Canada Tourist Visa: Visitor Visa Application Guide
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Canadian visitor visa (TRV). Covers online and paper applications, biometrics, required documents, eTA vs visitor visa, and processing times.
Citizens of visa-exempt countries (US, UK, Australia, most EU nations) only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for 7 CAD, processed in minutes. Citizens of visa-required countries need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Use the IRCC's 'Find out if you need a visa' tool at ircc.canada.ca.
Use the IRCC online tool to check your visa requirement
If eTA-eligible, apply at canada.ca/eta (7 CAD, usually approved within minutes)
Verify your passport validity
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. Canada does not have a strict 6-month rule like some countries, but airlines may enforce their own policies. Renew if your passport expires within 1 month of your planned departure from Canada.
Confirm passport is valid for your full stay
Ensure at least 1 blank page for the visa sticker
Determine your visit purpose and duration
A visitor visa allows tourism, visiting family/friends, or short business trips (conferences, meetings). Maximum stay is 6 months. Working or studying requires separate permits — a visitor visa does not allow either.
Confirm your visit falls under tourism, family visit, or business
Plan your stay within the 6-month maximum
Create Account and Complete Application
Create an IRCC online account
Apply online through the IRCC portal at canada.ca — it is faster than paper applications. You can sign in with GCKey (created on the IRCC site) or use a Sign-In Partner (Canadian bank credentials). The online application lets you upload documents, check status, and receive decisions electronically.
Go to canada.ca/immigration and create a GCKey account
Answer the eligibility questionnaire to get your personalized document checklist
Complete the IMM 5257 application form
The form auto-fills based on your questionnaire answers in the online portal. For paper applications, download IMM 5257 from the IRCC website. Answer every question — incomplete applications are returned without processing, adding weeks to your timeline.
Fill in personal details matching your passport exactly
Enter travel dates and purpose of visit
List all previous visits to Canada (dates and duration)
Declare any criminal convictions or immigration violations
Complete the Family Information form (IMM 5645)
This form asks about your spouse, parents, siblings, and children — whether they are in Canada or abroad. IRCC uses this to assess ties to your home country and potential overstay risk.
Write a purpose-of-travel letter
A clear, 1-page letter explaining why you are visiting Canada, where you will stay, when you will leave, and how you will fund the trip. Not officially mandatory, but IRCC officers review hundreds of applications daily — a concise cover letter helps your case stand out.
Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare identity and travel documents
Valid passport (scan the bio page)
2 passport photos (35x45mm, white background, taken within 6 months)
Previous passports with travel history (if available)
Prepare financial proof
IRCC expects roughly 100 CAD per day of your stay, plus accommodation costs. Bank statements from the last 4 months are the strongest evidence. Include fixed deposits, investment statements, or property valuations to show overall financial stability.
Bank statements from the last 4 months
Employment letter with salary, position, and leave approval
Tax returns or income statements from the last year
Sponsor's invitation letter and financial documents (if applicable)
Prepare travel itinerary documents
Round-trip flight itinerary (refundable booking is fine)
Hotel bookings or host's address and invitation
Day-by-day itinerary (optional but helpful)
Prepare proof of ties to home country
This is the single most important factor for visitor visa approval. Officers must believe you will leave Canada when your visit ends. Employment contracts with return dates, property deeds, enrolled dependents, and active business operations are the strongest evidence.
Employment contract or business registration
Property ownership documents
Family ties documentation (spouse, children remaining at home)
University enrollment letter (for students)
Obtain an invitation letter (if visiting someone in Canada)
The letter should include: the host's full name, date of birth, address, phone number, immigration status in Canada, your relationship to them, dates of your stay, and a statement that they will be responsible for your expenses (if applicable). The host should include a copy of their Canadian ID or immigration documents.
Signed invitation letter from your Canadian host
Copy of host's Canadian citizenship, PR card, or valid status document
Pay Fees and Provide Biometrics
Pay the application fee
The visitor visa fee is 100 CAD per person. Family applications (spouse + dependent children applying together) cost 500 CAD maximum. Pay online via credit card when submitting through the IRCC portal. Paper applicants pay at a designated bank or visa application center.
Pay 100 CAD per applicant (or 500 CAD family maximum)
Save the payment receipt
Pay the biometrics fee
Biometrics cost 85 CAD per person or 170 CAD for a family. After paying, you receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) telling you where and when to go. You have 30 days from receiving the BIL to complete biometrics.
Pay 85 CAD biometrics fee (included in online application flow)
Wait for the Biometrics Instruction Letter
Provide biometrics at a designated location
Biometrics (fingerprints + photo) are collected at a Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Application Support Center (ASC). No appointment needed at most VACs — walk in during business hours. Biometrics are valid for 10 years; if you provided them for a previous Canadian visa within the last 10 years, you may be exempt.
Locate your nearest VAC at cic.gc.ca/biometrics
Bring your passport and Biometrics Instruction Letter
Complete fingerprinting and digital photo
Application Processing and Passport Submission
Track your application status online
Log into your IRCC account to check status updates. Processing times vary widely by country — from 8 days (US applicants) to 6+ months (some African and Asian countries). Check current processing times at canada.ca/immigration-processing-times.
Monitor your IRCC account for status changes
Respond within 30 days if IRCC requests additional documents
Submit your passport for visa stamping
Once approved, IRCC sends a Passport Request Letter. Submit your passport to the nearest VAC within 30 days. The visa sticker is placed in your passport and returned via courier (5-10 business days). Some VACs offer premium processing for faster return.
Submit passport to VAC with the Passport Request Letter
Pay the VAC service fee (varies by location, typically 35-45 CAD)
Track passport return via the VAC tracking system
Verify visa sticker details upon receipt
Check name, passport number, and date of birth
Confirm visa validity dates and number of entries
Contact the VAC immediately if any details are incorrect
Arriving in Canada
Prepare for the border officer interview
Having a visa does not guarantee entry. The border officer (CBSA) makes the final decision. They may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, where you are staying, and how much money you have. Answer briefly and honestly — do not volunteer extra information.
Have your return ticket, hotel bookings, and invitation letter ready
Carry proof of funds (bank statement or credit card)
Complete the customs declaration
Fill out the Advance CBSA Declaration using the ArriveCAN app or the CBSA kiosk at the airport. Declare all goods, food, and currency over 10,000 CAD. Failing to declare items can result in fines and seizure.
Download ArriveCAN app and submit your declaration before landing
Declare any items required by Canadian customs
Note your authorized stay duration
The border officer stamps your passport with an entry date. Unless told otherwise, you are authorized to stay for 6 months from the date of entry. If you need to extend your stay, apply online at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires. Overstaying leads to a removal order and future entry bans.
Handle a visa refusal (if applicable)
IRCC sends a refusal letter with a general reason code. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to home country, incomplete application, or inconsistent information. You can reapply immediately with stronger documentation addressing the refusal reason. For complex refusals, consult an immigration lawyer before reapplying.
Review the refusal reason letter
Strengthen weak areas of your application before resubmitting
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Canada visitor visa cost?
The processing fee for a Canadian visitor visa is CAD $100 per person as of 2026. If you provide biometrics for the first time, there is an additional CAD $85 fee. Family groups of 3+ applying together pay a maximum biometrics fee of CAD $170 total.
Do I need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada?
It depends on your nationality. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (like the US, UK, Australia, and most EU nations) only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) at CAD $7, while citizens of other countries require a full visitor visa. Check the IRCC website for your country's specific requirements. Dual citizens with a Canadian passport must use their Canadian passport to enter.
How long does Canada visitor visa processing take?
Processing times depend on the visa office handling your application, ranging from 8 days to over 100 days. Applications from India and Pakistan often take 50-80 days, while European applicants may see results in 2-3 weeks. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website by selecting your country of residence. Applying online is generally faster than paper applications.
Can I extend my stay in Canada as a tourist?
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay by submitting an application to IRCC at least 30 days before your current authorized stay expires. The extension costs CAD $100. While your extension is being processed, you have implied status and can remain in Canada legally even if your original authorization expires. Tourist stays are typically granted for 6 months per entry.
What proof of funds do I need for a Canada tourist visa?
IRCC expects to see 3-6 months of bank statements showing a balance sufficient to cover your trip expenses, including accommodation, food, transport, and activities. There is no fixed minimum amount, but a general guideline is CAD $100-150 per day of your planned stay. You can also show employment letters, pay stubs, property deeds, or a letter of invitation from a Canadian host to strengthen your financial profile.