Temporary visas
The Canadian visitor visa
A visitor visa lets you come to Canada to travel, visit family or take a short business trip. Here is what is assessed and how to prepare.
An overview
A visitor visa lets you enter Canada for a limited time. You cannot work or study long term with it. The border officer sets how long you may stay on each entry, usually up to six months.
An IRCC officer checks that your purpose is clear, that you have enough money for the trip and that you will leave when your stay ends. Clear, consistent documents matter most.
Temporary visasKey points
A clear purpose
Show your tourism, family visit, conference or short business trip with matching documents.
Enough funds
Documents showing you can pay for the trip and your stay.
Ties to home
Work, study, family or property that show you will return.
Admissibility
A criminal record or health issues can affect the decision.
The steps in short
- 1
Check whether you need a visa
See whether your citizenship needs a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
- 2
Prepare documents
Passport, photo, financial and work documents, travel plan and an invitation if you have one.
- 3
Apply
Usually online through your IRCC account.
- 4
Biometrics
Fingerprints and photo, when requested.
- 5
Follow up and decision
Answer any requests for more information until you get the result.
Common documents
- A valid passport
- A photo that meets IRCC's standard
- Financial documents, such as bank statements
- Work or study documents
- Travel plan and a letter explaining the trip
- An invitation from a host in Canada, if you have one
Good to know
- An invitation is not required but can help.
- A refusal is not a permanent ban; look at the reason given.
- A visitor visa does not allow you to work.
- Everything on the forms must match your documents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an invitation letter for a visitor visa?
No, but an invitation from a friend or relative in Canada can make the purpose of your trip clearer. It does not guarantee the visa.
How long can I stay in Canada?
The border officer sets the period on each entry, usually up to six months. Staying longer needs an extension applied for before your stay ends.
What if my visa is refused?
Look at the reason in the IRCC letter. If you fix the file you can apply again; advice before re-applying helps.