How to Get Canadian Visa

June 10, 2025

How to get Canadian visa is a common question for anyone planning to visit, study, or work in Canada. A Canadian visa is official permission that allows foreign nationals to enter the country for specific purposes like tourism, education, or employment.

This guide focuses on the Canada Visitor Visa, covering what it is, who needs it, the fees, requirements, processing time, and step-by-step instructions to help you apply with ease.

What is a Canada Visitor Visa?

The Canada Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a document issued by Canadian immigration authorities that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for purposes such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings.

Not everyone needs a visitor visa to enter Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries can travel to Canada with an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is a simpler online process. However, travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for and obtain a visitor visa before traveling.

Typically, a visitor visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months. The exact duration is determined by the border services officer at the port of entry. Extensions may be possible under certain circumstances, but visitors must always respect the terms of their visa to avoid legal issues.

Visitor Visa Canada: Eligibility and Requirements

Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa requires meeting several eligibility criteria and submitting a complete set of supporting documents to demonstrate your intent and ability to visit Canada temporarily. These Canada visitor visa requirements include having a valid passport, being in good health, having no criminal or immigration-related convictions, and convincing an immigration officer that you have strong ties such as a job, home, financial assets, or family that will ensure you return to your home country after your visit. Additionally, you must show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay and, in some cases, provide a medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone in Canada

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Valid Passport: You must hold a valid passport that will remain valid for the duration of your stay in Canada.
Good Health: Some applicants will need to undergo a medical exam by an approved panel physician to ensure they do not pose a health risk to Canadians.
No Criminal Record: You must not have any criminal convictions or immigration violations that could make you inadmissible to Canada.
Strong Ties to Home Country: You need to prove you have compelling reasons to return to your home country after your visit. This can include stable employment, family connections, property ownership, or ongoing studies.
Purpose of Visit: Clearly state your reason for visiting Canada, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings. Your purpose must be temporary and genuine.

Financial Proof Requirements

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses, accommodation, and daily living costs during your stay. Acceptable proof includes recent bank statements, pay slips, or a letter of financial support from a sponsor residing in Canada. The exact amount required varies depending on the length of stay and individual circumstances.

Supporting Documents Needed

Invitation Letter: If visiting family or friends, an invitation letter from your host in Canada can strengthen your application. This letter should include the host’s status in Canada, relationship to you, and details about your planned visit.
Travel Itinerary: A detailed plan of your travel dates, accommodation bookings, and activities helps clarify your intentions.
Proof of Employment or Studies: Letters from your employer or educational institution showing you have commitments to return to.
Additional Documents: Police clearance certificates, property deeds, or other documents proving ties to your home country may be requested.

Medical Exams and Biometrics Requirements

Medical Exams: Required for applicants from certain countries or if planning to stay longer than six months. The exam must be done by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
Biometrics: Most applicants must provide fingerprints and a photograph at a Visa Application Centre. The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person, or CAD $170 for families applying together.

Processing Times and Tips

Processing times for visitor visas vary by country but typically range from 6 to 9 weeks. For example, applicants from India often experience processing times around 3 to 6 weeks.
Submitting a complete and accurate application with all required documents helps avoid delays.
Biometrics appointments and additional verification steps can add time to the process.
IRCC updates processing times regularly; applicants should check the official website for the latest estimates.

Visitor Visa Canada Fees

When applying for a Canada Visitor Visa, it’s important to understand the associated fees to budget accordingly. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs involved:

Application Processing Fees

The standard fee for a single applicant applying for a visitor visa is CAD $100.
For a family application (five or more people applying together), the fee is CAD $500.
If you need to extend your visitor visa while in Canada, the extension application fee is also CAD $100.
To restore your visitor status after it expires, the fee is higher at CAD $229.

Biometrics Fee

Most visitor visa applicants are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph).
The biometrics fee is CAD $85 per person.
Families applying together pay a maximum of CAD $170 for biometrics.

Non-Refundable Nature of Fees

All fees paid for visa applications and biometrics are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn.
It is crucial to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting to avoid losing fees.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Canada Visitor Visa?

Typical Processing Times Based on Country of Application

The processing time for a Canada Visitor Visa varies widely depending on the applicant’s country of residence and the volume of applications at the visa office. On average, processing times range from 6 to 9 weeks globally, but some countries experience faster or slower turnaround:

Applicants from India often receive decisions within 3 to 6 weeks.
U.S. applicants typically see processing times around 2 to 3 weeks.
Countries with higher demand or limited visa office capacity, such as Nigeria or Pakistan, may face longer waits of 30 to 80 days or more.
Extensions of visitor status inside Canada can take significantly longer, sometimes up to 5 to 6 months.

Factors That Influence Processing Speed

Completeness and Accuracy of Application: The most critical factor is submitting a fully completed application with all required supporting documents. Missing or incorrect documents cause delays or refusals.
Biometrics Submission: Most applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo), which requires booking an appointment at a Visa Application Centre. Delays in scheduling or submitting biometrics can extend processing times.
Background Checks: Security and criminal record checks, especially for applicants from certain countries, may add time.
Medical Exams: If required, medical examinations by approved physicians add to the timeline.
Application Volume and Seasonal Demand: Processing times can fluctuate depending on the number of applications received and seasonal travel peaks.
Additional Information Requests: IRCC may request further documents or interviews, which can prolong the process.

Tips to Avoid Delays

Apply Early: Submit your application at least 3 months before your planned travel date to allow sufficient processing time.
Use the Official IRCC Online Portal: Applying online through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website helps speed up processing and allows easy tracking of your application status.
Prepare Complete Documentation: Use official checklists to ensure you include all required documents such as valid passport copies, proof of funds, travel itinerary, invitation letters, and biometrics confirmation.
Schedule Biometrics Promptly: Book and attend your biometrics appointment as soon as you receive the request.
Respond Quickly to IRCC Requests: If IRCC asks for additional information or documents, provide them promptly to avoid further delays.
Avoid Common Mistakes: Double-check your application for errors or inconsistencies, such as misspelled names or incorrect dates, which can cause processing setbacks.

Additional Considerations

Some applicants may be eligible for visa exemptions or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which have faster processing times.
Processing times are updated regularly on the IRCC website, so applicants should monitor the site for the latest estimates specific to their country.

How Many Visitor Visas Does Canada Issue?

Overview of Canada’s Visitor Visa Issuance Statistics

Canada issues a substantial number of visitor visas annually, reflecting its popularity as a travel destination for tourism, business, and family visits. While exact numbers for visitor visas alone are not always separately published, data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and related sources provide insight into the scale and trends of temporary resident admissions, which include visitor visas.

In early 2025, Canada approved over 834,000 temporary resident applications and extensions, which encompass study permits, work permits, and visitor visas. Although the majority of these approvals were for study and work permits, visitor visas constitute a significant portion of temporary resident entries. The government’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan projects 673,650 temporary resident arrivals in 2025, including visitors, workers, and students, indicating robust visitor visa issuance alongside other permits.

Popular Source Countries for Visitor Visas

India remains the largest source country for Canada’s temporary residents, accounting for 45.8% (about 382,000) of temporary resident approvals in early 2025. This includes visitor visas, study permits, and work permits. Other top source countries for visitors and temporary residents typically include:

China
United States
Philippines
Nigeria
United Kingdom

These countries consistently contribute large numbers of visitor visa applicants due to strong family, business, educational, and tourism ties with Canada.

Trends and Context

Visitor visa issuance fluctuates with global travel conditions, economic factors, and Canadian immigration policies.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a sharp decline in visitor numbers, but 2025 data show a gradual recovery in travel and visa approvals.
Canada’s immigration targets for temporary residents aim to balance economic needs with social factors like housing and labor markets, influencing visitor visa issuance volumes.
While visitor visas are not capped like study permits, applicants must meet eligibility and admissibility criteria to receive approval.

How to Apply for Canadian Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for a Canadian visa, such as a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa), involves a clear process that can be completed online or offline. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the application in 2025:

Step 1: Create an Account on the Official IRCC Website

Visit the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Register for an account using your email address. You will receive an invite code to complete your account setup.
Accept the terms and conditions to access the application portal.
This secure account allows you to submit your application, upload documents, pay fees, and track your application status online.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Forms and Submit Documents

Complete the Application for Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) form accurately.
Prepare all required documents such as:
- Valid passport
- Proof of financial support
- Travel itinerary
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Medical exam results (if required)
Upload scanned copies of these documents through your IRCC online account.
Double-check all information to avoid errors that could delay processing.

Step 3: Pay the Application and Biometrics Fees

Pay the visa application fee (typically CAD $100) online through the IRCC portal.
If biometrics are required, pay the biometric fee (CAD $85 per person) as part of the application process.
Keep digital receipts of all payments for your records.

Step 4: Book and Attend Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) if biometrics are required.
Schedule an appointment at a nearby Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so you may not need to repeat this if you have provided them recently.

Step 5: Track Your Application Status

Log in regularly to your IRCC account to monitor the status of your visa application.
IRCC may request additional documents or information; respond promptly to avoid delays.
Processing times vary but have improved recently, averaging around 30 days in many countries.

Step 6: Receive Decision and Prepare for Travel

Once your visa is approved, you will receive instructions on how to get your visa stamped in your passport (if applicable).
Prepare for your trip by reviewing entry requirements and ensuring you carry all relevant documents for border officials.

Canada Study Permit Process

Difference Between Visitor Visas and Study Permits

A visitor visa (also called a student visa in some contexts) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) allows you to enter Canada temporarily but does not permit you to study. To legally study in Canada, you need a study permit, which authorizes you to live and study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. The study permit is issued after you arrive at a Canadian port of entry, where a border services officer reviews your documents and grants permission to study.

Basic Eligibility and Application Steps for Study Permits

To apply for a study permit, you must:

Have an acceptance letter from a recognized Canadian DLI.
Prove you have sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.
Demonstrate that you will leave Canada at the end of your studies.
Have no criminal record and be in good health (medical exams may be required).
Submit a complete application online or on paper, including all required forms and supporting documents.

In 2025, Canada still allows visitors on a visitor visa to apply for a study permit from inside Canada without leaving, provided they meet all eligibility criteria and follow the inland application process carefully.

Required Documents and Timelines

Typical documents include:

Letter of acceptance from a DLI
Valid passport
Proof of funds (bank statements, scholarship letters, etc.)
Passport-sized photos
Police certificates (if requested)
Medical exam results (if required)
Biometrics (fingerprints and photo)

Processing times vary by country but generally range from a few weeks to several months. Applying early is advisable.

Canadian Visa Processing Time

Average Processing Times for Different Visa Types

Visitor Visa: Typically 6 to 9 weeks, depending on country and application completeness.
Study Permit: Varies widely; averages between 4 to 12 weeks but can be longer depending on country and volume.
Work Permit: Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months based on the program and applicant’s country.

How to Check Current Processing Times on IRCC Website

Applicants can check up-to-date processing times for all visa types on the official IRCC website’s processing times tool by selecting the visa category and country of application.

Factors Affecting Processing Duration

Completeness and accuracy of application and documents
Biometrics submission timing
Volume of applications and seasonal demand
Additional background, security, or medical checks
Changes in immigration policies or programs

Conclusion

Obtaining a Canadian visa involves understanding the eligibility requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and carefully completing the application process. Whether applying for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit, it is important to provide accurate information and demonstrate your intent clearly. Processing times can vary, so submitting your application well in advance of your planned travel date is essential to avoid delays.

Thorough preparation, attention to detail, and staying informed about any updates or changes in immigration policies will greatly improve your chances of a successful application. Taking these steps seriously ensures a smoother experience and helps you achieve your goal of visiting, studying, or working in Canada.

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