an eTA, but they must still satisfy Canadian entry conditions upon arrival.

• Linked electronically to the traveller’s passport.
• Valid for five years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first).
• Required even for transit through Canadian airports.

Special Visa Categories

In addition to standard visitor and eTA categories, certain individuals may apply under specific visa types:

• Business Visitors: For meetings, conferences, or trade events without engaging in local employment.
• Study and Work Permit Holders: For students or employees with valid Canadian authorisation.
• Transit Visa Applicants: For visa-required nationals transiting through Canada en route to another destination.
• Family Visitors: Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or residents may apply for a Super Visa, allowing extended stays of up to two years per visit.

General Entry Requirements for All Travellers

Regardless of visa type or nationality, all travellers entering Canada must:

Additional supporting documents may include:

Meeting these eligibility and documentation standards helps ensure a smooth visa application and successful entry into Canada.

• Hold a valid passport with sufficient validity for the duration of their stay.
• Be admissible under Canadian law (no serious criminality or medical inadmissibility).
• Convince a border services officer of their intent to visit temporarily and return home after the visit.
• Provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints) if required.
• Proof of accommodation and a confirmed travel itinerary.
• Evidence of employment, education, or business ownership in the home country.
• Return or onward flight booking confirmation.

What Is the Canadian Visa?

The Canadian Visa authorises short-term entry for approved purposes, including:

• Tourism or holiday visits.
• Business meetings, conferences, or trade events.
• Short-term study (less than six months).
• Attending global sports events such as the World Cup 2026.
• Visiting family or friends.

Canadian Visa Fees (2026)

As of 2026, the standard Canada visa fee is CAD $100 per applicant, plus CAD $85 for biometrics (if required).

Additional fees may apply for courier services or medical checks.

• Visa Type — Application Fee (CAD) — Biometric Fee (CAD)
• Visitor Visa — 100 — 85
• eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — 7 — Not required
• Study Permit — 150 — 85
• Work Permit — 155 — 85

Canadian Visa Required Documents (2026)

You must provide the following documents.

• Completed visa application form (IMM 5257 or relevant type).
• Valid passport.
• Two recent passport-sized photos meeting photo requirements.
• Proof of financial means (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
• Letter of invitation (if applicable).
• Travel itinerary and return flight booking.

Canada Visitor Visa

The Canada Visitor Visa, a Temporary Resident Visa for Canada, permits the holder to travel to Canada for purposes such as:

The Canada Tourist Visa enables you to approach a Canadian port of entry and request permission to enter the country. Border Patrol Officers can grant or deny entry based on your documents and circumstances.

Upon receiving a Canadian Visitor visa and with the assurance from officers that you possess no criminal intentions, you can pass through the port of entry and commence your holiday or family visit in Canada.

• Tourism or vacations in Canada.
• Visiting family members.

Canada Work Visa

• Canada, a highly developed country, offers numerous work opportunities and competitive salaries, attracting many foreign workers seeking rewarding jobs. In response, the Canadian government has established work visas.

Canadian Visa Application Process

During the interview, they often aim to assess your intention to return to your home country once your visa expires.

To increase the chances of a successful application, it is crucial to attend the scheduled interview punctually and provide honest responses to all the questions posed by the officials. This approach will demonstrate your credibility and commitment to abiding by the terms of the visa.

To maximize the chances of a successful application, attend the scheduled interview on time, and be prepared to answer questions about your background, work experience, and plans for your stay in Canada.

Be honest and transparent in your responses, as this will reflect your credibility and commitment to respecting the terms of the work permit. Additionally, demonstrate your ties to your home country, such as family, property, or a stable job.

Canadian Visa Interview Questions

During your first interview, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will:

After the first interview, you'll meet with another CBSA officer (or the same officer at some ports of entry) to check the items you're bringing with you.

During the second interview, you'll declare what you're bringing into Canada. The officer will ask to see your declaration card and inquire about the items on your lists of goods accompanying you and arriving later. They may inspect your luggage and ask about specific items, such as live animals, plants, firearms, ammunition, fireworks, meat, dairy products, fresh fruits, vegetables, and items from endangered species.

It's crucial to provide truthful answers to all questions, as making false statements is a serious crime that may result in being denied entry to Canada.

If you're well-prepared and have no prohibited items, the process should proceed smoothly. If there are no issues, the officer will sign your Confirmation of Permanent Residence and authorize your entry into Canada as a permanent resident.

• Greet you.
• Request your visa and travel documents.
• Ensure that you and any family members traveling with you have proper travel documents.
• Inquire about your health.
• Ask questions similar to those on the immigrant application form, such as questions about family, criminal history, duration of stay in Canada, available funds, health, and previous visits to Canada.