Visitor Visa / eTA
Visit Canada temporarily for tourism, family visits, or short business trips.
Prepared under the legal authority of Atty. George M. Garvida, Barrister & Solicitor
What This Pathway Is
Most people who want to visit Canada need either a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on nationality. A visitor record may be issued at the border or through an extension application if you need to stay longer than initially authorized.
You must show that your visit is temporary, that you have ties to your home country, and that you can support yourself financially during your stay — including who pays for the tickets and who pays for the stay. Visiting does not give you the right to work or study unless you obtain the correct permit.
Visitor visa processing times vary by country. An eTA for visa-exempt travellers is usually approved quickly online. Extensions from inside Canada must be applied for before your current status expires.
Are You Likely Qualified?
This is a general guide, not a guarantee of eligibility. Many factors affect actual qualification — the best way to know for sure is to start an assessment or book a free consultation with our team.
- You have a valid passport and meet basic admissibility requirements (health, no criminal or immigration convictions).
- You can show a clear, temporary purpose of visit (tourism, family, business meeting, etc.) with dates, cities, and a trip plan that matches your funds.
- You can name who pays the airfare and who pays hotels, food, and daily costs — yourself, a host, family, or an employer — with matching proof.
- You have enough money for the stay and the return trip. IRCC does not publish a fixed bank-balance minimum; the amount depends on length of stay and whether you stay in a hotel or with family.
- You have strong ties to your home country (job or approved leave, property or lease, family remaining at home) that show you will leave Canada when the visit ends.
- You understand a visitor visa or eTA does not allow you to work or study without a separate permit. Minors travelling with one parent or alone need extra consent documents.
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