The Canadian visitor visa is applicable to individuals who wish to travel, visit, or explore in Canada, or visit family members. Except for those holding a visa-exempt Canadian passport, all applicants are required to apply for a visa.
The validity of the visa depends on the validity of the passport. Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to 6 months each time they enter, with the actual duration determined by the approval of the customs officer upon entry.
To enter Canada, you may need either a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The required document depends on:
Find out if I need a Visitor Visa: A list of Visa-Required travellers
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a new entry requirement for foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries/regions who are traveling to or transiting through Canada by air. The eTA is valid for a period of five years or until the expiry of your passport or travel document, whichever comes first. If you obtain a new passport, you will need to apply for a new eTA.
If you are traveling to Canada by air from a visa-exempt country, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
A list of Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers
With a valid eTA, you can visit Canada for short stays at any time (usually for a maximum duration of six months per visit). An eTA is not required for travel within Canada.
Please note that having an eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Upon arrival, border services officers will examine your passport and other documents. You need to convince the border officer that you meet the requirements for entering Canada.
As one of the world's largest economies and a leader in international trade, Canada welcomes thousands of business visitors annually. Our nation's strong market-oriented economy, membership in prestigious organizations like the G7 and OECD, and participation in key trade agreements including the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), make Canada an ideal destination for global business.
You may enter Canada as a business visitor if you:
- Will stay less than 6 months
- Do not plan to enter the Canadian labour market
- Are attending meetings, conferences, or events (no Canadian employment)
- Your primary business/income is outside Canada
-Y ou have documents to support your application
- Can demonstrate:
Note: If engaging in paid work or staying longer, you may need a work permit.
All visitors to Canada - whether travelling for business or leisure - must obtain proper authorization (Visitor Visa or eTA) to enter the country. Your required documentation depends on
Visa required travellers need a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel—plane, car, bus, train or cruise ship.
Holders of a foreign national passport and stateless individuals need a visa to visit or transit through Canada. Find out if I need a Visitor Visa: A list of Visa-Required travellers
Visa exempted travellers, who are traveling to Canada by air from a visa-exempt country, will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). A list of Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers
Pro Tip: If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada and your meeting, event or conference is registered with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) . Ask the event organizer if an IRCC event code is available to expedite visa processing.
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