Canadian Visitor and Tourist Visas

A Canadian Visitor Visa will allow you to visit Canada for up to 6 months. Canada is very attractive destination for people wishing to temporarily visit, welcoming over 35 million tourists, students, visitors etc. every year.

The Canada Visitor Visa is a popular choice for applicants wishing to visit Canada for a temporary period of up to 6 months.

Visas are available under three different categories:

This allows you to visit Canada only once (unless travelling to the US or St. Pierre and Miquelon) and is valid for a period of 6 months only. You can apply to extend your Canadian Visitor Visa if needed and will need to make an application for extension at least 30 days before expiry.

This allows you to enter and depart Canada on multiple occasions and is valid for up to 6 months, depending on the issuing case officer. You will need to specify how long you will require your Canadian Visitor Visa (not exceeding a six month period) and leave it to the case officer to decide if this is necessary.

This visa was initially designed for those people entering Canada for a period of 48 hours or less. For example, if your method of transport has to stop in Canada and you are from a country that requires you to have a visa to visit Canada, you will require a Transit Visa.

You are not permitted to work on any of the above Canadian Tourist Visa categories and some applicants may also need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa in addition to the above.

Some basic things to consider before making an application for a Canada Tourist Visa are:

• Health issues (you may be required to undergo a medical examination)
• Funds to secure your stay
• You may need a letter of invitation from a friend of relative currently residing in Canada
• You may require a Temporary Resident Visa

Once you have secured your Visit Visa then you may need to also obtain a Temporary Resident Visa.

If you wish to work temporarily in Canada, you can find further information in the Canada Work Visa section.