First determine which travel document is required.
| Document | Typical use | Does not do |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa (TRV) | Visa-required traveller; may be single or multiple entry and valid up to passport/biometrics limits | Does not authorize work or guarantee a 6-month stay |
| eTA | Eligible visa-exempt traveller flying to or transiting through Canada; electronically linked to passport | Not normally used for arrival by land/sea and not a status document |
| Visitor record | Extends or changes temporary status inside Canada | Not a visa and does not guarantee re-entry |
| Super visa | Eligible parent/grandparent for visits of up to 5 years per entry | Not PR and not a work permit |
A visitor must prove both admissibility and temporary intent.
- 01
Use a valid passport/travel document, satisfy biometrics and medical requirements where applicable, and show no criminal, security, health, financial or misrepresentation inadmissibility.
- 02
Explain a credible purpose, duration, accommodation and funding plan supported by invitations, itinerary and financial evidence.
- 03
Show ties and obligations that support departure: employment/business, family responsibilities, studies, property/finances and prior compliant travel.
- 04
Address dual intent honestly if a PR process or Canadian family connection exists. Permanent interest is allowed, but the person must still leave if temporary status ends.
- 05
Never use a purchased invitation, altered bank statement or invented employment; misrepresentation can cause refusal and a multi-year ban.
Prepare a decision-ready application.
- 01
Use IRCC’s questionnaire to determine TRV or eTA and the correct online account.
- 02
Write a concise purpose-of-travel explanation that matches dates, funds, invitation, leave approval and family facts.
- 03
Upload passport history, civil/status records, host evidence, finances and country-specific documents with compliant translations.
- 04
Provide biometrics, medical or passport submission only when instructed; monitor messages and respond by the deadline.
- 05
A refusal should be reviewed for the actual reasons before reapplying. Sending the same package rarely solves credibility or financial concerns.
Approval permits travel—not entry.
Border examination
CBSA may ask about purpose, funds, return plans, health, criminal history and goods.
Length of stay
Most visitors are admitted up to 6 months unless a stamp or visitor record sets another date; passport expiry can shorten it.
Work/study
A visitor cannot work or undertake a program requiring a study permit unless a specific exemption applies.
Documents
Carry invitation, insurance, itinerary, funds and evidence of purpose; approval in an online account may not be enough at questioning.
Extend status with a visitor record before expiry.
- 01
Apply before the date on the entry stamp, visitor record, work/study permit or—if no stamp—normally 6 months after entry, subject to passport expiry.
- 02
IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days early. A timely, complete extension can create maintained status while the in-Canada application is decided.
- 03
Explain why more time is needed, how the stay will be funded and why the person will still leave.
- 04
A visitor record only extends stay inside Canada; a valid TRV/eTA may still be needed after travel and re-entry is discretionary.
- 05
If status expired, restoration may be possible within the statutory period, but status and work/study authorization stop and restoration is not guaranteed.
Super visa is a special long-visit document for parents and grandparents.
Host
Eligible child/grandchild in Canada, at least 18, with the required status, residence, signed invitation and current minimum income.
Applicant
Apply from outside Canada, be admissible, complete an immigration medical and satisfy genuine-visitor factors.
Insurance
Private health insurance for at least 1 year from entry from a qualifying Canadian or minister-approved foreign insurer, with required coverage.
Stay
Can permit stays of up to 5 years per entry; visa-exempt applicants may receive a super-visa letter and also need a separate eTA to fly.
Transit and business visitors have narrow definitions.
Transit visa
For certain visa-required travellers passing through Canada by air for 48 hours or less; no fee, but eligibility/document rules apply.
Business visitor
Short international business activity without entering the Canadian labour market; main business and remuneration normally remain abroad.
Work permit boundary
Hands-on work, productive labour or services to a Canadian entity may require a work permit even during a short trip.
Invitation
A Canadian invitation supports purpose but does not transfer responsibility or guarantee approval.
Official sources
Check the live form and instructions again before applying.
This guide provides general information, not legal advice. Laws, forms, fees and application methods can change.