Visitor visa: how to visit Canada
People who want to visit Canada for tourism, to see family or friends, or for short business activities, and who need a temporary resident visa to travel.
Steps, in order
- Check whether you need a visitor visa, an eTA, or only a passport, using the official entry-requirements tool for your citizenship and travel method.
- Gather proof of ties to your home country, the purpose of your visit, and funds for your stay.
- Apply online, upload your documents, and give biometrics if asked.
- Wait for a decision, then travel with the documents the visa office asks for. A visa does not guarantee entry: a border officer makes the final decision on arrival.
Who is eligible — the essentials
- Hold a valid travel document such as a passport.
- Be in good health and have no criminal or immigration convictions that make you inadmissible.
- Convince an officer you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and that you have enough money for your stay.
- Visitors are normally allowed to stay for up to six months, as decided by the border officer.
Documents you will usually need
- Valid passport or travel document
- Proof of funds for the stay
- Evidence of ties to your home country (job, home, family, assets)
- Letter of invitation from a host in Canada, if applicable
- Travel history and purpose-of-visit evidence
Common mistakes
- Applying without showing why you will return home — weak ties are the most common refusal theme.
- Submitting bank statements that do not match the stated trip cost and length.
- Assuming a visa guarantees entry; the border decision is separate.
Official source
General information only — not legal advice. Immigration rules change. Always check the official source above before applying.