Canadian Visit Visa

If you’re planning a short visit to Canada, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This category of visas comprises a variety of forms based on the purpose of the visit. One such type is the Canadian Visitor Visa, sometimes known as the Tourist Visa to Canada.

Understanding Canada Visitor Visa

A Canada Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows people to travel to Canada for particular reasons, such as:

1. Tourism and Vacations in Canada
2. Visiting family relatives

The Canada Tourist Visa allows you to arrive at a Canadian port of entry and request authorization to enter the country. However, the final decision to permit or reject entry lies with Border Patrol Officers, who will review your documentation and the entire situation.

If you have been given a Canada Visitor Visa and the police conclude that you have no criminal intents, you will be allowed to cross the border and begin your holiday or family visit to Canada.

Application Process for the Canadian Visitor Visa

To begin your application for the Canada Visitor Visa, you’ll need to follow several steps and complete various forms. Here is a streamlined application process guide:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for the Canada Visitor Visa.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all the necessary documents for the Canada Tourist Visa.
3. Submit the Application Form: Fill out and submit the Canada Tourist Visa Application form.
4. Await Processing: Wait for your application to be processed, and be ready to provide any additional information if requested.
5. Send Your Passport: Once approved, send your passport to be stamped with the visa.

Canadian Visit Visa Requirements

When applying for a Canadian Visit Visa, you will need to provide several documents, including:

• Standard Requirements for a Canada Visa: General documents are required for all visa types.
• Canada Tourist Visa Application Form: A completed form specific to the tourist visa.
• Financial Statements: Bank statements or other financial documents showing you have sufficient funds for your trip to Canada.
• Travel Itinerary: If you’ve booked your air tickets, include them, or provide a detailed plan of what you intend to do during your stay in Canada.
• Invitation Letter: If you are visiting family or friends, include a letter of invitation from them.
• Proof of Relationship: Documentation that confirms your relationship with the family members you plan to visit.
• Immigration Status of Hosts: The immigration documents of your family or friends you are visiting.
• Financial Statements of Hosts: Bank or financial statements from your friends or family if you’re staying with them.
• Declaration Letter: A personal letter to the Government of Canada explaining why you should be granted a Tourist Visa.
• Photos: Two recent photos that meet Canada’s specific photo requirements.
• Employment or Education Status: A resume or diploma, along with a letter from your employer confirming your job status and that you need to return to your home country.
• Proof of Temporary Stay: Evidence that your visit is temporary and that you will return to your home country, such as a lease or property deed.
• No Intent to Work or Study: Proof that you do not plan to work or study in Canada during your visit.
• Clean Criminal Record: Court documents proving you have no criminal history.
• Translations: Any documents in a language other than English or French must be translated.

Importance

These documents are essential in supporting your application and ensuring you meet all the requirements for a Canada Tourist Visa.

Canadian Visit Visa Fees

The application fee for a Canadian Visit Visa is CAD 100 per person. If biometrics are required, an additional CAD 85 fee will apply. Consequently, CAD 185 is the entire cost of the visa application.

Additionally, you will need to pay around CAD 45 for passport processing.

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Visit Visa

To acquire a Canadian visit visa, candidates must meet specific requirements. These criteria play an important role in assessing whether a person can apply for and hold a visa.

The appropriate article has a complete list of eligibility requirements.

If you are unable to demonstrate that you meet the eligibility requirements for a Canada Visitor Visa, your application may be denied due to inadmissibility in Canada. If you are declared inadmissible, your only option for entering the country could be to obtain a temporary resident status.

Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Canada Visitor Visa typically ranges from 8 to 40 days. Generally, you should expect to wait about a month for your Visitor Visa application to be processed.

If you applying for a Canadian visit visa from Pakistan, the processing time would be 40 days. However, this processing time differs according to the country in which you live.  Also, you can check the processing time for your application on Canada’s official website: Check Processing Times.

Canada updates the processing timeseekly.

How Long Time Is the Canadian Visit Visa Valid?

The validity of the Canadian Visit Visa is determined by the Canadian Consulate on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, the visa may be granted only for the specific period you plan to visit Canada. In other cases, the visa may be valid until your passport expires. The decision largely depends on whether the consulate believes you will return to your home country after your visit.

You are not permitted to stay in Canada for more than six months at a time. After this period, you must return to your home country, and stay for some time, and then you may be able to visit Canada again for another six months.

How to Extend Canadian Visit Visa?

If you wish to stay in Canada for more than 6 months on a tourist visa, you’ll need to apply for a Visitor Record, which serves as an extension of your stay.

You must apply for a Visitor Record at least 30 days before your current visitor visa expires.

What is a Visitor Record?

A Visitor Record is a separate document issued by IRCC when your visa extension is approved. Unlike a visitor visa, it is not attached to your passport. The Visitor Record specifies the date by which you must leave Canada.

Keep in mind that a Visitor Record is only valid while you are inside Canada. If you leave and wish to re-enter, you will need to apply for a new visitor visa.

You can also use a Visitor Record to change your status from a:

1. Study permit to visitor record
2. A work permit to visitor record

How to Extend Your Canada Visitor Visa (Visitor Record)?

If you wish to extend your stay in Canada beyond the initial 6-month period on a tourist visa, you will need to apply for a Visitor Record. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Online Application

To apply online, begin by creating an account on the IRCC website. Make sure to read the guide for extending a visa available on the IRCC site. You’ll need to scan your documents to create electronic copies for submission.

When filling out the application, select “Visit” when asked about your purpose in Canada, and choose “Canada” as your current country of residence. Have a valid credit or debit card ready for the fee payment. The online system allows for quicker processing and immediate submission of additional documents if needed.

2. Paper Application

Alternatively, you can apply using a paper application. Start by downloading the application package from the IRCC website, which includes the necessary forms and guidelines. Carefully read through the instructions, complete the forms, and gather all required documents.

Print and sign the forms as instructed. Attach payment receipts and all required documentation, and mail your completed application to the address provided in the package.

3. Required Forms and Documents

For either method, you will need to include specific forms and documents with your application:

• Forms: IMM 5708 (Application to Change Conditions, Extend my Stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder), IMM 5476 (Use of a Representative), IMM 5475 (Authority to Release Personal Information), and if applicable, IMM 5409 (Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union).
• Documents: Payment receipts, photocopies of your passport pages including your name, birth date, passport number, expiry date, entry stamp, and all other marked pages. If you didn’t use a passport for entry, provide photocopies of other identity documents. If applicable, include a copy of your current immigration document, marriage certificate, and proof of sufficient financial means.

Applying online is generally faster and more convenient, offering immediate processing and avoiding mailing costs.

Important FAQs Related to Canadian Visit Visa

Who Can Apply for a Canadian Visit Visa?

For most travelers, a Visit Visa is necessary to enter Canada. However, individuals from specific countries might only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or may be completely exempt from visa requirements, allowing them to enter Canada with just their passport.

What Activities Are Allowed with a Canada Tourist Visa?

With a Canadian Tourist Visa, you can travel throughout Canada for up to six months, provided you maintain good financial standing. However, you are not permitted to obtain Canadian documents, stay permanently, work, or study. Additionally, you will not be eligible for health care or other government benefits.

Can I Apply for a Work Permit While on a Canadian Visitor Visa?

No, you cannot apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you are currently on a visitor visa. You need to leave Canada and apply from outside the country.

Click on the link below and read details about this change:
Canada Discontinues Visitor-to-Work Permit Policy

Am I Allowed to Bring My Dependents to Canada with a Visitor Visa?

You can bring dependents, such as your spouse and minor children, to Canada with you on a Tourist Visa. Each dependent must have their visa application and pay separate fees. Make sure you hand in all the applications as a group at the Visa Application Center or on their website.

In the end, if you are interested in a Canadian visit visa, we can help you get it in no time. We can also assist you in getting Canadian Immigration, Canadian Student Visa, Australian Immigration, Australian Student Visa, etc.

Please feel free to contact our visit visa consultant on 0308 5857777 / 0306 5857777 or via e-mail at wecare@immigrationexperts.pk for further details of our fees and services.