Visiting Canada: Your Guide to Visitor Visas
Planning a trip to Canada? You may need one of several documents depending on your nationality and purpose of stay. Here’s what you should know:
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
- What it is: An official sticker placed in your passport showing you’ve met requirements to enter Canada as a visitor.
- How long it’s valid: Can be a single-entry (one-time visit) or multiple-entry visa. A multiple-entry visa is usually valid for up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire—whichever comes first.
- How to apply: Available to persons from visa-required countries. Cost is CAN $100. Applications can be done online (preferred) or on paper in specific cases, with an IMM 5257 form. A biometrics fee (e.g., CAN $85 per person) may also apply.
- Eligibility requirements: Must show a valid passport, good health, no criminal or immigration offenses, ties to your home country (like a job, property, or family), financial means for your stay, and intent to leave after your visit. Additional documents like medical exams or a letter of invitation may be required.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
- What it is: A simpler, cheaper alternative for travellers entering Canada by air who do not require a visa. It’s electronically linked to your passport.
- Cost: Only CAN $7, with many approvals happening within minutes. Processing may take longer if additional documents are requested.
- When to use: Required if you’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport, and you’re from a visa-exempt country. If you later decide to enter by land or sea, an eTA won’t suffice—you’ll need a visitor visa.
- Types of Visitor Visas by Purpose
Canada categorizes applications based on the visitor’s purpose. Common types include:
- Tourism (sightseeing, vacation)
- Business visits (meetings, conferences)
- Visiting family or friends
- Visiting a spouse or partner sponsored for permanent residence
- Transit Visa
If you’re only passing through Canada on your way to another destination and you don’t qualify for an eTA or visa exemption, you’ll need a transit visa—unless you qualify for a special program.
Quick Reference Table
| Travel Scenario | Required Document | Validity / Notes |
| Tourist, family, business (non-visa-exempt country) | Visitor Visa (TRV) | Single or multiple entries, up to 10 years |
| Flying from visa-exempt country by air | eTA | Linked electronically; quick, low-cost |
| Transiting without authorization | Transit Visa | Required unless under special waiver programs |
Why Choose True Pearl Visa Services Inc.?
Let us guide you through:
- Choosing the right document (TRV vs eTA vs transit visa)
- Fulfilling requirements and preparing your documents
- Completing accurate and efficient applications
- Understanding fees and timelines
- Increasing your chances of approval
Tips to Share with Visitors:
- Apply early—processing times vary by country and may lengthen due to backlog.
- Ensure your application is complete—missing documents or unclear info can delay or jeopardize approval.
- Stay honest and clear about your purpose and ties to your home country—being able to prove you intend to return is crucial.
