Canada Visitor Visa & eTA —
do you need one, and how do you get it?
Whether you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or nothing at all depends entirely on your passport. Use our eligibility checker, then get the full process explained step by step.
fee per person
one-time
stay per entry
(multiple entry)
(multi-entry)
TRV, eTA, or nothing? — it depends on your passport
Before anything else, you need to know which category your passport falls into. There are four distinct situations. Getting this wrong means applying for the wrong document — wasting time and money.
Visitor Visa (TRV)
A document placed in your passport before you can travel to Canada
Electronic Travel Authorization
An electronic permission linked to your passport — no physical sticker
US Citizens & Green Card Holders
Enter Canada with just your passport — no pre-authorization required
Citizens of these countries need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for all entry methods to Canada. Applies to the large majority of the world's countries.
Includes: India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, Philippines, Egypt, Iran, Jamaica, Morocco (2024–), Mexico (reinstated Feb 2024), most of Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central America.
Citizens of these ~54 countries don't need a TRV but must have an eTA when flying to or through Canada. No eTA required by land or sea entry.
Includes: UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Switzerland, Andorra, Barbados, Bahamas, Brunei, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan, Qatar (new — Nov 25, 2025).
Citizens of ~15 specific visa-required countries can apply for an eTA (instead of a TRV) if arriving by air AND they either: held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years, OR currently hold a valid US non-immigrant visa. By land or sea, they still need a TRV.
Includes: Philippines, Morocco, Argentina, Thailand, Costa Rica, Panama, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, Seychelles, Uruguay, Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Vincent, and others.
US citizens and US lawful permanent residents (green card holders) need no pre-authorization of any kind. Canadian permanent residents also need no TRV or eTA (but must carry their PR card).
Includes: US citizens, US green card holders (any nationality), Canadian permanent residents, Canadian dual citizens (must use Canadian passport at entry).
Mexican citizens previously enjoyed visa-free access to Canada. Since February 29, 2024, Mexican nationals now require a TRV again, following a significant increase in asylum claims and irregular crossings. An eTA is no longer available for most Mexican travelers.
Canada Visitor Visa Eligibility Calculator
Answer a few questions about your nationality, purpose of travel, and circumstances. We'll tell you whether you need a TRV, an eTA, or nothing — and flag any likely concerns an officer might have with your application.
Answer the questions below to find out what you need
This tool covers TRV, eTA, and visitor record eligibility. Results are estimates — always verify on canada.ca or with our RCIC before submitting any application.
Our RCIC can review your full profile and prepare a strong application.
Free Assessment →Visitor Visa (TRV) — who needs it and what you must show
A Temporary Resident Visa is an official document placed in your passport. It permits you to travel to a Canadian port of entry and seek admission. Having a TRV does not guarantee entry — a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer makes the final decision at the border.
Valid passport
Passport must be valid for the full duration of your intended stay, typically at least 6 months beyond your planned departure. Machine-readable passports only.
Ties to home country
The single most important factor. Proof you will return: employment letter, property ownership, family responsibilities, business ties, bank accounts, or ongoing commitments abroad.
Financial capacity
Bank statements (last 3–6 months), income tax returns, or letter from your employer showing your salary and approved leave. If sponsored, your Canadian host's financial documents.
Clear travel purpose
Tourism itinerary, hotel/accommodation bookings, return ticket, invitation letter from a Canadian contact (for family visits), conference registration (for business visitors).
Travel history
Previous travel to Canada, the US, UK, EU, or other countries demonstrates your record of compliance. Prior Canadian visas (obtained and used properly) significantly help your application.
Admissibility
No serious criminal record, no health conditions that pose public health risks, no prior misrepresentation on immigration documents, no active removal orders.
Every piece of evidence in your application answers this question. Strong home country ties, financial resources, a clear travel plan, and a clean immigration history all signal genuine temporary intent. The weaker any of these factors are, the higher the risk of refusal — especially in 2025–2026, when IRCC is operating under a stricter temporary resident reduction policy.
What a visitor visa allows — and what it does NOT
- ✓Tourism, sightseeing, exploring Canada
- ✓Visiting family and friends
- ✓Attending conferences, trade shows, meetings
- ✓Negotiating contracts (no paid work performed)
- ✓Seeking medical treatment
- ✓Short-term study courses under 6 months
- ✓Transiting through Canada
- ✗Working for a Canadian employer (paid or unpaid)
- ✗Studying in programs longer than 6 months
- ✗Starting or operating a business in Canada
- ✗Receiving income or payment from Canadian sources
- ✗Staying beyond authorized period without extension
- ✗Remote work for a foreign employer is a grey area — verify with RCIC
eTA — the faster, simpler alternative for visa-exempt countries
If your country is visa-exempt, the eTA is almost all you need. It's linked electronically to your passport — no physical sticker, no appointment, and in most cases it's approved in minutes.
One-time fee. Apply at canada.ca/eta. No visit to a consulate or visa application centre required.
Most eTAs are approved within minutes. Some applications are flagged for additional review and may take days.
Valid for 5 years or until your passport expires (whichever is first). Linked to your passport — get a new passport, apply for a new eTA.
Make multiple trips to Canada within the 5-year validity. Up to 6 months authorized per stay by CBSA.
eTA is mandatory for flights to Canadian airports. Not required when entering by land (driving, bus, train) or sea.
While most eTAs are approved almost instantly, some applications are placed under additional review by IRCC — particularly if there are prior immigration issues, a criminal record, or health concerns. Apply at least several weeks before your travel date. Your airline may prevent boarding if you don't have a valid eTA for a flight to Canada.
How to apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV)
All TRV applications must be submitted online through the IRCC portal. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Apply as early as possible — processing times vary from a few weeks to several months depending on your country.
Create your IRCC online account
Go to ircc.canada.ca and create an account. If you have a GCKey, use that. All application forms, document uploads, and communication with IRCC happen through this portal. Keep your login details safe — you'll need them throughout the process.
Complete the eligibility quiz and select the correct form
IRCC's portal asks a series of questions about your nationality, travel purpose, and personal history. Based on your answers, the system generates a personalized document checklist. Review this carefully — the checklist is specific to your situation.
Gather your supporting documents
Core documents: valid passport (biographical page), recent photographs, completed IMM 5257 application form. Supporting documents: employment letter, bank statements (3–6 months), travel itinerary, hotel bookings, return flight, invitation letter (if visiting family). Additional: prior travel documents, property deeds, family documents, previous Canada/US/UK visa copies.
Give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre
Most applicants from visa-required countries must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) once every 10 years. After submitting your online application and paying the $85 biometrics fee, you'll receive a letter to take to an approved Visa Application Centre (VAC) near you. Do this promptly — processing won't start until biometrics are received.
Pay the application fee — $100 CAD per person
Fee is paid online during the application. Additional fees: $100 per additional family member on same application. Biometrics $85 separately. Fees are non-refundable — even if the application is refused. Ensure all family members who plan to visit are included in the application.
Wait for a decision
Processing times vary significantly by country — from a few weeks to 3–4 months. Check IRCC's official processing time tool for your specific visa office. IRCC may request additional documents, ask you to attend an interview, or request your passport for visa stamping. Respond promptly to any requests.
Receive your visa — then present to CBSA at the border
If approved, IRCC will request your passport for visa stamping, or issue a digital authorization letter. Upon arrival in Canada, a CBSA officer will review your documents and determine your authorized length of stay — usually up to 6 months. Carry all your supporting documents — the officer may ask questions about your visit.
Government fees
Our RCIC reviews your application before you submit
A refused visitor visa is on your record and makes future applications harder. An RCIC review catches weak documentation, identifies red flags officers commonly scrutinize, and strengthens your application before it goes to IRCC.
Common visitor visa refusal reasons — and how to address them
Visitor visa refusal rates have increased significantly in 2025–2026 as Canada reduces temporary resident admissions. Understanding why officers refuse — and what constitutes a stronger application — is essential before applying or reapplying.
IRCC explicitly states in refusal letters that a new application will be refused unless it contains new or different information that addresses the officer's concerns. Always identify the specific reason for refusal before reapplying — and ideally request your GCMS notes via an Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request to see the officer's exact reasoning.
Insufficient ties to home country
The most common reason. Officer not satisfied you'll return home. Fix: employment letter confirming approved leave and return date, property ownership, dependants at home (children/spouse), active business or financial obligations.
Insufficient financial resources
Bank balance appears too low, funds recently deposited (red flag for lending), or income doesn't support the requested duration. Fix: 6 months of consistent bank statements, employment confirmation, sponsor letter with financial documents.
Unclear purpose of travel
Officer not convinced the visit is genuine tourism, family, or business. Fix: detailed travel itinerary, bookings, invitation letter from Canadian host, conference registration, event documentation.
Prior immigration violations
Previous overstays, misrepresentation, or removal orders in Canada or other countries. These are serious and require a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) or careful legal strategy. Consult an RCIC before reapplying.
Criminal inadmissibility
Even foreign convictions can make you inadmissible. DUI/impaired driving in any country requires a TRP or Criminal Rehabilitation before you can enter Canada. Apply well in advance of travel.
Limited or no prior travel history
First-time travellers with no international travel history face higher scrutiny. Fix: emphasize strong home country ties even more, provide a detailed and compelling letter of explanation.
Close family already in Canada
Having a spouse, parents, or siblings in Canada raises "immigrant intent" concerns. Fix: show that your own roots at home are equally or more compelling — employment, assets, dependants remaining at home.
Inconsistent or incomplete documents
Documents that contradict each other or important documents that are missing. Fix: thorough review before submission, consistent information across all forms, explanatory letters for any gaps.
After a refusal — your options
Extending your stay — Visitor Record
If you're already in Canada and want to stay longer than your authorized period (usually 6 months), you must apply for a Visitor Record — an extension of your visitor status. Apply at least 30 days before your current authorized stay expires.
Apply at least 30 days before your current authorized stay ends. If you apply before expiry, you get maintained status — legally allowed to stay while your extension is processed.
The Visitor Record extension is submitted online using form IMM 5708. Submit through your IRCC online account. Fee: $100 CAD per person.
Valid reason to extend (ongoing medical treatment, family event), continued financial capacity, and a clear intention to leave. Weak ties to home country = likely refusal.
If your authorized stay expires without you having applied for an extension, you are out of status. You can apply for restoration within 90 days of expiry, but it's more complex and costly ($229.35 CAD restoration fee + $100 WP fee). Staying out of status also negatively affects future immigration applications. Always apply before your authorized stay ends.
Planning a trip to Canada?
Start with the right advice.
Whether you need a TRV, an eTA, or you've had a previous refusal — our RCIC will assess your situation, identify red flags before you submit, and build a stronger application with you.
Harikrishnan Nair — RCIC R731549 · CICC Member · CAPIC Member · Litmus Immigration Services Inc. · Calgary, Alberta