Visitor Visa & eTA
Most foreign nationals need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The required document depends on nationality. This pillar covers visitor visas, eTAs, the Super Visa, transit visas, and visitor-record extensions.
Reminder: IRCC.com is an independent news and information site — we do not handle applications or give advice. Verify all program details on canada.ca. For personal advice, contact a CICC-licensed consultant or a Canadian immigration lawyer.
What this section covers
- TRV — single vs multiple entry
- eTA — eligible countries and validity
- eTA for green-card holders
- Visitor Record (extending visitor status from inside Canada)
- Super Visa — eligibility and insurance
- Transit visa requirements
- Restoration of status
- Dual-intent considerations
- Common refusal reasons
- Reapplying after a visitor visa refusal
- Country-specific application guides (top source countries)
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visitor visa or an eTA to visit Canada?
It depends on your passport. Visa-required nationals need a TRV; visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an eTA (US citizens are exempt from both). Check IRCC's official visitor visa tool to determine which document applies to your nationality.
Can I extend my visitor stay in Canada?
Yes — apply for a Visitor Record at least 30 days before your status expires. A Visitor Record extends temporary resident status inside Canada but is not a re-entry document.
Latest in Visitor Visa & eTA
3 articles — sourced from canada.ca and explained.
Canada Opens New Visa Application Centre in Portugal (Lisbon, 2024)
On February 8, 2024, Canada and Portugal partnered to open a new Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lisbon, operated by VFS Global. The VAC streamlines visa applications and biometrics collection for Portuguese applicants and others in the region.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): Who Needs It and How to Apply
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is a digital entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. It costs CAD $7, is valid up to 5 years, and is electronically linked to the traveller's passport.
Canadian Visitor Visa (TRV): Who Needs One and How to Apply
A Canadian visitor visa, formally a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is required for citizens of visa-required countries to enter Canada for tourism, business, family visits or transit. Applicants from many countries can apply online; the visa fee is CAD $100 and biometrics are req
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