Canada offers incredible experiences — from the vibrant streets of Toronto to the stunning Rocky Mountains, from Niagara Falls to the charming streets of Old Montreal. Whether you're visiting family, exploring nature, or experiencing Canadian culture, you'll need the right visa.
The Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa/TRV) is required for citizens of countries not eligible for the eTA program. This guide walks you through the complete application process with DoVisa.
What is the Canada Visitor Visa?
The Canada Visitor Visa, officially known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a document placed in your passport that shows you've met the requirements to enter Canada temporarily. It's required for citizens of countries not eligible for visa-free entry or the eTA program.
The visa demonstrates to Canadian border officers that you've been pre-screened and approved for entry. However, final entry decision rests with the officer at the port of entry.
Visitor Visa at a Glance
Validity: Up to 10 years (or passport expiry)
Stay: Usually up to 6 months per visit
Entries: Single or multiple entry
Processing: 2-12 weeks depending on country
Purpose: Tourism, visiting family, business
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
Whether you need a Visitor Visa depends on your nationality and how you're entering Canada:
- Visitor Visa required: India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, most of Africa, South America, and Middle East
- eTA only (visa-exempt): UK, EU countries, Australia, Japan — when flying to Canada
- No visa/eTA needed: US citizens, Canadian permanent residents
Multiple Entry is Best
If eligible, apply for a multiple-entry visa. It lets you visit Canada multiple times during its validity period (up to 10 years) without reapplying. This is especially valuable for business travelers and those with family in Canada.
Requirements
- Valid passport (valid for duration of stay, ideally 6+ months)
- Completed application forms (IMM 5257, IMM 5645)
- Two recent passport photos meeting specifications
- Proof of financial support (3-6 months bank statements)
- Purpose of visit documentation
- Travel itinerary or flight reservation
- Ties to home country (job letter, property documents)
- Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
- Travel history (previous visas/stamps)
- Application fee payment confirmation
- Biometrics appointment confirmation (if applicable)
How to Apply
- Check eligibility — Confirm you need a Visitor Visa using DoVisa's checker
- Gather documents — Passport, photos, financial proof, invitation letter
- Complete forms — IMM 5257 (application), IMM 5645 (family info)
- Write cover letter — Explain your purpose of visit clearly
- Pay fees — Application fee plus biometrics fee
- Submit application — Online through IRCC portal or via DoVisa
- Provide biometrics — At a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Respond to requests — Submit additional documents if requested
- Wait for decision — Processing varies by country
- Receive passport — With visa stamp if approved
Biometrics Required
Most applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre. This is a one-time requirement valid for 10 years. Schedule your appointment after submitting your application.
Costs & Processing Time
Visa Fees & Processing
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $100 CAD (~$75 USD) |
| Biometrics Fee | $85 CAD (~$65 USD) |
| Total Per Person | $185 CAD (~$140 USD) |
| Family Maximum (Biometrics) | $170 CAD for 2+ people |
Processing times vary significantly by country:
- India: 6-8 weeks
- China: 4-8 weeks
- Philippines: 8-12 weeks
- Pakistan: 6-10 weeks
- Nigeria: 8-12 weeks
Apply well in advance of your planned travel date!
Apply for Your Canada Visitor Visa
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These Errors Lead to Rejection
Canada Visitor Visa applications have strict requirements. Avoid these common mistakes that cause delays or refusals:
- Weak ties to home: Not demonstrating strong reasons to return (job, property, family)
- Insufficient funds: Bank statements showing low balance or irregular deposits
- Incomplete forms: Missing sections, unclear answers, or unsigned forms
- Poor documentation: Blurry scans, missing translations, or outdated documents
- Inconsistent information: Details that don't match between forms and documents
- No cover letter: Missing the opportunity to explain your purpose of visit
- Applying too late: Not allowing enough time for processing
- Previous violations: Not disclosing past visa refusals or overstays
DoVisa Helps Prevent Mistakes
Our experts review your application before submission, checking for completeness, consistency, and strength. We help you present the strongest possible case for approval.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Strong ties to home: Show job, property, family that ensure you'll return
- Clear purpose: Explain exactly why you're visiting and your itinerary
- Sufficient funds: 3-6 months of bank statements showing adequate savings
- Complete documents: Missing documents are a top reason for delays
- Honest application: Never misrepresent information — it leads to refusal and bans
- Good travel history: Previous travel to US, UK, EU strengthens your application
- Quality cover letter: Personalize your story and explain your circumstances
Letter of Invitation
If visiting family or friends, a letter of invitation helps. It should include: your host's status in Canada, relationship to you, details of your stay, and their contact information. While not mandatory, it strengthens your application.
Why Apply with DoVisa?
Expert document review and checklist
Application guidance and form assistance
Cover letter templates and examples
24/7 customer support
Status tracking dashboard
Trusted by thousands of travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Canada Visitor Visa processing take?
Can I work with a Visitor Visa?
What if my visa is refused?
How long can I stay in Canada?
Do I need to show a return ticket?
Can I visit the USA with a Canada visa?
How much money should I show in bank statements?
Can I apply for my family together?
What happens if my application is rejected?
Can I extend my visitor visa while in Canada?
Ready to Visit Canada?
Canada welcomes millions of visitors each year with its stunning landscapes, multicultural cities, and friendly people. Whether you're visiting Niagara Falls, exploring the Rocky Mountains, or reuniting with family, the Visitor Visa opens the door to incredible experiences.
Apply with DoVisa for expert guidance through the application process!
Canada
Capital: Ottawa
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Language: English, French
Timezone: UTC-3.5 to UTC-8
Processing: 2-12 weeks
Quick Facts
- Best time: May - October (summer), Dec - March (skiing)
- World's second largest country
- Power: 120V, Type A/B plugs
- Country code: +1
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Comments(12)
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Indian passport holder - got my 10-year multiple entry visa! Key was showing strong employment ties and 6 months of bank statements. The wait was worth it!
Applied from Pakistan. The biometrics appointment in Islamabad was straightforward. Now planning my trip to see my sister in Toronto!
Tip from China: Apply during non-peak season (avoid Chinese New Year and summer). Processing is much faster during quieter periods!
Nigerian here - don't lose hope if processing seems slow. I got the 10-year multiple entry. Having previous UK travel history definitely helped.
Philippines applicant. My first application was refused (insufficient ties). Second time I included property documents and a detailed employment letter - approved! Don't give up!
Is it true that having a US visa helps your Canada application?
DoVisa helped me with my cover letter - that made a huge difference. They explained exactly what information to include and how to present my case. Highly recommend their service!
How important is the invitation letter from my cousin in Canada?
Kenyan here - got approved on my first try! Key documents were: bank statements showing consistent salary deposits, employer letter confirming my job, and property documents. Be thorough!
Finally visiting my daughter in Vancouver! The visa process was nerve-wracking but worth it. Canada is beautiful - spent time in Banff and it exceeded all expectations.
My application was refused because I didn't show strong enough ties. Reapplied with property documents, family photos, and employer letter confirming my return - approved! Learn from my mistake.
The biometrics appointment was quick and easy. Make sure to bring your appointment confirmation and passport. The whole thing took less than 20 minutes at the VAC.