Eligibility
Who qualifies for Visitor Visa?
- A valid passport and a purpose of travel you can document: an invitation from family or a business contact, a conference registration, tour bookings, or a medical appointment.
- Enough money for the trip, shown through bank statements that reflect your normal income and spending rather than a single large deposit, plus any support from a host in Canada.
- Ties to your home country: employment with approved leave, business ownership, property, dependents who are staying behind, ongoing studies.
- Admissibility: no criminal record that makes you inadmissible, and a medical exam if you will stay more than six months or have recently lived in a designated country.
- For the Super Visa (parents and grandparents of citizens and permanent residents): a letter of invitation from the child or grandchild who meets the minimum income, private medical insurance from an approved provider, and a completed immigration medical exam.
Documents
What you need to submit for Visitor Visa
The core file. Visa offices may ask for country-specific extras; see the country guides below.
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Travel itinerary
- Invitation letter (if visiting family)
- Employment letter
- Property ownership documents
- Previous travel history
- Purpose of visit letter
Process
How Visitor Visa works, step by step
- Define the visit precisely: dates, itinerary, who you will stay with and who is paying for what.
- Assemble the host documents if you are visiting someone: invitation letter, proof of their status in Canada, and evidence of their income and accommodation.
- Prepare your own financial evidence and proof of ties, with a short explanation letter connecting the documents to the purpose of the trip.
- Apply online, pay the fee, and give biometrics at a visa application centre.
- Respond to any request for a medical exam or additional documents.
- Receive the passport request, submit your passport for the visa to be placed in it, and travel. At the border, carry the same evidence you submitted.
Before you file
Common mistakes and what works
- Bank statements that show money arriving just before the application, with no explanation of its source.
- A vague purpose ('tourism') with no itinerary, bookings or host.
- Inconsistent travel history: for example, a previous refusal that is not disclosed. Every refusal from any country must be declared.
- For Super Visas, insurance that does not meet the minimum coverage or is not from an approved provider.
Refusal risks we see most
- Weak ties to home country
- Insufficient proof of funds
- Vague travel plans
- Missing invitation letter when visiting family
- Poor travel history explanation
What strengthens a file
- Demonstrate strong ties to home country
- Show sufficient funds for entire stay
- Provide detailed travel plans
- Include return flight booking
- Explain purpose of visit clearly
FAQ
Visitor Visa questions we are asked most
- How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
- Up to six months per entry unless the officer writes a different date in your passport or on a visitor record. You can apply from inside Canada to extend your stay before it expires.
- What is the difference between a visitor visa and a Super Visa?
- A Super Visa is for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It allows stays of up to five years per entry and requires proof of the host's income and private medical insurance. A standard visitor visa has no income or insurance requirement but limits each stay to six months.
- Can I work or study on a visitor visa?
- No. Visitors cannot work, and can only take courses of six months or less. Working without authorisation can result in removal and future refusals.
- My visa was refused. Can I apply again?
- Yes, and a new application that directly addresses the reasons in the refusal letter, with stronger evidence, is often approved. Reapplying with the same documents usually is not.
- Can I convert a visitor visa into a work or study permit?
- In limited cases. Visitors in Canada can apply for a study permit if they meet the requirements, and a public policy has at times allowed visitors with a job offer to apply for a work permit from inside Canada. Otherwise, permits are applied for from outside.
Explore
Visitor Visa by destination city
Cost of living, job market and settlement services for each city, alongside this guide.
Explore
Visitor Visa from your country
Visa-office processing, biometrics and document specifics by country of application.
News
Related news
- The Government of Canada extends the federal fuel excise tax relief on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels for Canadians
The Government of Canada is extending federal fuel excise tax relief on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels. This action is taken in response to new United States tariffs and global conflicts that are driving up prices.
IRCC · September 8, 2026
- Minister Metlege Diab highlights the extension of federal fuel excise tax relief on gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels for Canadians
Minister Metlege Diab highlighted the extension of federal fuel excise tax relief on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels for Canadians. This measure is part of the government's response to new U.S. tariffs and global conflicts that are driving up prices.
IRCC · September 8, 2026
- Canada expands online passport renewal to all eligible adults (Toronto)
The Government of Canada is expanding online passport renewal to all eligible adults. This modern passport program aims to provide secure digital services that save time and reduce the need for in-person visits.
IRCC · July 29, 2026
Ready when you are
Ready to start your Canadian journey?
Take the first step towards your new life in Canada. Book a consultation with our licensed immigration consultant today.
- Licensed RCIC consultant
- High success rate
- 500+ families helped