Tourist/Visitor Visas

 

Tourist visas are called "Visitor Visas" or "Temporary Resident Visas (TRV)" in Canada. The citizens of certain countries need a TRV. While the nationals of most developing countries need a TRV to visit Canada, the citizens of many developed countries (most European countries, Australia, UK, Japan, South Korea, etc.) can obtain eTA to visit Canada. 

Canada welcomes more than 35 million temporary residents (non-immigrants) each year. Except for Canadian citizens and permanent residents, all other individuals require permission to enter Canada as a visitor and require either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization), unless they are US Citizens.

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The map above shows: Green - eTA countries; Grey: TRV required. 

 

The following foreigners need either a TRV or an eTA:

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• Tourists

• Temporary foreign workers (individuals with work permits)

• International students (individuals on study permits)

• Business Visitors​

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TRV or an eTA?  You only need one of them, not both.

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Citizens of visa-exempt countries intending to travel to Canada by air are expected to have applied for an obtained an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada. 

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Exception: Citizens of the United States do not require a TRV or an eTA, but Green Card holders in the United States, require an eTA to come to Canada, regardless of their nationality.

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If you are NOT a citizen from a visa-exempt country, you WILL need a TRV to enter Canada.

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To find out if you need a TRV or eTA before departure to Canada, click here.

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What is eTA (electronic Travel Authorization)?

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As of March 15, 2016, travellers with passports from countries that are visa-exempt who enter Canada by air will need an eTA.

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The authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

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Obtaining  eTA is usually a very simple process which takes about 5 minutes once you complete the questionnaire online. ​​The refusal rate is minimal in obtaining eTA versus TRV which may take 2 months to be processed depending on the country of origin. Also in order to obtain eTA you don't typically need any proofs of funds, etc., while to obtain a TRV you may need a bunch of documents showing your assets, bank balance, proof of funds, etc. 

 

What is a TRV and how to apply for one?

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* If you require a TRV, please make sure you read the reasons for refusal.

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The TRV is a document issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office outside Canada, showing that the holder has satisfied the requirements for admission to Canada as a visitor. TRVs may be for single entry or multiple entry. As a general rule, tourists are admitted for a period of six months. Temporary foreign workers and international students are admitted for varying periods of time, as determined on a case-by-case basis. Extensions may be applied for from within Canada.

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It is important to note that possession of a valid TRV does not necessarily mean that the Officer at the Canadian Port of Entry will admit the visitor into Canada. At the Port of Entry, all visitors must demonstrate that the purpose of their visit to Canada is of a temporary nature. Officers at the Port of Entry will deny admission to all persons who, in their opinion, do not intend to leave Canada at the expiry of their visitor status.

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Items to note:

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• Certain applicants may need to undergo a medical examination. This pertains to some individuals who intend to remain in Canada and have recently visited certain countries, as well as persons who intend to work in certain occupations in Canada.

• Criminality and medical issues may prevent a visitor from entering Canada.

• Visitors to Canada must be able to prove their ability to support themselves during their intended temporary stay in Canada.

• Citizens of certain countries may need to provide biometric information. To learn which countries this applies to, click here.