Canada Visitor Visa Requirements (TRV) for 2026

Prepared by Licensed Immigration Professionals This guide has been reviewed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) registered with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Content reflects current IRCC policy as of January 2026.

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Disclaimer: VisaClick is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or any government agency. Final eligibility and approval decisions are made solely by Canadian immigration authorities.

Table of Contents

• 1. Overview
• 2. Eligibility criteria
• 3. Required documents
• 4. Financial requirements
• 5. Biometrics
• 6. Application process
• 7. Fees breakdown
• 8. Common refusal reasons
• 9. FAQ

1. Overview

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly referred to as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in an applicant's passport. It indicates that the holder has met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident.

The TRV is required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt. Upon arrival in Canada, a border services officer will determine the length of stay permitted, which is typically up to six months.

Key distinction: The TRV grants permission to travel to Canada. The actual authorization to enter and length of stay is determined by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry.

TRV vs. eTA

Citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling by air require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a TRV. Citizens of countries requiring a visa must obtain a TRV regardless of their mode of travel.

TRV Required	eTA (Visa-Exempt)
Most Latin American countries	European Union citizens
Most African countries	United States citizens
Most Asian countries	Australia, Japan, South Korea
Some Caribbean nations	Select other countries

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2. Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Canada visitor visa, applicants must satisfy the visa officer that they meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and its Regulations. The primary considerations are:

• Valid travel document — Passport valid for the duration of intended stay
• Sufficient funds — Evidence of financial means to support the visit
• Ties to home country — Employment, property, family, or other obligations
• Intent to leave — Clear intention to depart Canada at end of authorized stay

Dual intent: While applicants must demonstrate intent to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay, having a pending immigration application does not automatically disqualify an applicant. Each case is assessed on its individual merits.

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3. Required Documents

The following documents are typically required for a visitor visa application. Additional documents may be requested based on individual circumstances.

Mandatory Documents

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity recommended)
• Completed IMM 5257 (Application for Visitor Visa)
• IMM 5645 (Family Information Form)
• Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications
• Proof of fee payment
• Biometrics (if applicable)

Supporting Documents

Employment

• Employment letter (position, salary, leave approval)
• Recent pay stubs (3-6 months)
• Business registration (if self-employed)

Financial

• Bank statements (6 months minimum)
• Investment statements
• Property ownership documents

Family Ties

• Marriage certificate
• Birth certificates of children
• Proof of dependents in home country

Travel Purpose

• Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
• Hotel reservations
• Travel itinerary

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4. Financial Requirements

There is no fixed minimum amount required for a visitor visa. The assessment is based on the applicant's ability to support themselves during their stay without recourse to public funds. Factors considered include:

• Length of intended stay
• Accommodation arrangements (hotel vs. staying with family)
• Number of dependents traveling
• Planned activities and associated costs

General Guidelines While not official requirements, the following amounts are commonly referenced:

• CAD $100-150 per day for accommodation and meals
• Proof of return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one
• Emergency funds for unexpected situations

Note: Large, unexplained deposits shortly before application may raise questions. Officers prefer to see consistent financial history over several months.

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5. Biometrics

Most visitor visa applicants between ages 14 and 79 are required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) as part of their application. Biometrics are valid for 10 years and do not need to be provided again during that period.

Biometrics Process

1. Submit your visa application and pay the biometric fee (CAD $85)
2. Receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
3. Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
4. Attend appointment within 30 days of receiving BIL

VAC Locations Visa Application Centres are operated by VFS Global in most countries. Locations include major cities in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

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6. Application Process

Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC portal or on paper at a Visa Application Centre. Online applications are generally processed faster.

1. Determine eligibility — Confirm you need a TRV and not an eTA
2. Gather documents — Compile all required and supporting documents
3. Complete forms — Fill out IMM 5257 and IMM 5645 accurately
4. Pay fees — Application fee + biometric fee (if applicable)
5. Submit application — Online or at VAC
6. Provide biometrics — At designated VAC location
7. Wait for decision — Processing times vary by location
8. Submit passport — If approved, for visa stamp

Need assistance with your application? Our team of licensed immigration professionals can review your documents and guide you through the process.

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7. Fees Breakdown

The following are the official government fees as of January 2026:

Fee Type	Amount (CAD)
Visitor visa (single or multiple entry)	$100
Biometrics (per person)	$85
Family maximum (biometrics)	$170
Total (single applicant with biometrics)	$185

Service fees: If using a visa assistance service like VisaClick, additional service fees apply. These cover document review, form preparation, submission assistance, and ongoing support. Service fees are clearly disclosed before payment.

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8. Common Refusal Reasons

Understanding common reasons for refusal can help applicants prepare stronger applications. The most frequent grounds for refusal include:

Insufficient ties to home country The officer is not satisfied the applicant will leave Canada at the end of their stay.

Inadequate financial documentation Insufficient evidence of funds to support the visit, or unexplained financial history.

Unclear purpose of travel The stated purpose is vague or inconsistent with supporting documents.

Incomplete application Missing documents, blank fields, or unsigned forms.

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9. Frequently Asked Questions

How long does processing take?

Processing times vary by country and volume. Current estimates range from 2-12 weeks depending on the visa office. Check IRCC's website for current processing times for your location.

Can I apply if I was previously refused?

Yes. A previous refusal does not permanently bar you from applying. However, you should address the reasons for the previous refusal and provide additional evidence to strengthen your new application.

What is the validity of a visitor visa?

Visitor visas are typically issued for up to 10 years or until one month before your passport expires, whichever comes first. The visa allows multiple entries during its validity period.

Do I need a letter of invitation?

A letter of invitation is not mandatory but can strengthen your application, particularly if visiting family or friends. The letter should include the host's information, relationship to you, and details of your stay.

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Legal Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. VisaClick is a private visa assistance service and is not affiliated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or any government agency.

Immigration policies and requirements are subject to change. Always verify current requirements on the official IRCC website. Final eligibility and approval decisions are made solely by Canadian immigration authorities.