How to Get a Visa for Canada
Canada is a popular destination for tourism, study, and immigration. Entry requirements depend on your nationality, travel purpose, and how long you plan to stay. Some travellers only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), while others require a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) or a long-term permit for work or study.
This guide explains who needs a visa, the main types, and how to apply.
1. Do You Need a Visa?
- Visa-free entry (with eTA):
Citizens of countries such as Australia, UK, EU nations, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand don’t need a visa for short visits but must apply online for an eTA before flying. - Visa required:
Nationals of India, China, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, Vietnam, and many others must apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV) for any tourism or short business trip. - Long-term stays:
Anyone planning to work, study, or immigrate to Canada needs the appropriate work permit, study permit, or permanent residence visa.
✅ Check Canada’s official tool: https://www.canada.ca/visas
2. Main Visa and Entry Types
| Entry Type | Purpose | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | Short-term tourism, transit, or business (air travel only) | 5 years or until passport expires |
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | Tourism, visiting family/friends, short business | Up to 6 months |
| Work Permit | Temporary employment in Canada | Duration of job contract (often 1–3 years) |
| Study Permit | Long-term study at a Canadian school/university | Length of study + up to 90 days |
| Super Visa | Long-term visits by parents/grandparents of Canadians | Up to 2 years per visit |
| Permanent Residence (PR) | Living and working in Canada permanently | Indefinite (with PR card renewal every 5 years) |
3. How to Apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV)
Step 1 — Apply Online
- Create an account at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html.
- Complete the online questionnaire to get your personalised document checklist.
Step 2 — Prepare Required Documents
Typical requirements:
- Passport (valid for your stay, with blank pages)
- Completed visa application forms (IMM 5257 and others if applicable)
- Recent passport-size photo (Canadian specs)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, employment letter, tax returns)
- Flight & accommodation details or travel itinerary
- Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family)
- Proof of ties to home country (job, property, family)
- Travel history (previous visas if applicable)
💡 If you’re applying on paper, requirements are the same — but most people now apply online.
Step 3 — Pay the Visa Fee
- Visitor visa fee: CAD $100 (single or multiple entry)
- Biometrics: CAD $85 (if required — most applicants must give fingerprints and a photo)
Step 4 — Submit Biometrics (if required)
- Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photo.
Step 5 — Wait for Processing
- Processing time varies by country: typically 2–8 weeks for most visitor visas.
- You can track your application online.
Step 6 — Receive Decision & Passport Request
- If approved, send your passport to the VAC or embassy to get the visa stamped.
- Some applicants may get an eVisa letter instead if eligible.
4. Applying for an eTA (Visa-Exempt Travellers)
If you’re from a visa-exempt country but flying to Canada:
- Go to https://www.canada.ca/eta.
- Fill out the form (passport info, personal details, background questions).
- Pay CAD $7.
- Approval usually comes within minutes (sometimes up to 72 hours).
⚠️ An eTA is required for air travel, but not for arriving by land or sea.
5. Work and Study Permits
- Work permit: Usually requires a job offer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by the employer (some jobs exempt).
- Study permit: Requires a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and proof of funds (~CAD $20,635/year for living costs plus tuition).
Applications are made online through the IRCC portal. Many students and workers later transition to permanent residence.
6. Fees (2025)
| Application | Fee |
|---|---|
| eTA | CAD $7 |
| Visitor visa (TRV) | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 |
| Work permit | CAD $155 |
| Study permit | CAD $150 |
| Permanent residence (Express Entry) | CAD $1,365 incl. RPRF |
7. Tips for a Smooth Application
- Apply early: Especially for peak travel seasons (summer/winter holidays).
- Strong ties to home country: Show proof you’ll return (job letter, property, family).
- Financial proof matters: Bank statements, pay slips, or tax returns help.
- Answer honestly: Misrepresentation can cause bans of up to 5 years.
- Use the online portal: It’s faster and easier than paper applications.
- Keep digital copies: Save receipts, passport scans, and approval letters.
Quick Pre-Travel Checklist
- Passport valid for your stay (6+ months recommended)
- eTA or visa approval (if required)
- Flight & accommodation bookings
- Proof of funds and employment
- Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
- Travel insurance (recommended)