Visit Canada with Confidence.
Canada's visitor visa lets you enter Canada for up to 6 months per visit for tourism, family visits, or business. We help you build a strong application that proves your intent to return home.
Common Pitfalls
Why Visitor Visas Get Refused.
Visitor visa refusal rates are high — many visa offices refuse 30-50% of applications. Knowing why is critical.
Weak Ties to Home Country
IRCC suspects the applicant won't return home after their visit. We build a strong "home ties" package — employment letter, property ownership, family commitments — tailored to your situation.
Insufficient Funds
Bank statements show inadequate funds, or funds are recently deposited. We help you document a consistent financial history with bank statements covering 4-6 months, showing regular income.
Unclear Purpose of Visit
Application doesn't clearly explain why the applicant wants to visit Canada. We draft a strong Letter of Explanation outlining your specific travel purpose, itinerary, and planned activities.
Inadequate Host Letter
Invitation letter is missing key details or host's financial documents are weak. We provide a comprehensive invitation letter template and review your host's documents.
Previous Immigration Violations
Past overstays, unauthorized work, or visa refusals in any country. We review your full travel and immigration history upfront and address any concerns transparently.
Travel History Concerns
Limited international travel history, or travel pattern suggests immigration intent. We highlight your compliance with previous visas and strengthen your home ties.
Refusal Recovery
Re-Applying After a Refusal
A previous refusal doesn't mean you can never get a visitor visa. It means your application needs to be stronger. We specialize in refusal recovery.
See Our Refusal Service-
Read Your Refusal Letter Carefully
Every refusal letter explains the specific reasons (in legal terms) — "inadmissible under section A..." — which point to specific issues we can fix.
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No Mandatory Waiting Period
Canada doesn't impose a mandatory waiting period for reapplication. You can apply immediately — but with a much stronger application.
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Address the Refusal Reasons
Don't submit the same application twice. Each reason for refusal must be addressed with new evidence or stronger documentation.
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Consider a New Application, Not an Appeal
Visitor visa refusals are not appealable (unlike residency refusals). The path forward is a stronger reapplication.
The Roadmap
How We Handle Your Visitor Visa
Free Assessment
Day 1We review your travel purpose, home country situation, and previous travel history. We tell you honestly whether your profile is strong enough for approval.
Document Prep
Week 1-3We provide a customized document checklist and review every document for completeness and quality.
Drafting Letters
Week 2-3We draft the Letter of Invitation (if applicable) and a strong Letter of Explanation highlighting your home ties and travel purpose.
Application Review
Week 3-4We complete all IRCC forms (IMM 5257, IMM 5645, etc.) and review your entire package for red flags.
Submission
Week 4-5We submit your application through the IRCC portal and pay fees. You complete biometrics at your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Decision & Travel
Week 5-12We track your application, respond to any IRCC requests, and prepare you for arrival at the Canadian border.
What Is a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV)?
A Canada Visitor Visa — also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — is an official document placed in your passport that allows you to enter Canada for temporary, short-term visits. It's required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt.
Length of Stay
Up to 6 months per visit (border officer determines exact duration at port of entry).
Validity
Up to 10 years (multiple entry) or until passport expiry, whichever comes first.
Who Needs One
Citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt. Use IRCC's tool to check.
eTA vs. Visitor Visa
eTA (Electronic Travel Auth)
Required for visa-exempt countries (US, UK, EU, Australia, etc.). Apply online, $7 fee, valid 5 years.
Visitor Visa (TRV)
Required for non-visa-exempt countries. Apply online or at a visa office, $185 fee, valid up to 10 years.
Do You Need a Canada Visitor Visa?
You NEED a visa if:
- You're a citizen of a country that requires a TRV (India, China, Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Brazil, etc.)
- You're flying to Canada for a short visit and don't qualify for visa exemption
- You don't have a valid US visa or Green Card (which can sometimes waive the TRV requirement)
You DON'T need a visa if:
- You're a citizen of a visa-exempt country (US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, South Korea, etc.) — you need an eTA instead
- You're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- You have a valid US Green Card and are flying directly from the US (Green Card holders still need an eTA, not a TRV)
- You're a dual citizen with Canadian citizenship
Types of Canada Visitor Visas
"Visitor visa" covers several different purposes. Each has slightly different documentation requirements.
1. Tourist Visitor Visa
Purpose: Tourism, sightseeing, visiting family/friends, attending events.
- • Visiting Niagara Falls, Banff, Vancouver
- • Attending a wedding or family event
Typical stay: 1-4 weeks
2. Business Visitor Visa
Purpose: Short-term business activities that don't enter the Canadian labour market.
- • Attending conferences or trade shows
- • Meeting with clients or partners
Typical stay: 1-4 weeks
3. Family Visit Visa
Purpose: Visiting family members who are Canadian citizens or PRs.
- • Visiting siblings, aunts/uncles, cousins
- • Attending graduations
Typical stay: 2-6 weeks
4. Other Short-Term Visits
Purpose: Medical treatment, school trips, events.
- • Receiving medical care
- • 2-week summer programs
Typical stay: Varies
Visitor Visa Eligibility
IRCC's #1 concern with visitor visa applications is whether the applicant will return home. Strong applications prove strong home ties.
1. Valid Passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay (most visa officers prefer 6+ months validity remaining).
2. Travel Purpose
Clear, specific reason for visiting Canada (tourism, family visit, business meeting).
3. Strong Ties to Home Country (Most Important)
You must prove you'll return home after your visit:
- • Employment: Job, business, license
- • Property: Owned home, real estate
- • Family: Spouse/children in home country
- • Financial: Investments, ongoing commitments
4. Sufficient Funds
Demonstrate financial support during your stay ($3,000-5,000+ for a 2-week trip), or sponsorship letter.
5. Letter of Invitation
If visiting family/friends in Canada, a Letter of Invitation from your host strengthens your application significantly.
Documents Required
Core Documents
- Valid passport & photos
- Application forms (IMM 5257, 5645)
- Travel itinerary & Purpose proof
- Bank statements (last 4-6 months)
- Employment/Business docs
- Property docs & Marriage cert
Supporting (Case-Specific)
- Letter of Invitation & Host proof
- Host's financial documents
- Tax returns & Travel history
Letter of Invitation
If you're visiting family or friends in Canada, an invitation letter from your host is one of the strongest documents in your application.
Host's Information
Full name, DOB, address, Canadian status, occupation, and relationship to the applicant.
Visit Details
Clear purpose of visit, duration of stay, and exact dates.
Financial Commitment
Details on accommodation, meals, transportation, backed by the host's financial documents.
Arriving in Canada
Your visitor visa only allows you to travel to Canada — the border officer makes the final decision on whether to admit you.
What to expect at the border:
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1. The Interview
The officer will ask about your visit purpose, where you'll stay, how long you'll stay, and your ties to your home country.
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2. Length of Stay
The officer decides how long you can stay (typically up to 6 months). This is recorded on your Visitor Record.
Common Mistakes at the Border
- Don't volunteer information beyond what's asked.
- Don't claim intent to immigrate (can result in refusal of entry).
- Don't arrive without a return ticket.
- Don't bring excessive luggage or undeclared items.
Client Success
Visitor Visa Success Stories
"My first visitor visa was refused by myself. Dr. Khushwinder rebuilt my application with stronger employer documentation and a beautiful invitation letter. Approved in 6 weeks."
Maria D.
Philippines → Toronto"I needed to attend a 3-day trade show in Vancouver. They prepared my business visitor visa with trade show details and my company ownership documents. Approved in 4 weeks."
Raj P.
India → Vancouver"My brother lives in Montreal and I wanted to visit for 3 weeks. They prepared my application, my brother's invitation letter, and coached me for the border interview."
Ahmed K.
UAE → MontrealKnowledge Base
Visitor Visa FAQs
Do I need a visitor visa for Canada?
It depends on your citizenship. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, etc.) need an eTA ($7). Citizens of other countries need a TRV (visitor visa) ($185).
How long is a Canada visitor visa valid?
Up to 10 years (multiple entry) or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. Each visit can be up to 6 months, determined by the border officer at the port of entry.
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. Visitor visas do not allow you to work in Canada. If you want to work, you need a work permit. Working on a visitor visa is a serious violation.
Can I study on a visitor visa?
Short-term courses (6 months or less) are generally allowed without a study permit. Longer programs require a study permit.
Can I extend my stay in Canada?
Yes. You can apply for a Visitor Record extension from inside Canada before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are typically granted for 1-2 additional months.
How much money do I need?
There's no fixed amount, but visa officers want to see you can comfortably afford your trip. As a rough guide: $3,000-5,000+ for a 2-week trip, plus proof of ongoing income at home.
How long does it take to process?
Processing times vary by country — typically 4-12 weeks. We monitor current processing times and recommend applying at least 3 months before your travel date.
Will I be interviewed at the border?
Possibly. Border officers may ask questions about your visit. Answer honestly, briefly, and don't volunteer information. We provide a border briefing for every approved applicant.
Ready to Visit Canada?
Book a 30-minute visitor visa assessment. We'll review your travel plans, home ties, and financial profile to tell you honestly if your application is strong enough.
Book My Assessment
CICC-licensed · 500+ visitor visas approved · 98% success rate