VISITOR

A visitor visa, also referred to as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an immigration document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada whether you are coming as a student, temporary worker, or simply to visit.

There are two types of Canadian visitor visas: single entry visas and multiple entry visas. A single entry visa allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for one-time only. A multiple entry visa allows holders to enter and leave Canada as often as they want as long as the visa is valid. You don’t need to choose which kind to apply for, applicants are automatically considered for multiple entry visas and are only issued single entry visas under unique circumstan

The only people, other than Canadian citizens and permanent residents, who do not require a visitor visa to enter Canada are individuals who are visa-exempt. Canada has agreements with several countries that exempt citizens of those nations from requiring a visa to visit Canada for a period of up to six months. If foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries wish to visit Canada by air, they require a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA).

If they choose to visit by land or by sea, they only require their valid passport issued by a visa-exempt country. The only exception is citizens of the  United States. The Canada-U.S. border is the longest undefended land border in the world, and thousands of Canadian and U.S. citizens cross that border every day. U.S. citizens are able to travel to Canada on a valid U.S. passport, and do not require a visitor visa or eTa.

 In 2016, Canada introduced electronic travel authorizations (eTA) as a new entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to or through Canada by air.

Who Needs an eTA?

Most foreign nationals who are exempt from requiring a Canadian visitor visa require an eTA if they are traveling to or transiting through Canada by air. A notable exception to the eTA requirement is U.S. citizens, who can continue to travel to Canada using their valid U.S. passport.

A super visa is a multiple entry visitor visa specifically for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. 

It allows holders to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without needing to renew their status.

The biggest difference between a super visa and a visitor visa is the length of time you are allowed to stay in Canada. Normally, a visitor visa can be valid for a stay of up to 6 months. To prolong your stay in Canada you need to apply to extend your visa. 

With a super visa, you may be able to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without needing to apply for an extension.

A temporary Resident Permit, also referred to as a TRP is a temporary solution to overcoming one’s inadmissibility to Canada. The TRP allows you to travel to Canada on a short notice and can be requested at any time, regardless of when your offense occurred, and even if it is still pending in court. The TRP would allow you to enter Canada for a specific time, as determined by the government of Canada and can be valid for up to three (3) years at a time. Once it expires, you can always re-apply for a new TRP.

Do I need a TRP to go to Canada?

Anyone who has a criminal record or a case in court pending against them may require a TRP, depending on the severity of the charges. 

Most offenses, such as a DUI (Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs), reckless driving, assault, drug possession, theft or a federal offense would make you inadmissible to Canada, and you would therefore need to obtain a TRP in order to be able to enter Canada legally.

Unless they are visa-exempt, all visitors to Canada require a visitor visa to enter the country, regardless of the type of activities they will pursue once in Canada. Business visitors must therefore apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV), or visitor visa, to come to Canada.

A business visitor visa is different from a Canadian work permit. You cannot enter the Canadian workforce as a business visitor. Business visitor visas are intended to allow short-term stays for business activities such as industry conferences, site visits, or training.