A visitor visa is required to come to Canada as a tourist, or to go on a quick trip to visit family, or to conduct business for individuals from many countries.

Anyone who is not a permanent or temporary resident of Canada (those who have a work or study permit) will need a visitor visa to enter the country. However, citizens of some countries do not need a visitor visa and can instead obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The eTA is a more streamlined form or travel authorization available to citizens of countries that have visa-free travel agreements with Canada. For answers to common questions on the eTA, click here.

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What is required to get a Canadian visitor visa?

1. Fill the required form

Depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside Canada, you will need to fill out different forms. Those applying from outside Canada will need to fill out the following:

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257);
• Family Information Form (IMM 5707);
• statutory declaration of common law union (IMM 5409);
• Use of a representative (IMM 5476) – note that this is only required if you have used the services of a representative, or you are appointing or revoking the use of a representative; and
• Authorization to Release Personal Information to a Specified Individual (IMM 5475) – Note that this form is only required if you authorize Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to release information from your case file to someone other than you (e.g.: a representative or authorized relative).

2. Collect the required documents

In addition to the above forms, applicants for a visitor visa must submit the following documents in support of their request:

• receipt of fee payment;
• A photocopy of the information page of your passport, including: passport number, issuance and expiry dates, and your photo, name, date of issue and place of birth;
• Two photographs meeting the requirements of the visa application photograph specifications. Applicants must write their name and date of birth on the back of these two photographs. If applicants are required to provide biometric fingerprints and photos, they do not need to attach these photographs;
• proof of financial support, proving that you can support yourself and any family members accompanying you while in Canada;
• a photocopy of your marriage license or certificate (if relevant);
• letter stating the purpose of your visit;
• Photocopy of your current immigration status (if your country of residence is different from the country of citizenship listed on your passport, you will need to provide proof of your legal status in your country of residence);
• Minors traveling alone or with one parent must present custody documentation or an authorization letter from the other non-partner parent or an authorization letter signed by both parents or legal guardians; and
• Any other additional documents required by the responsible visa office in your region.

Note that application forms filled online must be completed and validated by generating barcodes. If filled on a computer, these barcodes will be automatically attached to the immigration form, otherwise they must be printed and placed on top of the application if applying by paper.

How to pay the required fee and prove fee payment to IRCC

Applicants for visitor visas may have to pay two types of fees. These are the application processing fee and the biometric fee. Those who do not need to provide biometrics may be exempt from the other type of fee – find out here whether you need to provide biometrics or not.

The application processing fee for a visitor visa is CAD$100 per individual and CAD$500 for a family (five or more persons).

On the other hand, the biometrics fee is 85 Canadian dollars per individual and 170 dollars per family (two or more persons).

These fees may be subject to change and are non-refundable regardless of the decision taken on your application. Also, the only acceptable way to pay these fees is online.

After following the instructions given and completing the process, you will need to wait until the official IRCC receipt with barcode is issued. Applicants are advised to save this file and attach a copy of it to their application.

How to Provide Proof of Financial Aid

There are several documents you can use to prove that you can support yourself and your accompanying dependents while traveling to Canada.

Some examples include cash, certified cheque, bank draft or money order in an amount large enough to cover all reasonable expenses incurred during your stay in Canada.

Additionally, written or oral statements (which can be verified) may also be used, provided they satisfy the officer that adequate financial support from friends and/or family has been arranged and that reasonable incurable expenses can be covered during your stay.

Other documents include bank statements, employment letters or previous tax filing information.

How to Write a “Purpose of Travel” Letter

All foreign nationals entering Canada must satisfy the officer at the time of entry that they have a valid reason to enter and remain in Canada. In the context of visitor visas, this can often also include proving that you (the foreign national) will leave Canada after your authorised stay has expired.

In some cases, visitor visa applicants may also need an invitation letter from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

Applying with family members

Visitor visa applicants wishing to bring their family along on a trip to Canada must complete one application form for each family member. All applications can be submitted together online or to the VAC where you will send your application on paper. A single receipt can also be provided for all included applications.

Finally, all family members and dependents must meet all the requirements for temporary residence in Canada.

Know if you are eligible for Canadian immigration