Visitor Visa
There are two types of Canadian visitor visas: single-entry and multiple-entry visas.
1. A single-entry visa permits foreign nationals to enter Canada only once. Once they leave, they must reapply for a new visa to return.
2. A multiple-entry visa allows the holder to enter and exit Canada as often as desired, as long as the visa remains valid.
Multiple-entry visitor visas are typically issued for six-month stays at a time, and holders can travel to Canada multiple times without needing a new visa, as long as the visa is valid.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently updated its guidelines regarding the processing of multiple-entry visitor visas. While this change does not affect previously issued visas, it will impact all new applications. The update grants visa officers more discretion when deciding whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, as well as determining the visa's validity period. The previous practice of issuing multiple-entry visas with a maximum validity of 10 years has been replaced. Now, officers will assess each application individually.
If you hold another type of status document, such as a study permit or work permit, and are not visa-exempt, you will be issued a visitor visa automatically to allow you to enter Canada and receive your permit. This is typically a multiple-entry visa. If you temporarily leave Canada during your studies or work, you do not need to apply for a new visitor visa to return, as long as your permit and visa remain valid.
Each year, Canada welcomes over 622,000 international students, making it one of the most popular destinations for higher education worldwide.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
Anyone who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or who is not otherwise exempt, requires a visitor visa to enter Canada. Visitors come to Canada for various reasons, including tourism, family visits, or business. However, certain exceptions apply based on nationality and specific circumstances.
Exceptions for Canadian Citizens and Permanent Resident
- Canadian Permanent Residents (PRs): PRs cannot apply for a visitor visa. If a permanent resident’s PR card is expired, they must apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) to re-enter Canada.
- Canadian Citizens (Including Dual Citizens): Canadian citizens cannot apply for a visitor visa. They must travel with a valid Canadian passport to enter the country.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Citizens of certain countries are exempt from needing a visitor visa to enter Canada. These citizens can stay in Canada for up to six months without needing to apply for a visa. However, there are different rules for traveling by air, land, or sea:
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Citizens from visa-exempt countries must obtain an eTA if they are traveling to Canada by air, even if they do not require a visitor visa. An eTA is an online travel authorization that allows you to board a flight to Canada.
- Traveling by Land or Sea: Citizens of visa-exempt countries who travel by land or sea (e.g., via road or cruise) do not require an eTA. They only need their valid passport issued by a visa-exempt country to enter Canada.
- U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents:
- U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens can travel to Canada without a visa and do not need an eTA, provided they are traveling with a valid U.S. passport and will stay for six months or less.
- U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card Holders): While U.S. permanent residents (Green Card holders) are visa-exempt, they do need an eTA if traveling by air to Canada. They must present both their Green Card and a valid passport upon entry.
Extending a Visitor Visa
Visitor visas typically allow foreign nationals to stay in Canada for up to six months. However, if you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension before your current status expires. You can apply for an extension while in Canada, but it’s essential to submit your request at least 30 days before your status expires to avoid any complications.
- If you apply for an extension and your visitor visa expires while waiting for a decision, you will be under implied status. This means you can remain in Canada legally while awaiting a decision on your application.
- If your extension is approved, you can stay in Canada longer. If it's not approved, you will need to leave Canada by the date specified in your visa or permit.
- Financial Proof: In addition to the GIC, students need to demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members during their stay in Canada. This can include bank statements or financial guarantees from a sponsor.
- Medical and Police Clearance: As part of the application process, students may be required to undergo a medical examination and submit police clearance certificates, depending on their country of origin and specific situation.
- Family Members: If you are applying for a study permit under the SDS program, your accompanying spouse or common-law partner can apply for an Open Work Permit, and your dependent children may apply for study permits as well.
Tourist Visa
1. A Tourist Visa is a type of Visitor Visa issued specifically for individuals traveling to Canada for leisure or tourism purposes.
2. Applicants must demonstrate their intent to leave Canada after their visit and prove they have sufficient funds to cover their stay.
Family or Friend Visitor Visa
1. This is also a Visitor Visa but is used when the primary purpose is to visit family members or friends in Canada.
2. If you’re visiting close relatives, such as parents, siblings, or children, you may be asked to provide:
- An invitation letter from the family member or friend in Canada.
- Proof of their immigration status (e.g., a copy of their PR card or Canadian citizenship certificate).
- Evidence that your host can support your stay, if applicable.
Why Visitor Visas Get Denied?
Visitor visa applications can be denied for various reasons. Common reasons for visa refusal include:
- Incomplete Documentation: Missing or incorrect information in your application.
- Financial Instability: Failure to show that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Canada.
- Criminal Background: If you have a criminal record or issues related to your past travel history, this can lead to a refusal.
- Health Concerns: Medical conditions that may pose a risk to public health or impose excessive burdens on Canada's healthcare system.
- Unclear Travel Intentions: If you do not clearly show the purpose of your visit or lack supporting documents for your plans in Canada.
- Weak Ties to Home Country: If you cannot demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property ownership, visa officers may fear you might overstay your visa.
- Misrepresentation: Any attempt to misrepresent yourself or provide false information can result in immediate refusal.
Super Visa
A Super Visa is a special type of multiple-entry visitor visa designed exclusively for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa, the Super Visa allows holders to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without the need to renew their status.
For those seeking a longer-term solution, permanent residency through sponsorship may be an option. The Super Visa, however, is ideal for temporary stays with family.
Super Visa vs Visitor Visa
The Super Visa differs from a standard visitor visa primarily in the length of stay it permits:
- Visitor Visa: Typically allows a stay of up to six months. To remain longer, you must apply for an extension.
- Super Visa: Grants stays of up to two years at a time, eliminating the need for frequent extensions.
While both visas allow multiple entries, the Super Visa is specifically tailored to parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Key Eligibility Criteria for a Super Visa
- Relationship Proof
Applicants must provide official documents (e.g., birth or baptismal certificates) proving their relationship to their child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Medical Admissibility
Applicants must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet Canada’s health standards and do not pose a health risk to the public.
- Health Insurance
Private health insurance from a Canadian company is mandatory. The policy must:
- Cover healthcare, hospitalization, and repatriation.
- Provide a minimum coverage of $100,000.
- Be valid for at least one year from the date of entry.
- Letter of Invitation
The host child or grandchild in Canada must provide a signed letter of invitation, which includes:
- A promise of financial support during the visitor’s stay.
- A complete list of household members.
- Proof of Financial Support
The host must demonstrate their financial ability to support the applicant, meeting the Low-Income Cut-Off (LICO) for their household size. Supporting documents may include:
- Recent tax assessments (e.g., Notice of Assessment).
- Pay stubs.
- Employment Insurance benefit statements.
How Does the Super Visa Work?
1. The Super Visa is typically valid for up to 10 years, depending on the applicant’s passport validity.
2. Holders can stay in Canada for up to two years per visit, compared to the six months allowed under a standard visitor visa.
3. If the applicant wishes to extend their stay beyond two years, they must apply for an extension and pay the associated fees.
Business Vistor Visa
A Business Visitor Visa is a temporary travel permit for individuals who plan to visit Canada for business-related purposes without entering the Canadian labor market. Business visitors typically stay for a short duration, ranging from a few days to several weeks, and engage in activities like:
- Attending meetings or conferences.
- Participating in business events or training sessions.
- Visiting client sites to oversee projects or contracts.
Business visitors are not considered part of Canada’s workforce and must maintain their primary place of business and income sources outside of Canada.
Key Eligibility Criteria for a Business Visitor Visa
- Duration of Stay
The intended stay must be less than six months.
- No Integration into the Canadian Labor Market
- Business visitors cannot actively work or earn income in Canada.
- Their main place of business and source of income must remain outside Canada.
- Documentation Requirements Invitation letters from Canadian businesses, contracts, conference details, or other supporting documents demonstrating the purpose of the visit.
- General Entry Requirements
- A valid travel document (e.g., passport).
- Proof of sufficient funds for the stay and return travel.
- Evidence of ties to the home country (e.g., employment, property, family).
- Intent to leave Canada at the end of the visit.
- No criminal, security, or health risks to Canada.
Business Visitor Visa vs. Work Permit
The Business Visitor Visa and Work Permit serve different purposes:
Business Visitor Visa:
- For short-term business activities such as conferences, training, or site visits.
- Does not permit entering the Canadian labor market or earning income from Canadian employers.
Work Permit:
- Required for individuals who wish to work in Canada, either through company transfers, temporary jobs, or employment by Canadian businesses.
- A visitor visa cannot be used to legally work in Canada.
Transition from Visitor Visa to Work Permit:
- Business visitors cannot start working in Canada without obtaining a valid work permit.
- If a job offer is secured during the visit, the applicant must apply for a work permit. This application must typically be processed from the individual’s home country or the country of their citizenship.
NAFTA Business Visitors
Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) (now replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement or USMCA), citizens of Canada, the United States, and Mexico benefit from expedited entry into each other’s countries for temporary business purposes.
NAFTA Business Visitors fall under a special category, allowing quick access for specific business activities, such as:
- Meetings and consultations.
- Research and training.
- Trade-related activities.
These visitors must meet the general Business Visitor Visa criteria but benefit from streamlined processes due to NAFTA/USMCA provisions.
Extensions and Limitations
- Duration: Business Visitor Visas generally allow stays of up to six months.
- Extensions: If you need to extend your stay, you must apply for a visa extension before the original visa expires.
- Limitations: Business visitors cannot:
- Perform work that contributes to the Canadian labor market.
- Earn income from Canadian sources.
The Business Visitor Visa is ideal for professionals seeking to engage in short-term business endeavors in Canada while maintaining their primary work commitments abroad.
