Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) 2025: Complete Guide

A Canada Visitor Visa, officially known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), lets foreign nationals visit Canada temporarily for tourism, family visits, or business. The visa is issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and has seen important updates in 2025 affecting eligibility, validity, and the application process.

Main Features of the 2025 Visitor Visa

• Single-Entry Visa: Allows you to enter Canada once. If you leave the country, you must apply for a new visa to return.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Lets you enter and exit Canada as many times as you wish while your visa is valid (up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first).
• Maximum Stay: Usually up to 6 months per entry. The border officer may limit or extend your stay; request a stamp if none is given in your passport.
• Not for Work or Long-Term Study: Working or studying (for more than 6 months) on a visitor visa is not allowed. To do so, a separate work or study permit is required.

Who Needs a Canada Visitor Visa?

• Citizens of visa-required countries (most of Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America).
• Visa-exempt travelers (e.g., US, UK, EU) only need an eTA for air travel; a visitor visa is not needed for most short visits.
• The need depends on your nationality, type of travel document, and travel method (air, land, or sea).

Eligibility Requirements

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay (some nationalities require at least 6 months’ validity beyond your planned departure).
• Proof of Sufficient Funds: Show you can support yourself (and family, if applicable) during your stay—bank statements, pay stubs, employment letter, etc.
• Strong Ties to Home Country: Employment, property, family, or ongoing commitments to demonstrate you will return home after your visit.
• Purpose of Visit: Detailed travel itinerary, invitation letter (for family/friends or business), or proof of event registration.
• Good Health & Clean Record: May require a medical exam and a background check (no serious criminal or immigration violations).

Application Process: Step-by-Step (2025)

1. Confirm Your Eligibility: Check if you need a TRV based on your country and travel plans using the IRCC’s online tool.
2. Gather Documents:
   • Form IMM 5256 (Visitor Visa application)
   • Family Information Form (IMM 5645/IMM 5707)
   • Copy of passport (bio page + all visas/stamps)
   • Proof of funds, employment, property, or commitments
   • Travel itinerary or invitation letter (if visiting family)
   • Biometrics (receipt required for most applicants)
   • Medical exam results (if required)
3. Apply Online or at a VAC: Online applications are preferred and processed faster. Paper applications can be submitted at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) if needed.
4. Pay Fees: Standard fee is $100 per applicant. Biometric fee is $85 (if required).
5. Submit Biometrics: Give fingerprints and a photo at an authorized centre if you haven’t done so in the last 10 years.
6. Await a Decision: Processing times vary by country (ranges from 18 days to several weeks). Track your application status online.
7. Travel to Canada: Show your TRV on arrival. The border officer decides your length of authorized stay and may issue a stamp or visitor record.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Double-check all forms: Complete every section; use “N/A” if not applicable.
• Prove strong home ties: Employment letters, property deeds, or family documentation can help.
• Submit a clear purpose of visit: Include a cover letter, clear travel plans, invitations, and event reasons.
• Disclose any admissibility issues: Be honest about prior refusals or minor infractions; address them proactively.
• Do not buy flights before approval: Only provide bookings or itineraries as suggested, unless specifically required.

Recent 2025 Policy Highlights

• New rules (as of May 2025) enhance officer discretion—visa duration may be shorter than requested, based on your travel intent, ties, and history.
• Applicants from certain countries may face higher refusal rates—submitting extra evidence of ties and purpose is highly recommended.
• Temporary policy (until February 28, 2025): Visitor visa holders in Canada could apply for a work permit from inside Canada with a valid job offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long can I stay? Up to 6 months per entry; your passport or visitor record will note your authorized duration.
• Can I extend my visit? Yes, apply online for a visitor record before your status expires (processing typically 107 days in 2025).
• What if I want to work or study? Get a proper permit before working or long-term study; short-term (less than 6 months) study is often possible on a visitor visa.
• Is my visa a guarantee of entry? No—final entry and permitted stay period is at the discretion of the border officer.

Why Choose a Visitor Visa for Canada?

• Canada welcomes millions of visitors yearly for tourism, family, and business.
• The application is fully online and typically efficient if prepared well in advance.
• Multiple entry options enable flexible travel over several years.