Canada Visitor Visa

A Canada Visitor Visa is an official document that allows eligible foreign nationals from visa-required countries to seek entry to Canada as temporary visitors, for purposes such as tourism, family visits or certain short business visits. It is also known as a Temporary Resident Visa. A border services officer makes the final decision on entry.

Canada does not publish one universal minimum bank balance for visitor visa applicants. The amount needed depends on the length of the trip, the number of travellers, accommodation, who is paying and your overall financial circumstances.

Common documents include a valid passport, proof of financial support, evidence of employment or business, travel history and, where relevant, an invitation letter. IRCC provides a personalized document checklist based on your circumstances, and additional documents may be required.

An invitation letter is not required for every applicant. It can help explain the purpose of a family or personal visit, but it does not guarantee approval. You still need to meet the requirements for a temporary visit.

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months, but the border services officer decides the authorized period on entry and may allow a shorter or longer stay. The visa's validity date is not the same as your authorized length of stay.

A visitor visa does not normally authorize employment in Canada. Working generally requires a separate work permit or a specific work-permit exemption.

Visitors may be able to take certain short courses that do not require a study permit. Longer programs of study generally require a study permit.

If you want to stay longer, you may need to apply for a visitor record before your authorized stay expires. Approval is not automatic.

A visitor visa is used to travel to and seek entry to Canada. A visitor record is a document used to extend or change your status as a visitor while you are already in Canada. A visitor record is not a visitor visa and does not allow re-entry.

A visitor visa is for general temporary visits. A Super Visa is designed for eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents and has additional requirements, including host income and private medical insurance.

Yes, parents can apply for a regular visitor visa if they meet the requirements. Eligible parents and grandparents may also consider a Super Visa. The better option depends on the planned visit and the family's circumstances.

Processing times vary by the country or territory where you apply, the completeness of your application, biometrics, document requests and IRCC workload. Check IRCC's processing-time tool for current estimates.

Your refusal letter lists the reasons. Common concerns include an unclear purpose of visit, doubts about leaving Canada at the end of the stay, insufficient financial evidence, weak home-country ties or inconsistent information.

In most cases, you can submit a new application. It should address the specific concerns IRCC raised, not simply repeat the earlier application with more documents.

Most applicants apply from outside Canada. Certain people already in Canada, such as some workers and students with valid status, may have specific options to get a visitor visa for travel. This does not apply to everyone in Canada, so check IRCC's instructions for your situation.