Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

What is a Visitor Visa (TRV)?

Citizens of certain countries require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — commonly called a visitor visa — to travel to Canada by air, land, or sea. The TRV is a stamp or label placed in your passport confirming that you have been pre-screened and may present yourself at a Canadian port of entry. The visa does not guarantee entry — a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the border makes the final admission decision and determines your authorized stay length (typically up to six months, unless noted otherwise on your entry document).

TRV vs eTA: which applies to you?

What IRCC officers assess

A visa officer reviews each application to determine whether the applicant has a genuine, temporary reason to visit Canada and will leave when their authorized stay expires. Officers look at a combination of factors:

• Purpose of visit A clear, credible reason for the trip — tourism, family visit, medical care, or business. Generic explanations without supporting context and documentation are a common reason for refusals.
• Ties to home country Employment, property ownership, family obligations, or other commitments that create a genuine incentive to return home after the visit. Strong ties directly reduce the perceived risk of overstaying.
• Financial means Sufficient funds to cover the cost of the stay — accommodation, living expenses, activities — without needing to work. Bank statements, employment letters, or sponsor letters from a host in Canada are standard supporting documents.
• Travel history A history of complying with immigration conditions in Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, or other countries is viewed positively. Overstays or prior refusals on record require clear, documented explanation.
• Invitation from a host in Canada (family visits) The Canadian host should provide a signed invitation letter stating their address, immigration status, relationship to the visitor, dates of the intended visit, and confirmation of financial support if sponsoring the visitor's stay.
• Admissibility No criminal convictions or health conditions that would make you inadmissible under Canadian law. Certain criminal records require rehabilitation applications before a TRV is possible.

Handling previous refusals

A previous TRV refusal does not automatically prevent you from applying again, but it must be disclosed. Reapplying with the same or weaker documentation without addressing the officer's concerns almost always results in another refusal. We review the refusal reason (where communicated), identify gaps in the original application, and build a substantively stronger file — not just a reformatted version of what was already refused.

Extending your visitor status in Canada

If you are already in Canada as a visitor and wish to stay beyond your authorized period, you can apply for a Visitor Record (extension) before your current authorized stay expires. Applying on time places you in maintained (implied) status while your extension is processed, allowing you to legally remain in Canada. You should not wait until your last day — document preparation takes time and technical issues with IRCC's online system can cause delays.

Restoration of temporary resident status

If your visitor status has expired and you did not apply for an extension in time, you may be out of status. Restoration is possible if you apply within 90 days of status expiry and meet the requirements. Restoration is not guaranteed and is assessed separately from any extension application. Remaining in Canada without legal status — even briefly — can have serious consequences for all future immigration applications.

Visitor visa application process

1. 1
   Confirm that a TRV is required (not an eTA) Verify your nationality requires a TRV and that you are applying for the correct visa type for your purpose of travel.
2. 2
   Prepare purpose-of-visit and supporting documents Gather purpose documentation (invitation letters, itinerary), proof of ties to home country, financial statements, and employment evidence.
3. 3
   Submit the TRV application Apply online through IRCC's portal or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Biometrics enrollment at a VAC is required for most nationalities if biometrics are not already on file.
4. 4
   Biometrics and medical exam (if required) Biometrics are collected at a VAC location. A medical exam may be required for longer visits or based on country of origin — check IRCC's country requirements list.
5. 5
   Receive TRV and travel to Canada Present your passport with the TRV at the Canadian port of entry. The CBSA officer determines how long you may stay. Keep your entry stamp and make note of your authorized stay date.

Documents typically needed

• Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• Recent passport-sized photos meeting IRCC specifications
• Purpose of visit: travel itinerary, hotel bookings, event or conference details
• Invitation letter from host in Canada (for family visits) with proof of their immigration status
• Bank statements (typically 3–6 months) showing sufficient and stable funds
• Proof of employment or business ties in home country
• Proof of property or family ties in home country (where applicable)
• Prior Canadian immigration history and any refusal letters
• Biometrics enrollment (at a Visa Application Centre)

TRV eligibility, required documents, biometrics rules, and authorized stay lengths are determined by IRCC and CBSA. Visa requirements vary by nationality. This page is general information only and does not constitute legal advice or guarantee visa approval. Always check current IRCC requirements for your country of citizenship before applying.