CanadaVisits and short stays

Canada visitor visa (TRV): requirements and application

Visitor visa (temporary resident visa, TRV)

In short

Citizens of visa-required countries visiting Canada for tourism or to see friends and family need a visitor visa, applied for online for CAD 100 plus CAD 85 for biometrics. Officers check that you have ties that will take you home and enough money; at the border you are normally allowed to stay up to 6 months.

Apply on IRCC – Apply for a visitor visa checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
Usually up to 6 months per entry, as decided by the border officer
Validity
Single or multiple entry, decided by IRCC; the same fee applies to both
Fee
CA$100Visitor visa per person (CAD 500 maximum for a family of 5 or more), plus CAD 85 biometrics (CAD 170 per family)
Processing time
Varies by country; check IRCC’s processing time tool. Time starts after biometrics
Work
No work; business visitor activities only
Family
Each family member applies, but families can pay a capped fee
Path to permanent residence
None; visitors must leave at the end of their stay
Where to apply
Online in the IRCC portal; biometrics at a visa application centre (VAC)

Basic requirements

You must have a valid passport, be in good health, have no criminal or immigration-related convictions, convince the officer that ties such as a job, home, financial assets or family will take you back, show you will leave at the end of the visit and have enough money for the stay. How much money depends on how long you stay and whether you stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives; there is no fixed amount. You may need a medical exam for some longer stays.

Fees

The visa costs CAD 100 per person, or a maximum of CAD 500 for a family of 5 or more applying together at the same place. Biometrics cost CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 maximum for a family. Fees are not refunded once processing has started.

Applying online and biometrics

Apply online through the IRCC portal, which gives a personalized document checklist, and check the visa office instructions for the country where you apply. After payment you receive a biometric instruction letter; you have 30 days to give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre (VAC), which IRCC's centre finder lists by country. Biometrics are valid for 10 years. If approved, you send your passport via the VAC for the visa counterfoil.

  1. Confirm on IRCC’s site that you need a visitor visa (citizens of visa-required countries do) and create an IRCC account.
  2. Gather proof of funds, employment and travel plans, and check the visa office instructions for the country where you apply.
  3. Complete the online application, upload the checklist documents and pay CAD 100 plus CAD 85 biometrics.
  4. Within 30 days of the biometric instruction letter, give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre (VAC).
  5. If approved, submit your passport through the VAC when asked so the visa can be placed in it.
  6. Travel with the visa; the border officer decides how long you may stay, normally up to 6 months.

Forms

At the border and extending

A visa does not guarantee entry; a CBSA officer checks your identity using biometrics and decides your length of stay, normally up to 6 months. To stay longer, apply online to extend your stay as a visitor (CAD 100) before your status expires.

If your application is refused

IRCC sends a letter explaining the reasons, most often doubts about your ties to your home country, the purpose of travel or your funds. There is no appeal for visitor visas; you can apply again with a new fee and stronger evidence, or seek judicial review at the Federal Court in limited cases.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from the travel date, with copies of the bio page and all stamped pages

Money

  • Proof of funds for the stay: bank statements, payslips or a host’s financial evidence

Other

  • Evidence of ties to your country of residence: employment letter, studies, property, family

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Travel

  • Purpose of travel: itinerary, invitation letter or event details

Other

  • Documents listed in the personalized portal checklist and local visa office instructions
  • Certified translations into English or French of documents in other languages

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need for a Canada tourist visa?

IRCC sets no fixed amount; it depends on how long you stay and where you stay. Show funds that cover the trip and your normal commitments at home.

Can I stay 6 months in Canada?

The border officer decides; visitors are normally allowed up to 6 months, and you can apply to extend before your status ends.

Do I need to give biometrics again?

Only if your previous biometrics are more than 10 years old; otherwise you can reuse them.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for Canada

Visits and short stays

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Usually up to 6 months per entry, as decided by the border officer
  • Entrepreneur and start-up visa Validity: Optional open work permit of up to 3 years, closed to new applicants since 19 December 2025; holders in Canada may extend
  • Self-employed and freelancer visa Processing time: More than 10 years for applications made after July 2022, according to IRCC’s tool cited in its 2026 evaluation

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: Length of the program plus 90 days

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: As stated on the permit, linked to the job offer and LMIA
  • Work visa Maximum stay: Depends on the basis; PGWP up to 3 years
  • Working holiday visa Validity: Port of entry letter valid 1 year; the permit cannot outlast the passport, biometrics or health insurance

Family

Residence

Online travel permits

Faster processing

Protection

Canada visa guide