Visitor visa
Your Gateway to Explore, Connect & Experience the Best of Canada
Canada continues to be one of the world's most welcoming countries — attracting millions of visitors each year. Whether you are coming to visit your family, enjoy the scenic wonders of the Rockies, attend a wedding, or explore short-term business or study opportunities — the Canada Visitor Visa, also known as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), makes it all possible.
What is a Visitor Visa?
A Canada Visitor Visa is a temporary immigration document that allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Canada legally for a limited period — typically up to six months per visit. This visa is mandatory for citizens of most countries unless they come from a visa-exempt nation.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) typically issues multiple-entry visas to eligible applicants unless there's a strong reason to limit the entry to a single time.
Types of Canada Visitor Visas
1. Single-Entry Visa
- Allows entry to Canada only once
- Generally issued for humanitarian or limited travel circumstances
- Not common — granted only in exceptional cases
2. Multiple-Entry Visa
- Valid for up to 10 years or until passport expiry
- Allows the holder to enter Canada as many times as needed
- Each stay can be up to 6 months
- Default option for most applicants
Reasons You Can Apply for a Visitor Visa
- Visiting family or friends
- Attending weddings, religious events, or cultural functions
- Engaging in business meetings, short-term training, or events
- Exploring Canada for tourism and sightseeing
- Enrolling in short-term courses (under 6 months)
- Accompanying a family member on their visa (spouse/children)
Key Features and Benefits
- Valid for multiple entries over 10 years
- Six-month stay allowed per visit
- Quick online application process via IRCC Portal
- Biometric verification required (photo and fingerprints)
- IRCC accepts digital invitation letters
- Option to extend stay or change visa type from within Canada (subject to eligibility)
- Open to applying for study permit or work permit after arrival (if you meet the criteria)
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a visitor visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Valid Travel Document (Passport)
- Proof of Funds – Show you can cover your travel and stay (bank statements, income proof, etc.)
- No Criminal Record – Provide police clearance if required
- Proof of Ties to Home Country – Job, business, family, or property
- Letter of Invitation – If visiting friends or relatives in Canada
- Purpose of Visit – Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, event invites
- Biometrics – Must be provided at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Medical Exam – Required only in certain cases (long-term stay or specific country of origin)
Can You Extend or Change Your Visitor Status?
Yes! You are allowed to:
- Extend your visitor visa from within Canada using IRCC online services
- Apply for a work permit (if you receive a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment or eligible LMIA-exempt offer)
- Apply for a study permit upon admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Switch to another visa type such as spousal open work permit, caregiver visa, etc. depending on your circumstances
Important: You must apply before your visa expires to maintain legal status in Canada.
Bringing Dependents on a Visitor Visa
You can apply for visitor visas for your spouse and children at the same time.
- You'll need to submit proof of relationship and sufficient financial support for all members.
- Minor children may also attend school in Canada while on a visitor visa (conditions apply).
- Biometrics appointment and passport stamping time must be factored in.
Pro Tip
Submitting a complete and professionally prepared application significantly improves approval speed and success rate.
Why Choose Sia Immigration?
At Sia Immigration, we understand the emotions and urgency behind every visitor visa application — whether it's to see a grandchild for the first time or attend your best friend's wedding.
Our visa support services include:
- Expert consultation on eligibility and documentation
- Professional help preparing invitation letters and affidavits
- Support for family applications and dependents
- Full guidance on switching to work or study visas
- High success rate with personalized service
Let's Make Your Visit to Canada a Reality!
Your dream of visiting Canada can start today — with the right support and guidance. We'll make sure your application is strong, clear, and ready for approval.
Contact Sia Immigration today to get started.
