Regulated Immigration Guidance
Immigration advice is provided through a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant accountable to Canada's professional regulator.
VISIT CANADA
Visit Canada
Whether you are planning a family visit, tourism, or a longer stay with your children or grandchildren, understand the visitor pathway that may apply to your circumstances.
Visiting Canada
A visitor visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document placed in a passport showing that the traveller met the requirements to travel to Canada as a visitor.
Not every foreign national needs a visitor visa. Depending on citizenship, travel document and circumstances, a person may instead need an eTA or another applicable travel document.
A visitor visa or eTA permits travel to a Canadian port of entry — it does not guarantee admission. A border services officer makes the admission decision and determines the authorized stay under applicable rules.
Main visitor pathways
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Relevant for temporary travel including family/friend visits, tourism, certain short business-visitor activities, and other legitimate temporary visits.
- Core considerations include a valid travel document, a genuine temporary purpose, sufficient financial support, ties/circumstances supporting departure after the authorized stay, admissibility, and evidence appropriate to the purpose of travel.
- Required funds depend on circumstances such as length of stay and accommodation — there is no fixed threshold.
Super Visa
Designed for eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons registered under the Indian Act.
- Eligible visitors can stay for up to 5 years at a time, and multiple entries can be available for up to 10 years. The applicant and host must each meet specific requirements.
- The applicant applies from outside Canada, and qualifying private health insurance plus an immigration medical examination are required. The host must meet applicable financial-support requirements and provide an invitation.
Visitor Visa versus Super Visa
The important distinctions between the two main visitor routes.
Visitor Visa
Temporary visits for tourism, family visits, or another legitimate temporary purpose.
No fixed maximum stay applies to every visitor — the authorized stay is determined at the port of entry.
Super Visa
Eligible parents and grandparents seeking longer visits with family in Canada.
Can allow stays of up to 5 years at a time, with multiple entries available for up to 10 years, subject to applicant and host requirements including insurance and financial support.
Main considerations
Most visitor applications need to address the following, regardless of route.
Purpose of Visit
A clear, genuine temporary purpose appropriate to the document you're applying for.
Financial Support
Evidence of sufficient funds for your planned visit and stay — the required amount depends on your circumstances.
Ties and Temporary Intent
Ties or circumstances outside Canada that support your departure after the authorized stay.
Travel and Identity Documents
A valid passport or travel document, and the correct visitor document for your citizenship and circumstances.
Admissibility
No factors that would affect your admissibility to Canada.
How It Works
Visitor journey
Every situation is different, but the shape of a visitor application generally looks like this.
Identify the right travel document
Determine whether a visitor visa, eTA, or another document applies to your citizenship and circumstances.
Prepare the application
Gather evidence of purpose, financial support, ties, and — for a Super Visa — host and insurance/medical documents.
Submit and complete requirements
Submit the application and complete biometrics, medical examination, or other requirements where applicable.
Decision and travel preparation
IRCC assesses the application. No processing-time promises can be made — timelines vary.
Arrival in Canada
A border services officer makes the final admission decision and determines the authorized stay.
Important things to know
Does a visitor visa guarantee entry to Canada?
No. A visitor visa or eTA permits travel to a port of entry, but a border services officer makes the final admission decision.
How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
Your authorized stay is determined at the port of entry — there is no universal fixed length that applies to every visitor.
Do I need an invitation letter?
An invitation letter can support an application, particularly for a Super Visa host, but an invitation does not itself guarantee approval.
How much money do I need for a visitor visa?
There is no universal visitor-funds threshold — required funds depend on circumstances such as length of stay and accommodation.
Can I work or study in Canada on a visitor visa?
Visitor status does not itself authorize ordinary work. Study authorization depends on the specific activity and applicable permit or exemption rules.
What is the difference between a visitor visa and a Super Visa?
A visitor visa covers general temporary visits, while a Super Visa is specifically for eligible parents and grandparents and can allow a longer authorized stay, subject to applicant and host requirements.
Can my parents or grandparents apply for a Super Visa?
Eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons registered under the Indian Act may apply, subject to applicant and host requirements including qualifying insurance and financial support.
VISITOR ELIGIBILITY
See which visitor pathway may fit your circumstances
Answer a few quick questions about your planned visit for an initial review of the visitor options that may apply to you.
Your Visitor Assessment
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Why Pentagon
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Ready to plan your visit to Canada?
Book a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant to review your complete situation.