Maple News reports that individuals from many countries require a visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), to travel to Canada for tourism, short business trips, or personal visits. While Canadian citizens and individuals with valid work or study permits are exempt, most foreign nationals must obtain this visa before entering the country. Nationals from visa-exempt countries, however, may be eligible to apply for an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a faster and simpler alternative tailored for low-risk travelers.
To apply for a visitor visa, applicants must first determine whether they need a visa or can travel with an eTA. If a visa is required, the first step involves filling out the appropriate forms. These typically include the Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257), Family Information Form (IMM 5707), and, where relevant, forms related to legal representation or information sharing, such as IMM 5409, IMM 5476, and IMM 5475.
Supporting documentation is a crucial component of any visitor visa application. Required documents include a payment receipt of application fees, photocopies of your passport’s information page, and two passport-sized photos that follow Canada’s specifications. Applicants must also provide proof of financial means to support their stay, a letter of explanation detailing the reason for travel, and—for minors—legal permission from non-accompanying parents or guardians. Additional documents may be requested depending on local visa office requirements.
If your application is submitted online, forms must be digitally validated to generate barcodes that streamline processing. Paper applications must include these barcodes at the top of the submission package to avoid delays.
Applicants should also be aware of the associated fees. The visitor visa application processing fee is $100 CAD per person or $500 CAD for a family of five or more. In some cases, biometric data—fingerprints and photographs—are also required, adding an additional fee. However, biometric requirements vary depending on the applicant’s nationality and previous interactions with Canadian immigration.
Whether you’re planning to visit family, attend a business meeting, or explore the diverse regions of Canada, securing a visitor visa involves careful preparation and timely submission of all required materials. Staying up to date with evolving immigration rules is key, and Maple News will continue to provide accurate and actionable insights to help global travelers navigate the process smoothly.