Canada Visit Visa

Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): Travel to Canada with Confidence

Are you planning to visit Canada for tourism, to reconnect with family, or to attend short-term business or personal events? The Canada Visitor Visa — officially called the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — allows foreign nationals to legally enter Canada for a temporary stay. Whether you’re exploring Canada’s stunning landscapes, visiting relatives, or participating in a business event, the TRV gives you the ability to travel with peace of mind and legal clarity.

At Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services, we offer expert guidance at every step of the TRV application process. From selecting the correct visa type to preparing and submitting your documents, we help ensure your application is complete, compliant, and competitive. With our support, you can focus on planning your visit — while we handle the rest.

What Is the Canada Visitor Visa?

The Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is a short-term visa issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It allows eligible travelers to enter Canada temporarily for non-immigrant purposes such as leisure travel, family visits, or attending meetings and conferences. Most TRVs permit stays of up to six months per entry, though final entry and duration decisions are made by the Canadian Border Services Officer upon arrival.

TRVs are generally issued in two formats. A single-entry visa permits a one-time visit to Canada, while a multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter and exit the country as often as needed during the visa’s validity—often up to ten years or until the passport expires. Whether you are making a one-time visit or plan to return regularly, our consultants can help you select and apply for the visa type that fits your travel goals.

If you’re unsure whether you need a TRV or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), our team will assist you in determining the right pathway based on your nationality and travel purpose.

Who Should Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?

You may need to apply for a TRV if you plan to enter Canada for temporary reasons and you are not a citizen of a visa-exempt country. Common eligible purposes include tourism, visiting relatives, attending personal celebrations such as weddings or graduations, exploring schools before applying for a study permit, or participating in short-term business activities like meetings, exhibitions, or training.

If your nationality requires a visa and your visit is short in nature and does not involve work or long-term study, the Canada Visitor Visa is likely the correct option for you.

Eligibility Requirements for the TRV

To qualify for a Canada Visitor Visa, you must meet several core criteria as set by IRCC. First, you must have a clear and legitimate reason for your visit—whether for leisure, family, or business—and provide documentation that supports your purpose. Second, you must show that you have sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and general living expenses during your stay in Canada.

Applicants must also demonstrate strong ties to their home country. This includes evidence that you will return home following your trip, such as employment, family responsibilities, ongoing education, or property ownership. A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity and blank pages is required, as well as a clean immigration history. Previous visa violations, overstays, or removal orders from Canada or other countries may impact your eligibility.

Documents Required for a Canada Visitor Visa

The documentation required for a TRV varies depending on your nationality, travel purpose, and personal background, but most applicants will be required to provide a valid passport, completed IRCC forms (including IMM 5257), and a digital photograph that meets Canadian standards.

You must also submit proof of financial means, such as recent bank statements, salary slips, or sponsorship letters. Additional documents may include your travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or an invitation letter from a host in Canada. If employed or self-employed, proof of employment or business ownership is necessary. Supporting assets such as property deeds or personal investments may strengthen your application, especially in demonstrating ties to your home country.

In some cases, applicants may be required to complete a police clearance or undergo a medical examination. Our consultants prepare a customized document checklist tailored to your situation and ensure all supporting evidence meets IRCC’s expectations.

How Phoenix Immigration Can Help

At Phoenix Immigration Consulting Services, we guide you through every step of the Canada Visitor Visa process. We begin with a detailed eligibility assessment based on your travel history, visa background, and proposed trip. If the TRV is suitable, we help you prepare a strong application that clearly conveys your intent and eligibility.

Our services include assembling and reviewing your supporting documents, drafting a personalized cover letter to support your application, and proactively addressing any potential concerns—such as previous travel refusals or gaps in financial evidence.

We handle online application submissions or assist with Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointments as required. Once your application is lodged, we monitor your file, notify you of any updates or correspondence from IRCC, and guide you through the next steps—such as biometrics or interviews.

If biometrics are requested, we help you schedule an appointment and prepare for the process. Our support ensures that each step of the application proceeds smoothly and on time.

Processing Times and Visa Validity

Processing timelines for TRVs vary by country of residence, application type, and season. On average, biometric appointments must be completed within 30 days of receiving the request. Final decisions from IRCC are typically made within two to eight weeks after biometrics are completed, although this may vary.

Most multiple-entry TRVs are issued for the validity period of your passport, allowing you to travel to Canada repeatedly throughout that period. However, each stay is usually limited to six months. To avoid delays or missed travel opportunities, we recommend applying for your visa at least two to three months in advance of your intended trip.

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FAQ

Let's explore your queries with their most accurate answers.

The Canada Visit Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a short-term visa for individuals visiting Canada for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or other approved purposes. Applicants must demonstrate they intend to leave Canada at the end of their stay and have the financial means to support themselves.

Allowed activities include tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, and attending certain short-term educational courses. However, working or studying (beyond short-term courses) is not permitted.

The standard stay on a Canada Visit Visa is up to six months, although the exact duration is determined by the border officer upon entry. Visitors may be granted shorter stays based on their travel purpose.

The Visit Visa may be valid for single or multiple entries, lasting up to 10 years or until the passport expires. Each entry allows a stay of up to six months unless otherwise specified by border officers.

Applicants must complete an online or paper application, pay the visa fee, submit required documents, and attend a biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo). Processing may also include an interview if needed.

Required documents include a valid passport, proof of financial support (e.g., bank statements), travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, and ties to the home country (e.g., employment letter or family ties).

Most applicants do not require an interview; however, the visa officer may request one if additional information is needed. If selected for an interview, applicants should be prepared to discuss their travel plans and ties to their home country.

No, working in Canada is strictly prohibited on a Visit Visa. The visa only allows entry for tourism, family visits, or short business activities like meetings or conferences.

Processing times vary by country and season but typically range from a few weeks to several months. To expedite processing, applicants should ensure all documents are complete and accurate.

Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay in Canada. This can include bank statements, pay stubs, or a letter of support if another person is covering expenses.

Each family member, including children, must apply for their own Canada Visit Visa. Families can submit applications together, but each individual must meet the eligibility requirements.

Yes, individuals can seek medical treatment on a Visit Visa, but they should provide documentation from Canadian healthcare providers and show they can cover the cost of treatment.

Yes, an extension can be requested by submitting an application for a Visitor Record before the current visa expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities.

In most cases, visitors cannot switch directly to another visa type while in Canada. For example, changing to a work or study permit requires leaving Canada and applying from outside.

A strong application includes clear proof of financial stability, evidence of ties to the home country (e.g., employment or property), a detailed travel itinerary, and a record of previous travel history, if available.