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Visit Visa Canada

With diverse natural landscapes, rich urban centers, and high diversity, Canada is a wonderful tourist destination with much to offer visitors. From the majestic Rocky Mountains to the picturesque coastline of Nova Scotia, Canada offers a range of experiences for travelers.

The multicultural cities of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal provide a mix of modern sophistication and historical charm. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks such as the CN Tower, witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights in the Yukon, or indulge in outdoor activities like hiking and skiing. Canada’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty, coupled with its friendly locals, makes it an inviting destination for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion.

To visit Canada, most travelers must obtain one of the standard visitor visas in Canada before traveling. The process will vary slightly based on the purpose of travel, the applicant’s nationality, and the duration of the visit. The standard visitor visa, known as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is necessary for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt. To apply for a TRV, applicants must provide the required documents, including a valid passport or travel document and a completed visa application form. Visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA). This can also be used to enter the country.

Whether applying for a TRV or obtaining an eTA, applicants must plan in advance and follow all necessary steps to ensure a smooth visa application experience. Once the visa or travel authorization is granted, the traveler can proceed with their plans to visit the beautiful sites of Canada.

Understanding Canada's eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for all travelers traveling to Canada by air. The eTA can only be obtained by foreign nationals who are visa-exempt to travel to Canada. The eTA is electronically linked to the visitor’s passport, so if they get a new passport, they must also get a new eTA. The eTA is valid for five (5) years or until the passport expires.

Holders of a Canada eTA can travel there for short stays as much as they want. These stays should not exceed six (6) months at a time. The eTA is an entry document but is not necessary for traveling within Canada.

The eTA does not guarantee entry to Canada. The final decision on entry will depend on the border services officer at the Canadian border. Once the officer speaks to the traveler and evaluates their passport and other documents, they must be convinced to grant them entry into the country. They reserve the right to refuse entry if they are not convinced of their eligibility.

Who needs an eTA to travel to Canada?

Four categories of travelers should check in advance to see whether or not they need an eTA:

  1. Travelers from visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada by air or transit through a Canadian airport. However, eTA is not required if arriving by car, bus, train, or boat.
  2. Some individuals from visa-required countries may have the option to apply for an eTA instead of a visa for air travel to Canada. However, when arriving by car, bus, train, or boat, including cruise ships, they must obtain a visitor visa.
  3. Identification Requirements for Various Categories:
    • Canadian citizens (including dual citizens) require a valid Canadian passport. American Canadians can use either a valid Canadian or U.S. passport.
    • Canadian permanent residents need a valid permanent resident card or travel document. PR status does not expire, but former residents should verify their status to prevent travel delays.
    • Visa-required Individuals (alien’s passport holders and stateless individuals): Need a visa and are not eligible for an eTA.
  4. Exemptions from eTA Requirement:
    • U.S. citizens exempt from the eTA requirement; must carry a valid U.S. passport.
    • Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are exempt but need to carry proof of status and a valid passport from their country of nationality or an equivalent travel document.

All travelers must check the complete list of documents for U.S. lawful permanent residents and the full list of eTA exceptions on the official website.

Applying for an eTA is a straightforward process that can be done entirely through the official Government of Canada website. The process only takes a few minutes to complete. Most applicants will receive a decision on their eTA by email in just a few minutes. Some requests might take longer if the applicant is asked to submit supporting documents. Travelers should secure their eTA before traveling to Canada.

An eTA costs CAD $7, and applicants can pay for one at a time. Applicants must complete the application form and upload a copy of their valid passport. They also need a valid credit or debit card and an email address. Applicants will also be asked to answer a few questions. The eTA will be linked electronically to the traveler’s passport and scanned at the airport when they arrive to the border in Canada.

Types of Canadian Visitor Visas

There are a few types of visitor visas in Canada that travelers can select from. The most common is the standard visitor visa, the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The TRV is for travelers visiting Canada for temporary stays to engage in tourism, business, or family visits. Citizens of countries who are not visa-exempt must obtain a TRV to enter Canada. The TRV is issued for a specific duration, and holders must exit the country before it expires.

Another type of visitor visa is the Super Visa. This visa is designed for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This visa allows extended stays in Canada of up to two years per visit. It is valid for up to 10 years. To be eligible for a Super Visa, applicants must meet the financial criteria, demonstrate a genuine relationship with their Canadian family member, and have medical insurance coverage for the duration of their stay. The Super Visa is an excellent option for family reunification that offers parents and grandparents the opportunity to spend an extended period with their loved ones in Canada.

Types of Canadian Visitor Visas

Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Visitor Visas

To obtain a Canadian visitor visa, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements. These requirements may vary depending on the visa type and the applicant’s unique case. These basic criteria include holding a valid travel document or passport, being in good health, and having no criminal or immigration-related conviction record. Applicants may be required to pass a medical exam and/or provide a letter of invitation from a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

Applicants must also be able to convince an immigration officer that they have sufficient ties to their country of residence and that they will return there after they visit Canada. They must also convince the office that they will leave Canada before their visitor visa expires. Applicants should have sufficient proof of financial resources to last the duration of their stay. The amount of money will depend on the duration and purpose of the visit.

There are specific categories of travelers who are not permitted to enter Canada under any circumstances. These people include anyone who engages in criminal activity, has committed human rights violations, or is involved in organized crime. Depending on their situation, applicants might also be inadmissible due to security, health, or financial reasons.

Required Documents for Visitor Visa Applications

The required documents may vary depending on the visa type, the applicant’s nationality, and the purpose of travel. However, some documents will be required for most visitors. The following are the basic required documents that travelers must submit with the application for their Canadian visitor visa:

Passport or travel document

Applicants must possess a valid passport (regular, official, or diplomatic) OR an alien’s passport for stateless persons, a US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327), a US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571), or another refugee travel document.

The following documents are not accepted:

  • Any passport issued by Somalia
  • Non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
  • Temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
  • Provisional passports issued by Venezuela

Use of a representative (IMM 5476) (if applicable):

If a family member or third party applies on the applicant’s behalf, they must complete and submit this form.

Family information (IMM 5645)

All applicants over 18 must complete this form detailing their family information.

Minor children documents (if applicable)

Additional documents may be required if the applicant is a child under 18 traveling with one (1) parent, a relative/friend, or alone.

Aşağıdaki belgeler başvuran kişinin durumunu yetkililere daha net bir şekilde gösterebilmek için kullanılır:

Seyahat geçmişi

Başvuran kişi daha önce uluslararası seyahat etmişse bu, daha önce vize çıkardıkları ve koyulan şartlara uyduklarını gösterir. Kişiler önceki vizelerinin nüshalarını pasaportlarında taşıyabilirler.

Seyahat planı

Bu belgeler başvuran kişinin Kanada’da kaç gün kalacağını ve kaldığı süre içerisinde ne yapmayı planladığını gösterir.

Mali kaynak ispatı

Bunun için banka ekstresi kullanılabilir. Bu ispat Kanada’da hayatınızı idame ettirebileceğiniz kadar paranız olduğunu göstermeye yarar.

 Belirli bir kişiye kişisel bilgi verme yetkisi (IMM 5475)

Bu form, Kanada Göçmenlik, Mültecilik ve Vatandaşlık Bürosu’nun (IRCC) başvuru sahibinin kişisel bilgilerini belirlediği bir kişiye vermesine izin verir.

Geçerliyse bu belgelerin diğer başvuru materyalleriyle birlikte online portala yüklenmesi gerekir.

Kanada Ziyaretçi Vizesiyle Neler Yapılabilir

Geçici Oturum Vizesi (TRV) ya da başka bir Kanada ziyaretçi vizesi türüne sahip kişiler birçok faaliyette bulunabilirler. Kanada’ya en çok turizm sebebiyle seyahat edilir. Ziyaretçiler Kanada’nın çok çeşitli doğasını, ikon olmuş sembol yapıları ve kültürel mekânları gezebilirler. Turizmin içinde gezi, doğa yürüyüşü, milli parkların keyfini çıkarma ve rehberli turlara katılmayı bulunur.

Ziyaretçi vizesi ayrıca Kanada’da yaşayan aile ve arkadaşları ziyaret etmeyi de kolaylaştırır. Bu sayede sevdiklerinizle zaman geçirebilir ve aile etkinliklerine katılabilirsiniz. Kanada’ya aile veya arkadaşları ziyaret için gelecekseniz ev sahibinden bir davet mektubu almak zaruridir.

Ziyaretçi vizesi kapsamlı iş faaliyetleri için çıkarılmış olmasa da bu vizeyle iş toplantılarına, konferanslara ve seminerlere katılabilirsiniz. İş için gelen kişiler doğrudan istihdamla sonuçlanan ya da Kanada iş gücü piyasasını içeren faaliyetlere katılmadıkları sürece ziyaretçi vizesini kullanabilirler.

Ziyaretçiler Kanada’daki çok çeşitli etkinlik, festival, kültürel toplanmaya katılabilirler. Bu sayede yerel kültürü daha iyi öğrenir ve özel kutlamaların keyfini çıkarabilirsiniz.

Bireyler bazı durumlarda Kanada’ya tedavi için gelmek isteyebilirler. Bunu yapmak mümkün olsa da bir Kanada sağlık kuruluşundan doğrulama yazısı alma ve sağlık masraflarını karşılayabileceğini kanıtlama gibi çeşitli şartların yerine getirilmesi gerekebilir.

Çalışma veya eğitim gibi bazı faaliyetler belli bir izin çıkarılmadan yapılamamaktadır. Vizenizle yapabileceklerinizin farkına varma ve Kanada göçmenlik yetkilileri tarafından belirlenmiş şartlara uyma gibi, olumlu ve yasalara uygun bir ziyaret deneyimiyle sonuçlanır.

Application Process for Canadian Visitor Visas

Applying for a Canadian visitor visa involves several straightforward steps. Applicants can take the following steps to complete the application for their visitor visa:

1

Determine eligibility

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for visitor visas in Canada. It’s crucial to check the specific requirements based on the purpose of the visit.

2

Gather required documents

Applicants must collect all the required documents, including a valid passport, a completed application form (IMM 5257), proof of financial support (if applicable), a travel itinerary (if applicable), a letter of invitation (if applicable), and any other supporting documents.

3

Complete the application

Once all the forms are filled out accurately and gathered, applicants can apply online using the IRCC portal. They must include all required forms and details, including personal information, purpose of visit, and travel history, if applicable.

4

Pay the fees

Applicants must pay all the required fees, including the application fee, which can be paid online. Other fees may include biometrics fees and third-party fees. Applicants must check the current fee list on the official Government of Canada website.

5

Submit the application

Once all fees are paid, the application can be submitted online. In some cases, the application can be submitted in person to a local visa application center.

6

Attend a biometrics appointment (if required)

Some applicants may need to provide biometrics. If required, schedule a biometrics appointment at the designated location.

7

Wait for a decision

Once submitted, the application will be processed. Processing times vary but typically take a few weeks. The status of the application can be monitored online through the IRCC website.

8

Travel to Canada

If the application is approved, the applicant will receive a notification of the visa decision. If approved, the applicant’s passport will be stamped, and they can proceed with their travel plans.

Applicants should try to submit their applications well before their intended travel dates. They must ensure all information provided is accurate and matches the supporting documents. To avoid delays, applicants should adhere to the specific instructions outlined by the IRCC. They should also be aware of the current processing times and plan accordingly.

By following these steps and tips, applicants can enhance their chances of a successful Canadian visitor visa application. It’s advised that applicants refer to the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date information and guidelines for visas to Canada.

Extending Your Stay in Canada

Applicants who wish to extend their stay in Canada must apply for a Visitor Record. This document differs from the visitor visas in Canada (visitor visa or eTA). It extends the visitor’s stay in Canada as a visitor. The Visitor Record is a formal document that includes a new expiry date, indicating the date by which you must leave Canada.

TRV or eTA holders must apply for a Visitor Record before their current status expires. If they’re unsure about when their current visa expires, they must check with the IRCC. Applying for a Visitor Record in a timely manner is crucial to avoid any lapse in your authorized stay.

While a Visitor Record allows applicants to stay longer in Canada, it doesn’t guarantee they can leave and re-enter the country. They will still need one of the valid visitor visas in Canada, such as a visitor visa or an eTA, to return. Travelers are advised to check the specific entry requirements and ensure travel documents are in order before planning any trips outside the country.

FQA

A Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required to enter Canada for temporary stays. Visitors who hold one of these visas in Canada can explore the country for tourism, family visits, or business activities.

Yes, both a Visitor Visa and eTA can be used for visiting friends or family in Canada. It’s essential to have the necessary travel documents and follow the application process based on your country of origin.

A Visitor Visa or eTA is used for the initial entry to Canada. If you wish to extend your stay, you must apply for a Visitor Record. The Visitor Record allows you to stay longer as a visitor, worker, or student and includes a new expiry date.

The duration of stay with a Visitor Visa or eTA varies and is determined by the immigration officer upon entry. Typically, visitors can stay for up to six (6) months. To extend your stay, you must apply for a Visitor Record before your authorized stay expires.

Yes, you can travel outside Canada during your authorized stay. However, if you plan to return, ensure you have a valid entry document (Visitor Visa or eTA) to re-enter the country. If you wish to extend your stay, apply for a Visitor Record before your current status expires to avoid complications.