Posted October 4th, 2025

Canada Visitor Visa Requirements (2025)

This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor. You can confirm details through Our Canada Visa Guidance.

The Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for tourism, family visits, or short-term business. This guide outlines the full requirements for obtaining a visitor visa in 2025, including eligibility, documents, and special notes for travelers attending the World Cup 2025.

Who Needs a Canada Visitor Visa?

Citizens of visa-required countries must obtain a visitor visa before entering Canada. Nationals from visa-exempt countries can instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if traveling by air. To verify your status, visit the official IRCC website.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Canada Visitor Visa in 2025, applicants must:

Hold a valid passport with at least six months’ remaining validity.
Have no criminal or immigration violations.
Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover travel and stay.
Provide proof of intent to return to their home country after the visit.
Possess a clear purpose of travel — tourism, family visit, or attending events like the World Cup.

Documents Required

Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Passport-size photographs following Canada’s photo guidelines
Copy of passport bio-data page
Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips, or sponsorship letter)
Travel itinerary and return flight confirmation
Accommodation proof (hotel booking or host invitation)
Letter of invitation (if visiting friends or relatives)
Event tickets or accreditation (for World Cup visitors)

Application Process (2025)

Select “Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)” as the category.
Upload all required documents and digital photographs.
Pay the CAD $100 application fee and CAD $85 biometric fee (if applicable).
Book and attend your biometric appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Track your application status online and wait for the visa decision.

Processing Times

Visitor visa applications typically take between 2–6 weeks to process, depending on the applicant’s country of residence and workload at the visa office. Applicants planning to attend the World Cup 2025 should apply early, as processing volumes will increase significantly during event season.

Visa Fees

The standard Canada visitor visa fee for 2025 is CAD $100 per person. Additional costs may include CAD $85 for biometrics and local VAC service charges. All fees must be paid online before submission.

Duration and Validity

Visitor visas are usually valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry, whichever occurs first. Each visit allows a stay of up to six months unless otherwise stated by the border officer upon entry.

World Cup 2025 Travel Advisory

Spectators, journalists, and participants attending the World Cup 2025 must apply for the correct visitor visa and carry proof of ticket purchase or accreditation. Temporary work permits may apply for paid roles. Refer to our full event guidance at Visa for the World Cup 20256.

Tips for Applicants

Apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date.
Provide strong proof of ties to your home country (job, property, family).
Keep copies of your application and payment receipts.
Do not submit incomplete or inconsistent information.
Use your IRCC account to check for updates and messages regularly.

Related Guidance

About This Page

Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: December 2025.