A Temporary Resident Visa, also commonly referred to as a visitor visa is an official document issued by IRCC, that is placed in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada.

Most travellers need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You may also need one if you are transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to your destination.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.  If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA.

With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally for up to six months at a time). You do not need an eTA for travel within Canada.

An eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents – for example, a U.S. Green Card. You must convince the officer that you are eligible for entry into Canada.

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 letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

Citizens of visa exempt countries, require an eTA to travel to Canada. While TRVs are required for citizens of visa required countries. 

Refer to the chart below to see if you require a TRV or an eTA to travel to Canada.

What is a super visa?

A super visa lets parents and grandparents visit their children or grandchildren for up to 2 years at a time. It is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

How to obtain a super visa

To be eligible for a super visa, you must:

• Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
• Have a signed letter from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada that includes:
  • A promise of financial support for the length of your visit
  • The list and number of people in the household of this person
  • A copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
• Have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
  • Valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
  • At least $100,000 coverage
  • Have proof that the medical insurance has been paid (quotes aren’t accepted)

You must also:

• Apply for a super visa from outside Canada
• Be allowed to enter Canada
• Take an immigration medical exam
• Meet certain other conditions

The child or grandchild who invites you must prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income. The following documents are examples of what can be used as proof of funds:

• Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
• Employment Insurance stubs
• Employment letter including salary and date of hiring
• Pay stubs
• Bank statements

You cannot include dependants in this application.