Visitor Visa and Extension

Every year, more than 35 million people visit Canada to enjoy the opportunities our country has to offer, including visiting family and friends. Every person who wishes to visit Canada for business or for tourism may need to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa.

Temporary Resident Visas allow Foreign Nationals to enter Canada temporarily for either pleasure or business visits. Foreign Nationals who are residents of certain countries do not require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada. Foreign Nationals of all other countries must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa prior to entering Canada. To apply for Temporary Resident Visa you will need to meet certain entry requirements. The Canadian immigration authorities will assess whether the prospective visitor has a valid reason for visiting, enough money to pay for the visit, and is likely to return back to their country of residence after their authorized stay in Canada.

Types of Temporary Resident Visas

Single entry

This allows the applicant to enter Canada only one time and is valid only for duration issued by immigration officer.

Multiple entry

This allows the applicant to enter Canada unlimited number of times depending on the validity of the visa.

Transit visa

This allows applicants to enter Canada who are travelling and who’s flight or bus stop in Canada for less 48 hours. This type visa is only for Foreign Nationals who are citizens of those countries which require a visa.If you are not from one of the countries that are exempt from the entry visa, you will need to apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada. Most visitors to Canada are granted 6 months from the date of their arrival, and their passport bears a stamp from the Immigration Officer at the Port of Entry. Visitors are generally expected to leave on or before the end of the 6 month period. Sometimes there are valid reasons to extend your stay and you will need to apply for an extension. This extension approval allows you to remain in legal status and leaves your options open for future return visits or for applying for permanent residence in the future. It is very important to apply for extension before your visa expires.