Planning a trip to Canada for tourism, business, or to visit family and friends? If you’re from a visa-required country, you’ll need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — also known as a Visitor Visa.

This post walks you through everything you need to know about applying for a Canadian Visitor Visa in 2025 — including eligibility, documents, and expert tips to improve your chances of approval.

Who Needs a Canadian Visitor Visa?

You need a visitor visa if you are:

• A citizen of a visa-required country
• Visiting for less than 6 months
• Not planning to work or study during your stay

Citizens of visa-exempt countries only need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).

Visitor Visa Requirements

To be eligible, you must:

• Have a valid passport
• Be in good health
• Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• Convince an officer you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• Show you have enough money for your stay

Required Documents

Valid passport

Proof of funds (bank statements, pay stubs)

Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)

Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)

Purpose of visit letter

Photographs (as per specifications)

Ties to your home country (job letter, family, assets)

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa

Step 1: Create an account on the IRCC Portal
?? https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

Step 2: Complete the application form

• Use the [IMM 5257] form
• Answer all questions honestly

Step 3: Upload documents & pay the fee

• CAD $100 application fee + $85 biometrics (if applicable)

Step 4: Book your biometrics appointment

• Go to a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country

Step 5: Wait for processing & decision

• Most applications are processed within a few weeks

After Approval: Entering Canada

If your visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport. At the airport:

• Carry your supporting documents
• Be ready to answer questions about your trip

Note: A visa does not guarantee entry — the border officer makes the final decision.

Extending Your Stay in Canada

Already in Canada and want to stay longer?

• Apply for a Visitor Record before your status expires
• It’s not a visa, but lets you remain in Canada legally

Final Tips

Always be honest in your application

Show strong ties to your home country

Provide clear documents and avoid errors

Avoid using fake or misleading documents — it can lead to a ban