Why apply for a Canada Visit Visa?

• Explore over 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Canada’s stunning natural landscapes.
• Visit family and friends or attend events with stays of up to 6 months.
• Join the 22 million annual visitors discovering Canada’s vibrant cities and culture.
• Quick online application process with high approval rates for UK residents.
• Access short-term business meetings or tourism under one visa.

Canada Visitor Visa Overview

A Canada Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or short-term business. UK citizens generally do not require a visa and can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for air travel.

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Types of Canada Tourist Visa

Canada offers different types of visitor visas to suit various travel purposes, whether you’re planning a holiday, visiting family, or attending short-term business events.

• Single-Entry Visa: Allows you to enter Canada once for tourism or visiting family and is valid until you leave the country.
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Permits you to enter and leave Canada multiple times within the visa’s validity period, typically up to 10 years or until your passport expires.

 

Visitor Visa vs. eTA

Factor	Visitor Visa (TRV)	Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Format	Physical sticker in passport	Digital authorisation linked to passport
Who Needs It	Citizens of visa-required countries	Visa-exempt travellers (e.g. UK citizens)
Application Process	Detailed application with documents	Simple online form
Fee	CAD $100 (plus biometrics if required)	CAD $7
Validity	Up to 10 years or passport expiry	Up to 5 years or until passport expiry
Stay Duration	Up to 6 months per visit	Up to 6 months per visit

 

Who Needs a Tourist Visa (TRV)?

You will need a visitor visa if you are not from a visa-exempt country. This applies to most countries outside Europe and the Commonwealth. Travellers entering by means other than air (such as by car, bus, or boat) may also require a TRV even if they are visa-exempt for air travel.

 

Who Can Enter Without a Visa or with eTA?

Citizens of visa-exempt countries like the UK, EU member states, Australia, Japan, and others can enter Canada with an eTA if arriving by air. An eTA is not required for those entering by land or sea, but travel documents must still be presented.

 

Benefits of a Canada visit visa

A Canada Visit Visa offers travellers the opportunity to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and multicultural charm. Whether for tourism, family visits, or business, this visa provides flexibility and convenience for short-term stays.

• Stay in Canada for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family, or attending events.
• Explore iconic attractions like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and over 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Allows short-term business activities, meetings, and conferences.
• Quick online application process and high approval rates for UK travellers.
• Multiple-entry visas let you travel to Canada several times during the visa’s validity period.

 

Eligibility for a Canada Visit Visa

The eligibility criteria for a Canada visit visa is as follows:

• A valid travel document (e.g., passport)
• Be in good health (a medical exam may be required)
• No criminal record or immigration-related convictions
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover travel and stay in Canada
• Evidence of strong ties to your home country (e.g., job, family, property)
• Convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• No intention to work or study during the visit (unless authorized)
• Meet all other requirements set by IRCC for admissibility

Requirements for a Canada Visit Visa

If you are applying for a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) from the UK, you will need to submit the following forms and supporting documents:

The table below has the complete list of documents required for a Canada visit visa:

Document	Purpose
Passport	Must be valid for the duration of stay
Visa/Travel History	Previous travel supports credibility
Proof of Funds	Bank statements, payslips, financial documents
Travel Itinerary	Flight bookings, hotel reservations
Invitation Letter	Required if visiting friends/family
Police Certificate	May be requested in certain cases
Medical Exam	Required for long stays or specific countries

 

The list of application forms required for a Canada tourist visa is as follows:

• IMM 5257 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (completed and validated with barcode)
• IMM 5707 – Family Information Form (for applicants aged 18 or older)
• IMM 5645 – Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (if applicable)
• IMM 5476 – Use of a Representative (only if using an immigration consultant or agent)

 

Steps to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa from the UK

You can follow the below steps to apply for a Canada tourist visa:

Step 1: Determine if you need a TRV or eTA.
Step 2: Create an account and apply online via the IRCC portal.
Step 3: Complete the application form and upload required documents.
Step 4: Pay the applicable fees (CAD $100 + biometrics fee if applicable).
Step 5: Provide biometrics if aged 14–79.
Step 6: Wait for a decision (processing times vary).
Step 7: Once approved, receive visa stamp or eTA confirmation email.

Canada Tourist Visa Processing Time

The table below has details of the average processing time for a Canada tourist visa:

Visa Type	Processing Time
Visitor Visa (Outside Canada)	16 days
Visitor Visa (Inside Canada – Online)	23 days
Visitor Visa (Inside Canada – Paper)	41 days

 

Canada Tourist Visa Fees

The table below has details of the Canada tourist visa fees:

Fees	$CAN
Visitor visa (including super visa) - per person	100
Visitor visa – per family (1 fee per family of 5 or more people)	500
Extend your stay as a visitor, per person	100
Restore your status as a visitor (Visa fee not needed)	239

 

Duration, Extensions & Conditions

• Visitors to Canada are typically allowed to stay for up to six months from the date of entry. However, the final duration is determined by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the point of entry. It may be shorter or longer depending on the purpose of your visit.
• If you plan to extend your stay, you must submit an application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at least 30 days before your current status expires.
• For parents and grandparents applying under the Super Visa program, the stay period can be up to five years per entry, subject to additional requirements such as medical insurance and financial support documentation.

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

As the leading overseas immigration consultancy in the UK, Y-Axis has been providing dedicated immigration assistance to its customers for more than 25 years. Our team of visa and immigration experts will give end-to-end guidance for all your immigration needs:

• Analysing your profile and suggesting the best-suited visa options for you
• Gathering the correct set of documents required for a successful visa application
• Advising on your overseas immigration
• Get you updates and follow-ups on your visa application process
• Advising you on getting permanent residency in the country in you desired country.

 

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