Would you like to travel, visit family and friends, do business, or transit through Canada?

You will require a Visitor Visa or an Electric Travel Authorization (eTA).

FREE ASSESSMENT

Whether you want to visit family or friends, or view some of the most beautiful and impressive landscapes on earth, or experience life in Canada before making a permanent move, millions of people visit Canada every year. A visitor visa allows visitors to stay in Canada up to six months at a time.

Most people need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada. Some people may only need their valid passport. If you have any questions or need help with your application, we are here to help.

Visitor Visa

A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that goes in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada. Most travellers need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You may also need one if you’re transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to your final destination.

Make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply

You may need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. The entry document you need depends on:

  • the type of travel document you plan to travel with

  • the country that issued your travel document

  • your nationality

  • your method of travel to Canada for this trip

Electric TravelAuthorization (eTA)

You need an eTA if you’re a:

  • Visa-exempt foreign national and you’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport

    • As a visa-exempt foreign national, you do NOT need an eTA (or a visitor visa) when arriving by car, bus, train or boat (including a cruise ship).

  • Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. and you’re flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport

    • You must present a valid Green Card and the valid passport used to apply for your eTA at check-in.

    • you also do NOT need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat, including a cruise ship.

You may be eligible to apply for an eTA (instead of a visitor visa) if you’re a:

  • Citizen from select visa-required countries and you’re travelling to Canada by air.

    • However, you still need visitor visa (not an eTA) when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including a cruise ship.

Eligibility

You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa. You must:

  • have a valid travel document, like a passport

  • be in good health

  • have no criminal or immigration-related convictions

  • convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country

  • convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit

  • have enough money for your stay

    • The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

You may also need a medical exam and letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

DO YOU NEED HELP WITH YOUR VISITOR APPLICATION?

We can answer your questions and help complete your application.