Canada tourist visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Canada for a temporary period for tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting business activities.
To apply for a Canadian tourist visa, the applicant must first determine whether they require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. Citizens of certain countries are exempt from requiring a visa and only need to apply for an eTA.
For those who require a tourist visa, the application process typically involves the following steps:
- Complete the application form: The applicant must fill out the application form online or on paper, providing accurate and truthful information about their details, travel plans, and purpose of visit.
- Pay the application fee: The applicant must pay a non-refundable fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s country of origin.
- Submit the application and required documents: The applicant must submit their application along with supporting documents, which may include a valid passport, proof of financial support, a travel itinerary, and a letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends).
- Attend a biometric appointment: Depending on the applicant’s country of residence, they may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at a designated visa application center.
- Wait for a decision: After submitting the application and biometric information (if required), the applicant must wait for a decision from the Canadian government. Processing times vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the volume of applications received.
- If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a visitor visa, which will indicate the duration of their stay in Canada and any conditions that apply. It is important to note that a tourist visa does not guarantee entry into Canada, and the Canadian border officer has the discretion to deny entry if they deem the visitor to be a security risk or if the visitor does not meet the eligibility requirements.
Requirements for Tourist Visa:
- A valid passport: The applicant must have a valid passport that will remain valid for the entire duration of their stay in Canada. The passport must also have at least one blank page to affix the visa.
- Application form: The applicant must complete and submit the appropriate application form online or on paper. They must ensure that all sections are completed accurately and honestly.
- Two passport-size photographs: The applicant must provide two passport-size photographs taken within the last six months.
- Proof of financial support: The applicant must provide evidence that they have enough money to cover their expenses during their stay in Canada. This may include bank statements, proof of employment, or a letter of financial support from a sponsor.
- Travel itinerary: The applicant must provide a detailed travel itinerary that includes information about their travel dates, places they plan to visit, and their accommodation arrangements.
- Purpose of visit: The applicant must provide a letter explaining the purpose of their visit to Canada, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting business activities.
- Biometric information: Depending on the applicant’s country of residence, they may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at a designated visa application center.
- Medical examination: Depending on the applicant’s country of residence and length of stay in Canada, they may be required to undergo a medical examination.
- Police certificate: Depending on the applicant’s country of residence and length of stay in Canada, they may be required to provide a police certificate.
- Proof of ties to home country: The applicant must provide evidence of ties to their home country, such as a job, property ownership, or family obligations, to show that they have reasons to return to their home country after they visit Canada.