Canada Temporary Resident Visa

Every year, thousands of foreigners secure a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), sometimes called a visitor visa, so that they may enter Canada to visit, work or study. This official document is issued by a Canadian visa office and placed in your passport as verification that you are admissible to Canada as a temporary resident. The TRV application fee is CAD $100 and the processing time varies by country. It is important to note that you cannot be issued a TRV upon your arrival to Canada; you must obtain one beforehand.

Before you apply for a TRV, you should make sure that you require one. If your country of origin is visa-exempt, you will be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) prior to boarding your flight to Canada. The required entry document will depend on:

• the type of travel document you intend to travel with;
• the country that issued your travel document;
• your nationality; and
• your method of travel to Canada (i.e. by plane, train, car, boat, etc.)

For more details, view our breakdown of the *eTA application process* and complete with a *list of visa-exempt nations*.

In order to acquire a TRV, you must:

• prove to a border services officer (BSO) that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay;
• show that you have enough money to finance your stay and transit back home;
• not intend to work in Canada unless authorized to do so;
• abide the law and have no criminal record;
• not be a risk to the security of Canada;
• provide any additional documentation requested by the BSO; and
• be in good health (pass a medical examination if required).

If you wish to enter Canada as a visitor or tourist, you will require a visitor visa. According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), a visitor is a person who is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, but is legally authorized to enter the country on the basis of visiting family, conducting business or vacationing in Canada. There are various conditions that must be met in order for a foreigner to retain visitor status and remain in Canada. Additionally, there are restrictions on the length of their stays, which are typically limited to a maximum of six months.

You may view our breakdown of the *visitor visa application process* for details regarding eligibility, admissibility, and exemptions.

Parents and Grandparents

If you have a child or grandchild that is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident whom you wish to visit, you may apply for a Super Visa. This temporary multiple-entry visa may remain valid for a period of up to ten years, and can enable you to visit Canada for a period of up to two at a time.

We expand on this option in a detailed explanation that will help you *find out whether you qualify for a parents and grandparents super visa*.

If you plan to attend a business meeting, conference or trade show in Canada, you are considered a business visitor and must obtain a *visitor visa*. This is an official document that will be stamped into your passport.

Requirements for Business Visitors

Along with your visa application, you must provide:

• a letter from your potential business partner confirming your invitation to Canada, and
• 24-hour contact information for the person who invited you.

You may also have to provide identification cards or proof that you have a job in order to prove that:

• your visit will not exceed 6 months;
• you are not seeking employment in Canada;
• your main place of business and income source is outside Canada; and
• you have documents that support your application.

If you wish to pursue studies in Canada you should obtain a study permit. Provided that you become enrolled in an approved program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you will be issued a study permit that will allow you to reside in Canada for the full duration of your study program. Although in some cases you may not require a study permit to undertake studies in Canada, it is highly recommended that you do so regardless.

For details regarding requirements, responsibilities, conditions and exemptions, please view our *study permit application guide*.

Student Direct Stream

Some international students may enjoy a faster study permit application process if they apply under the Student Direct Stream. Study permit applications submitted under this stream are typically processed within 20 calendar days.

To *find out whether you qualify for faster processing*, you may view our detailed breakdown of the Student Direct Stream.

Related Information

Our website is equipped with all the information you may require, whether it be related to *studying in Canada as a minor*, *working in Canada as an international student* or *continuing employment after study program completion*.

If you wish to enter Canada as a temporary foreign worker, you will most likely require a work permit. There are two types of work permits which can be obtained:

• an open work permit; and
• an employer-specific work permit.

All prospective applicants must meet the general requirements, as well as specific conditions that depend on the permit they are applying for, and where they are applying from.

To *find out whether you qualify for a work permit*, read our explanation of the requirements. If you are a Canadian employer looking to *hire a foreign worker*, we have broken down that process as well!

Visa application centres (VACs) offer Canadian visa services around the world. They are private companies that have formal contractual agreements with the Government of Canada which allow them to:

• send your applications and passport to the Canadian visa office; and
• collect your biometrics.

You may find a VAC that is not in your country of residence through the CIC website, and seek assistance from them via telephone, email, or an in-person visit.

VAC Services

VACs accept applications for:

• study permits,
• work permits,
• visitor visas (temporary resident visa), and
• travel documents for permanent residents.

VACs do not accept applications for:

• immigration,
• Express Entry,
• authorization to return to Canada,
• temporary resident permits,
• rehabilitation, or
• voluntary renunciation of permanent resident status.

All VACs:

• assist with application completion,
• securely return passport and decision documents, and
• provide access to a computer for online application.

Some VACs:

• provide photograph and photocopy services,
• send updates via text message,
• accept application fee payments, and
• return applications through courier services.