Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV)
Visit Canada for tourism, family, or business — we help you put together the strongest possible application.
What is a Visitor Visa?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — commonly called a visitor visa or tourist visa — is the document most foreign nationals need to enter Canada for short stays. Whether you need one depends primarily on your passport. Citizens of visa-required countries need a TRV; citizens of visa-exempt countries travelling by air need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.
TRVs come in single-entry and multiple-entry forms. Multiple-entry visas are issued in most cases and let you visit Canada repeatedly during the visa's validity. Visitors already in Canada can also apply to extend their stay through a visitor record.
The most common refusal reasons are weak ties to the home country, insufficient funds, and an unclear purpose of visit. A well-organized application that addresses these concerns directly — with the right supporting letters — significantly improves your odds.
Eligibility
Do you qualify?
IRCC's job is to be satisfied that you'll come, visit as planned, and leave on time. These are the elements they assess. Exact requirements can change, so treat this as a starting point rather than a final checklist.
- A valid passport covering the entire duration of your intended stay
- Proof of funds sufficient for your visit and return travel
- Demonstrated strong ties to your home country — employment, property, family, or other reasons to return
- No criminal or medical inadmissibility to Canada
- A genuine visitor intent — you're not coming to work, study, or stay permanently
- A clearly documented purpose of visit — itinerary, invitation letter, or business agenda
The Process
How it works
Here's the path from confirming what you need to a decision.
- 1
Confirm a TRV is required
We confirm whether your nationality requires a TRV or whether an eTA is sufficient. This depends on your passport, not where you currently live.
- 2
Gather documents
Passport, photos, financial documents, employment proof, ties to your home country, an invitation letter (if applicable), and a clear travel itinerary.
- 3
Submit online application
Filed through the IRCC portal with the right supporting letters to address the most common refusal grounds before they come up.
- 4
Biometrics (if required)
Many visitor visa applicants are required to provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre.
- 5
Decision
IRCC decides. If approved, your passport is stamped with the TRV and you can travel to Canada. The actual length of stay is determined by the officer at the port of entry.
Ready to apply for a Visitor Visa?
Start with a free 15-minute consultation — especially if you've been refused before. We'll help you put together the strongest possible application.
Book a Free ConsultationDisclaimer
The information on this page is general in nature and is not legal or immigration advice. Visitor visa (TRV) and eTA requirements, eligibility criteria, biometrics rules, permitted length of stay, processing times, and government fees change from time to time and without notice. Details described here may be out of date by the time you read them. Whether you need a visa depends on your specific circumstances. Always confirm current requirements on the official Government of Canada website (canada.ca) and book a consultation for advice specific to your situation. Nothing here guarantees approval, entry, or any particular outcome.