Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
All foreign nationals entering Canada as a temporary resident are required to obtain a visa, unless otherwise exempted. Temporary residents may be authorized to enter and remain in Canada as a visitor, worker or student. There are three types of TRV: single-entry, multiple-entry and transit visa.
The single-entry visa allows the foreign national to enter Canada only once during the validity of the visa and may be issued up to six months before the expected date of travel. The multiple-entry visa allows the holder to seek entry into Canada from any country as often as necessary during the validity of the visa and has a maximum validity date of up to ten years. A transit visa is required even if the foreign national will be in Canada for less than 48 hours. There is no fee for a transit visa.
Visitor Visa
Persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and who are not from visa-exempt countries, need a visitor visa to enter Canada for the purpose of vacation, visiting family or conducting business. People from the visa-exempt countries require Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), except for US citizens, and an eTA can be valid for up to 5 years. To get a visitor visa, one must meet the necessary requirements:
- satisfy a Visa Officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay
- show that you have enough money to maintain yourself and your family members in Canada and to return home
- not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so
- be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity
- not be a risk to the security of Canada
- provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish your admissibility
- be in good health (complete a medical examination if required).
Parent and Grandparent Super Visa
This type of visa is issued for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The Super Visa is multiple-entry and allows visitors to stay for a period of up to two years and is valid for ten years. Applicants will need a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild residing in Canada along with some other necessary documents.