Visitor Visas

Visiting Canada can be an excellent opportunity to explore the country and its culture. If you’re planning on visiting Canada, you’ll need to apply for a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) first. Visitor visas are different from other visas because they allow travelers to stay in Canada for a specific time and meet certain requirements. Let’s discuss it in detail.

Types Of Visitor Visas

Canadian visas are divided into two categories: single entry and multiple. The difference between the two mainly depends on how many times you can return to Canada before your Visa expires, but there’s more than that! 

1. Single-Entry Visa

This type of Visa is meant for one 1-time. They’re not as common as multiple entry visas. Applicants are considered automatically for the multiple entry visas and then are issued single-entry permits under unique circumstances. It’s not up to your choice.

2. Multiple Entry Visa

The multiple entry visa is perfect for those who want to travel and work in Canada. As long as your travels are within the validity period, you can enter and leave without limit!

Multiple entry visitor visas are excellent for anyone looking to enter Canada temporarily. They allow you six months of unlimited visits and can be valid up until ten years with no limit!

If you have a study permit or work Visa and are not otherwise exempt, then Canada’s Immigration Office will issue your visitor’s Visa. That means that this is an automatic multiple-entry document with the ability to enter into Canada as many times as needed!

Who Needs a Visitor Visas?

Visitors to Canada should prepare for a visa process.

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident does not require any further documentation. Still, an applicant who has neither of these statuses will need the proper paperwork to enter and stay legally.

Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for a visitor visa, even if their card has expired. They must instead get the PRTD.

Visa-Exempt Countries

For most countries, a visitor’s visa is required to enter Canada. However, there are agreements with several nations that exempt citizens from needing one. The only requirement for these visitors coming by air is an electronic travel authorization or eTA.

The eTA is a required document for most foreign nationals who are exempt from requiring Canadian visitor visas.

Application Process

All visa applicants are required to apply with all necessary supporting documentation. Applicants may apply online, through the mail, or in person at a Visa Application Center (VAC). 

• If you’re traveling as part of your family members, each member, including dependent children, must complete their paperwork for admission into Canada.
• Biometrics is the perfect way to make sure your visitor’s visa application is processed quickly and accurately. 
• If you’re required to provide them, applicants will need their fingerprints or photographs taken at a biometric collection service point before submitting it in person when prompted by VAC staff members.

Extending a Visitor Visa

Visitor visas allow the foreign nationals to live for six months in Canada legally. When your visa expires, you must leave the country and cannot stay longer than expired status permits or risk breaking immigration laws.

Extensions are available to extend the temporary resident status beyond six months. You must apply for the extension 30 days (minimum) before your current visa expires.

Implied Status

While waiting to hear back on your extension application, you may be granted implied status in Canada. You can wait until the decision is made.