How to apply for a Canadian Visa

This page has been reviewed and verified by Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor. 

A Canada visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to Canada for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business visitor activities. Applications are assessed and processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Depending on your nationality and travel document, you may need a TRV, or you may be eligible to travel with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.

Eligibility Requirements

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
• Completed visa application form
• Proof of funds to cover travel and accommodation
• Return or onward travel ticket
• Travel purpose documentation (invitation letter, hotel booking, etc.)
• Evidence you will leave Canada at the end of your visit (work, study, family ties, property, or other commitments)
• If applicable, a clear travel history and supporting documents showing previous compliance with immigration rules

Application Process

1. Confirm what you need (TRV vs eTA). Requirements depend on your citizenship, passport type, and travel route. If you are unsure, start with the official IRCC eligibility questions and checklist steps within your online application.
2. Prepare your documents. Common documents include passport biodata page scans, travel itinerary, accommodation evidence, invitation letter (if visiting someone), proof of employment or study, bank statements, and any prior visas/entry stamps that support your travel history.
3. Complete the online application. Most applicants submit online through the official IRCC portal. Answer all questions consistently across the form and supporting evidence (dates, employers, address history, and purpose of travel).
4. Pay the government fees. Fees are typically paid online within the application portal. Keep your payment confirmation for your records.
5. Provide biometrics (if required). Many applicants must attend a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) after receiving biometrics instructions. If you are required to attend a VAC, bring the required identification and the biometrics instruction letter.
6. Submit any additional requests promptly. IRCC may request additional documents, updated bank statements, travel details, or a medical examination (in specific circumstances). Respond by the deadline shown in your online account.
7. Track the application and receive a decision. Updates are generally provided through your online account. If approved, you may be asked to submit your passport (or follow local instructions) for visa counterfoil issuance, depending on your location and process.

Processing Times & Validity

Processing times vary significantly based on your country of residence, time of year, application volumes, and whether IRCC requests additional documents or biometrics. Your application will be assessed on its own merits, including the credibility of your travel purpose and your overall circumstances.

If approved, a Canada visitor visa may be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa. Validity can range from a short period to several years, but it is often limited by your passport expiry date. A visa’s validity is not the same as the length of stay. At the port of entry, a border services officer determines how long you may stay; many visitors are allowed up to six months, unless a different date is stamped in the passport or documented by IRCC.

If you need to visit Canada multiple times, your supporting documents should clearly explain your travel plans and why multiple trips are necessary. Where possible, keep your itinerary realistic and consistent with your finances and personal commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I extend my visa while in Canada?
You may be able to apply to extend your stay as a visitor before your current status expires (often issued as a visitor record if approved). Extensions are not automatic, and you should apply early enough to allow for processing.

Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not always a formal requirement for a Canada visitor visa, but it is strongly recommended. Healthcare and unexpected travel costs can be significant, and evidence of insurance can help demonstrate you have planned responsibly for your visit.

Can Visa Applications process my Canada Visa?
Yes. We manage the process from document preparation to submission, ensuring compliance with immigration requirements.

About This Page

Author: Visa Applications Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Michael Gibbons, Regulated Immigration Advisor.
Last Updated: 20 February 2026.