Visitor Visa

Most travelers need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You may also need one if you’re transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to your final destination.

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave in your passport. They might also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave by.

You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa. You must:

• have a valid travel document, like a passport

• be in good health

• have no criminal or immigration-related convictions

• convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets, or family—that will take you back to your home country

• convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit

• have enough money for your stay

  • The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

You may also need a medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.