A Canadian visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa (TRV), is placed in a passport and allows a visa-required traveller to seek entry to Canada for a temporary purpose such as tourism, visiting family or certain business activities.
At a glance
- Purpose of travel and proposed length of stay
- Financial support and accommodation
- Ties to the country of residence and temporary intent
- Travel history, invitations, prior refusals and admissibility
A visa is not the same as status in Canada
The visa is a travel document used to seek entry. The border services officer determines admission and the authorized period of stay when the traveller enters Canada.
Temporary intent
IRCC assesses whether the applicant is likely to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay. Employment, family responsibilities, property, finances, immigration history and the purpose of travel may all form part of that assessment.
Purpose and supporting documents
The documents should match the stated purpose. A family visit, tourism trip, business visit or compassionate visit may require different evidence and explanations.
Prior refusals
A new application should address the actual concerns raised in a previous refusal and any material changes rather than simply resubmit substantially the same evidence.
Official government resources
Use these official sources for the current program rules, forms and government instructions.
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