Overview of Canada Visitor Visas

Canada offers various types of visitor visas for individuals wishing to enter the country temporarily. The most common type is the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), which allows visitors to stay in Canada for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. Depending on the applicant’s nationality and travel purpose, they may also apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air.

Types of Visitor Visas

1. Temporary Resident Visa (TRV): This visa is required for citizens from countries that are not visa-exempt. It permits entry into Canada for a limited time, typically up to six months.
2. Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): This is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. The eTA is electronically linked to the traveler’s passport and is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires.
3. Visitor Record: If a visitor wishes to extend their stay in Canada beyond the period granted upon entry, they must apply for a Visitor Record before their current status expires.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a visitor visa or eTA, applicants must meet several criteria:

1. Purpose of Visit: Applicants must clearly state their reason for visiting Canada, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.
2. Financial Support: Applicants need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada without needing public assistance.
3. Ties to Home Country: Applicants should provide evidence of ties to their home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family connections, which would compel them to return after their visit.
4. Good Character: Individuals with criminal records may be deemed inadmissible unless they can prove rehabilitation.
5. Health Requirements: Some applicants may need to undergo medical examinations depending on their country of origin and duration of stay.

Application Process

1. Determine Eligibility: Before applying, individuals should check whether they require a TRV or an eTA based on their nationality and travel plans.
2. Gather Required Documents:

• A valid passport
• Proof of financial support
• Travel itinerary
• Invitation letter (if applicable)
• Any additional documents requested by immigration authorities
• Complete Application Form:

For TRV applications, use form IMM 5257.

• For eTA applications, complete the online form available on the Government of Canada’s website.
• Pay Application Fees: Fees vary depending on the type of visa being applied for; as of 2024, a TRV costs CAD 100 per person while an eTA costs CAD 7.

3. Submit Biometrics (if required): Some applicants may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at designated collection points.
4. Wait for Processing: Processing times can vary significantly based on factors like application volume and individual circumstances but generally range from a few weeks to several months.
5. Receive Decision: Applicants will be notified about the decision via email or through their online account if they applied online.
6. Travel to Canada: Upon approval, travelers should ensure they carry all necessary documents when entering Canada and comply with any additional requirements set forth by border services officers.

Important Considerations

• Travelers should apply well in advance of their intended travel dates due to potential processing delays.
• It is crucial that all information provided in applications is accurate and truthful; discrepancies can lead to denial or future inadmissibility.
• Visitors must respect the conditions of their visa or eTA during their stay in Canada; overstaying can result in serious consequences including deportation and bans on future entry.

In summary, obtaining a visitor visa or eTA involves understanding eligibility requirements, preparing necessary documentation, completing application forms accurately, paying fees promptly, and adhering strictly to Canadian immigration laws during one’s stay.

For more enquiries on a Canada Visitor/Entry visa, book a consultation with a consultant with e-lhr