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visitor visa applications process
Canada Visitor Visa (TRV) – Application Process
A Visitor Visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily for purposes like tourism, visiting family/friends, or attending short-term business/events.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
- From a country that does not have visa-exempt status (e.g., India, Pakistan, Nigeria)
- Planning to enter Canada by air, land, or sea as a tourist, visitor, or short-term businessperson
Visa-exempt travelers (e.g., from the UK, EU, South Korea) may only need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
Application Process: Step-by-Step
1. Gather Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Digital photo (per IRCC specs)
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, job letter, etc.)
- Purpose of visit (invitation letter, hotel booking, tour plans)
- Ties to home country (employment, property, family)
- Letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends in Canada)
Strong documentation helps prove you intend to leave Canada after your visit.
2. Apply Online via the IRCC Portal
- Create an account on the IRCC website
- Fill out the online visitor visa application (IMM 5257)
- Upload all required documents
- Pay the processing fee:
- CAD $100 for a visitor visa
- CAD $85 additional for biometrics, if required
3. Biometrics Appointment
- After submission, you may receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)
- Book and attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
4. Wait for a Decision
- Processing times vary by country (check the IRCC website)
- You may be asked for additional documents or to attend an interview
5. Passport Submission (if approved)
- If approved, IRCC will request your passport
- Submit it to the nearest VAC to get the visa sticker in your passport
Processing Time
- Typically 2 to 8 weeks, but varies by country and time of year
- Check IRCC Processing Times
Important Notes
- A visitor visa does not allow work or long-term stay
- You can typically stay up to 6 months per visit
- You must leave Canada by the date stamped on your passport or apply to extend
Can You Apply from Inside Canada?
Only in certain cases (e.g., you're already here on a different visa and qualify to apply for a TRV from within Canada). Otherwise, apply from outside Canada.
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Visa Extensions & Restoration
Visa Extensions & Restoration in Canada
1. Visa Extensions
If you're in Canada on a temporary status (visitor, student, or worker), you may apply to extend your stay before your current status expires.
Visitor Record Extension
- Purpose: Extend stay as a tourist beyond the initial 6 months.
- Apply before: Your visitor visa or stamp expires (usually within 6 months of entry).
Steps:
- Apply online via the IRCC portal at least 30 days before expiry
- Provide reasons for extension (tourism, family, etc.)
- Include proof of funds, ties to the home country, and travel insurance
- Pay the fee (CAD $100)
Result: If approved, you receive a Visitor Record, which allows you to stay longer (but it’s not a new visa).
Study Permit Extension
- Apply before: Your current study permit expires
Steps:
- Be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- Provide transcripts, enrollment letter, proof of funds
- Apply online via IRCC
- Fee: CAD $150
You can stay in Canada under maintained status (formerly implied status) while your extension is being processed.
Work Permit Extension
For:
- Employer-specific work permit holders
- Open work permit holders (e.g., PGWP, spousal)
Apply before expiry with:
- Updated job offer or employment letter (if applicable)
- Pay the fee: CAD 155+
2. Restoration of Status
If your status has already expired, you may still apply to restore it within 90 days of the expiry date.
Who Can Apply?
- Visitors
- Students
- Workers
You must not have violated any other conditions of your permit (e.g., working without authorization).
How to Apply for Restoration
- Apply online via the IRCC Portal
- Choose the “Restore my status” option
- Include:
- Why did your status expire
- New extension application (e.g., new study/work/visitor application)
- Pay fees:
- Restoration: CAD 200
- Plus extension fee (e.g., CAD 100 for a visitor)
Key Rules
Situation Can You Apply? What to Do Status not expired yet ✅ Yes Apply for extension Status expired < 90 days ago ✅ Yes Apply for restoration + extension Status expired > 90 days ago ❌ No Must leave Canada and reapply Documents Typically Needed
- Passport
- Expired permit or visa
- Proof of funds
- Reason for extension or restoration
- New LOA or job offer (for students/workers)
Tips
- Always apply at least 30 days before the status expiry
- While your application is in process, you may stay in maintained status
- Restoration does not restore a visa — only your legal stay inside Canada
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Biometrics & Documentation Checklists
Biometrics & Documentation Checklists
For Visitor Visas, Study Permits, Work Permits, PR Applications, and more.
1. Biometrics for Canada Visa Applications
Biometrics = Fingerprints + Digital Photo
Who Needs Biometrics?
- All first-time applicants for:
- Visitor Visa (TRV)
- Study Permit
- Work Permit
- Permanent Residency (PR)
- Some applicants renewing permits (if not already provided in the last 10 years)
Fees & Process:
- Fee: CAD 85 (per person), CAD 170 (for families applying together)
- After submitting your application, you’ll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL)
- Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Submit within 30 days (ideally sooner)
Where to Give Biometrics:
- In Canada: Service Canada offices
- Outside Canada: VACs in your country or nearby region
- Biometrics are valid for 10 years for temporary residents
- For PR applicants: must give new biometrics, even if already given before for a TRV/permit
2. Documentation Checklists by Application Type
A. Visitor Visa (TRV) Checklist
- Valid passport
- Digital photo (per IRCC spec)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, sponsor letter)
- Travel itinerary (if available)
- Purpose of travel (invitation letter, tourism plans)
- Proof of ties to home country (job letter, property, family)
- Biometrics (after submission)
B. Study Permit Checklist
- Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from DLI
- Valid passport
- Digital photo
- Proof of funds (tuition + living costs)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP/study plan)
- Academic transcripts/certificates
- IELTS/TOEFL results (if required)
- Biometrics Instruction Letter (post-submission)
C. Work Permit Checklist
- Valid job offer and contract
- LMIA (if LMIA-based) or proof of LMIA-exempt category
- Passport
- Proof of qualifications (degrees, certificates)
- Proof of previous work experience
- Resume/CV
- Biometrics Instruction Letter
D. Permanent Residence (Express Entry / PNP)
- Passport
- IELTS/CELPIP score report
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical exam confirmation (from panel physician)
- Proof of work experience (reference letters, pay slips)
- Proof of funds (bank letters/statements)
- Biometrics (new for PR applicants)
E. Spousal Sponsorship (Inland or Outland)
- Relationship documents (photos, chats, joint accounts, etc.)
- Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
- Sponsor's status in Canada
- Financial evaluation form (if applicable)
- IMM forms (IMM 1344, 5532, 0008, etc.)
- Biometrics (for sponsored partner)
Need Help With:
- Letter of explanation
- Biometrics appointment booking
- Custom checklist for your case
