A visitor visa for Canada, also called a temporary resident visa (TRV), is granted for temporary stays in Canada. Applicants may apply for visitor visas for tourism purposes, short business trips, or to meet friends or family. In recent years, Canada visitor visa applications are being exponentially denied. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to know specific requirements, processing time and how to apply for Canada visitor visa.
Overview of Visitor Visa for Canada
A Temporary Resident Visa is granted for temporary visits to Canada by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Key features of visitor visa to Canada are:
- Purpose: This visa is granted for tourism, short-term business trips, attending conferences, or visiting family or friends.
- Duration: The holder can stay in Canada for six months after entering the country.
- Validity: The visitor visa for Canada is issued remains valid for ten years or until the expiry of the passport.
- Types: Available as single-entry visa or multiple-entries visa, depending upon the purpose and requirements.
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Get Expert Assistance →Requirements for Canada Visitor Visa
If you are residing in the US, there are some requirements you must be aware of before you apply for Canada visitor visa.
- Visitor Visa or eTA: If you are in the US with a valid US non-immigrant visa, like F-1 or H1B, and your home country is eligible for the program, then you can apply for eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). An eTA for Canada is relatively easier to obtain. If you are not eligible for eTA, then for short-term stays, you must apply for a visitor visa.
- Passport: You should have a valid passport.
- Purpose for Travel: You must deliver a purpose for travel that is clear and aligned with the visa requirements.
- Proof of Finances: You should be able to prove that you can financially cover the trip and stay duration. This can be done through pay stubs, bank statements, tax return, etc.
- Travel Plan: You must also provide a travel plan. This includes confirmed flight tickets and proof of accommodation.
- Proof for Return: Provide adequate ties to the US or your home country to demonstrate that you will return after the end of the trip.
Document Checklist for Canada Tourist Visa
To apply for Canada visitor visa, you must submit clear scanned copies of the following documents to the official visa portal:
- Passport: The validity of the passport shall remail till the stay in Canada.
- US Legal Status Proof: A Green card, citizenship status, or valid US visa.
- Photographs: Recent passport sized photographs meeting the official guidelines.
- Financial Proof: Provide adequate proof of finances to demonstrate you can cover the trip. Can be done through bank statements, tax records, etc.
- Employment Letter: Valid letter of employment or an I-20 form for students.
- Confirmed Tickets: Provide confirmed flight tickets, hotel reservations or proof of accommodation.
How to Apply for Canada Visitor Visa
Follow the steps given below for a successful visa application:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility and Compile Documents
First of all, determine whether you are eligible to apply for Temporary Resident Visa. Green card holders and US non-immigrant visa holders from certain countries are eligible for eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
At the same time, compile the necessary documents for the visa application.
Step 2: Submit the Online Application
Visit the official IRCC portal and create an account. Fill out the questionnaire and application form with care. Upload clear scanned copies of the required documents. Pay the application fee.
Step 3: Biometrics
You will receive an email for Biometrics instructions likely within 1 or 2 working days from submission. Accordingly, you must submit your biometrics through a designated visa application centre.
Step 4: Passport Submission
Once your application is approved, you must submit your passport to a designated visa application centre. You will subsequently receive it back with a visa stamped in it.
Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time
The processing time may vary depending upon the applicant’s category, legal status in the US, documentation and other relevant factors. Nonetheless. after submission of biometrics, it can take 2 to 3 weeks for the visa application to process.
Canada Tourist Visa Cost
The fee structure for the Temporary resident visa for Canada is as follows:
| Category | Fee |
| Visitor Visa | CAD 100 per person |
| Family Fee | CAD 500 for a family application with 5 or more applicants |
| Biometrics Fee | CAD 85 per person |
| Biometrics Family Fee | CAD 170 for a family application with 2 or more applicants |
Common Reasons for Canada Visitor Visa Denial
Canada visitor visa application is often denied due to a variety of reasons. Given below is a comprehensive list of most common reasons:
- Insufficient Funds: If you fail to demonstrate your ability to cover the trip financially then your visa application might be denied. This can be due to inadequate bank balances, unstable income history, etc.
- Unclear Purpose: If you provide a purpose of travel that raises concerns or scrutiny or is unconvincing then your application might be rejected.
- Weak Ties to Home Country: Another major reason for visa denial is not providing strong ties to the US or your home country. This demonstrates lack of intention to go back to your country after the trip.
- Improper Documentation: Not providing the complete list of required documents can definitely lead to visa refusal.
- Incomplete Information: Providing incomplete information or providing details that don’t match the supporting documents.
How Documitra Can Help
In recent years, visitor visa to Canada application denials have increased substantially. Many reasons contribute to this. But you can easily avoid this by taking professional help from Documitra. We have years of experience with documentation and immigration services. We provide complete support, from documentation to final submission, increasing your chances for visa approval.
Need Help With Your Canada Visitor Visa?
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Get Expert Assistance →FAQs
Q. Can I get a Canada visitor visa from USA?
Yes, you can apply for a Canada visa from USA. First of all, you have to determine your eligibility, then you can apply through the official IRCC portal.
Q. Is it possible for me to obtain a Canadian visitor visa if I already possess a US visa?
Yes, it is possible to apply for a Canadian visitor visa if you possess a valid non-immigrant US visa. You must definitely have a good reason, appropriate documents, financial proof, and ticket confirmation while applying for these.
Q. Are Indian citizens living in the USA eligible to apply for a Canadian visitor visa?
Yes, Indian citizens living in the USA can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada as long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria for the visa.
Q. How much time is needed to receive a Canadian tourist visa from the USA?
The time required may differ with respect to the characteristics of the applicant. On average the entire process can take 2 to 3 weeks.
Q. Is it easy for Indians to get a Canadian visitor visa?
In fact, it has become increasingly difficult in recent years. But when you seek help from professionals like Documitra, you can considerably increase your chances of getting a visa.
