Apply For Visit Canada as a tourist

Before you plan your visit, you should find out if you need a visa to enter Canada. If you do not need a visitor visa, you will still need to meet some specific requirements.

If you need a visitor visa to come to Canada, follow these steps:

1. Determine how you will apply

There are two ways you can apply:

Apply online

To apply online you must have access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents for uploading and have a valid credit card for payment. Determine your eligibility and apply online.

Apply on paper

Please follow steps 2 to 4 below.

2. Get the application package

The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download the application package.

Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible for a temporary resident visa before you apply.

Each individual applicant must submit a completed temporary resident visa application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

All required documents must be included with your application:

• You must have a valid travel document (such as a passport).
• Two recent passport photos of each family member are required. Make sure these photos meet the requirements.
• Enclose the application fee. Your fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
• You must provide proof that you have enough money for your visit to Canada. The amount of money may vary, depending on the circumstances of your visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives. You can get more information from the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
• You may need to include other documents. These documents could be identification cards, proof of employment, a letter of invitation from relatives or friends in Canada, or a proposed itinerary. Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information.

3. Pay your application fees

The fee per person is $150 for a multiple entry visa, $75 for a single entry visa or $400 for a family (multiple or single entry). If you plan to visit Canada more than once, a multiple entry visa is recommended.

Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them.

4. Submit your application

Processing time

How long it takes to process your application varies depending on the visa office where you applied. For more information, see application processing times.

Apply from within Canada

If you are currently a temporary resident in Canada with a valid status (that is, a study or work permit), you can apply for a new visitor visa to return to Canada before you leave.

Canada Tourist Visa

A Canada tourist visa of this kind is required by nationals of some countries when visiting the country.

In Canada, visas of this kind are not intended as a route to settlement and do not offer permanent residence or the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship. If this is your ultimate goal please talk to us about the different types of Canadian Visa that may be more appropriate.

Visiting visas are issued on the understanding that you will not be permitted to work, and that you will depart on or before the expiry of your tourist visa.

How Global Visas Can Help

As a Canada immigration consultant, Global Visas can assist you in determining the best option for you.

No matter which path is best for your relocation to Canada immigration consultants at Global Visas can offer a comprehensive Canadian visa service taking care of everything you will require for your move to Canada from immigration lawyer expertise, detailed information on the processes of immigration and more.

We will also be happy to advise you as to whether you need to apply for a visit visa for Canada in order to enter the country.

Benefits

Applying for a Canada visitor visa is the appropriate method if you wish to enter the country purely for the purpose of visiting.

Visitor visas is the popular route for over 35 million visitors and students each year and will allow you to stay for a period of up to six months.

Applications

 for visit visas can be submitted for one of three categories.

Single entry Canada Tourist Visa

This category allows you to visit Canada once for the duration of no more than six months.

However, once in the country you can apply for a Canadian visa extension so long as you do so no later than 30 days before the expiry of the original document.

Multiple Entry Canada Tourist Visa

Under this category, you may enter and depart on several occasions during the validity of the Canadian travel visa.

In this case, you will need to specify the length of time you require. The length of time subsequently awarded will be decided by an issuing case officer.

Transit Canada Visa

The third category is intended for people entering the country en route to another destination who will be spending no longer than 48 hours in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to meet the eligibility requirements for a visiting visa, you will need to demonstrate that you:

• Possess sufficient funds to support you and your family for the duration of your visit.
• Do not intend to seek or undertake employment.
• Have no criminal record and intend to abide by the laws of the country.
• Do not pose a security risk.
• You may also be required to complete a medical examination.

Working and studying in Canada

Whilst in the country on any of the above tourist visas it is not permitted to undertake employment.

If you wish to work during your time in the country, you will need an accompanying Canadian work permit. You may study so long as the course is short term and will not exceed the six months expiry date.

Spouses and Dependants

Spouse immigration or fiancé immigration are not specifically provided for under this route and your spouse, common law partner and dependent children over 18 years of age will need to apply for their own visiting visas and meet the appropriate criteria. Find out further information on our Visitor Visa page.