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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
The eligibility criteria for a Canada visit visa is as follows:
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:
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.
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 |
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 |
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Yes, you can apply for a Canada visit visa (Temporary Resident Visa) from the UK, even if you're not a British citizen, as long as you are legally residing in the UK. Applications must be submitted online through the official IRCC portal. You'll need to create an account, fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay the necessary fees. After submission, biometrics may be required. Once processed, your passport will be requested for visa stamping if approved. Ensure your UK residence status is valid while applying.
Yes, you can apply for a Canada visit visa together with your family members. IRCC allows families (two or more people) to apply as a group. Each family member must complete their own application, but you can submit all applications together as one package. If five or more family members apply at the same time and place, a capped family fee of CAD $500 applies for the visa. Biometrics may also be required for each applicant. Applying as a family helps synchronize travel plans and may streamline the processing for group travel purposes.
To submit a Canada visit visa application, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the official IRCC website and create a secure IRCC account using GCKey or a sign-in partner.
Step 2: Complete the application form (IMM 5257) accurately and honestly.
Step 3: Upload all required documents, including your valid passport, financial proof, travel plans, and any supporting documents relevant to your visit.
Step 4: Pay the application fee (CAD $100) and, if required, the biometric fee (CAD $85) online.
Step 5: After submission, IRCC may send instructions to provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Step 6: Once your application is processed and approved, you’ll receive a request to submit your passport for visa stamping.
To apply for a Canada visit visa, you will typically need the following documents:
The standard fee for a Canada visitor visa is CAD $100 per applicant. If a family of five or more applies together at the same time and place, the total fee is capped at CAD $500. In addition, most applicants are required to provide biometrics, which costs CAD $85 per person or CAD $170 per family. These fees must be paid online when submitting the application. All payments are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
As of now, the processing time for a Canada visit visa for applicants from the UK is approximately 16 days, excluding time taken for biometrics and passport stamping. This timeline can vary based on factors such as application volume, completeness of documents, and individual circumstances. For those applying from within Canada, processing can take 23–41 days depending on the method (online or paper).
A Canada visit visa cannot be directly converted to a work permit. However, under certain circumstances, you may apply for a work permit from inside Canada if you meet specific eligibility criteria. For example, temporary public policies have allowed some visitors to apply for employer-specific work permits without leaving Canada. You must first secure a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be exempt under an international agreement.
A Canada visit visa cannot be automatically converted to a study permit. If you are in Canada on a visitor visa and wish to study, you must apply for a study permit. In most cases, you will need to leave Canada and apply from outside the country unless you meet specific exceptions, such as completing a short prerequisite course. You must first receive a letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and prove financial and academic readiness.
As a UK resident, you can apply for a Canada tourist visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) directly through the official Government of Canada immigration website. The entire process is online, you create an account, fill out the application form, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee securely. Avoid third-party sites unless they are officially authorized.
When you arrive in Canada, border officers may ask to see:
Your passport with a valid Canada tourist visa
Proof of return or onward travel (return ticket)
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
Proof of funds to support your stay
Any supporting documents you used in your visa application
Even though you have a visa, final entry approval is given by the border officer, so keeping these documents handy is important.
There is no fixed amount, but you must show that you can comfortably pay for your stay in Canada. This can include:
Recent bank statements
Payslips or proof of income
Credit card limits
Proof that accommodation or travel is already paid
The amount depends on how long you plan to stay and where you will stay in Canada.
You can check your application status by logging into the same online account you used to apply for the visa. Any updates, document requests, or final decisions will appear there. You may also receive email notifications, but the online account is the most reliable place to track progress.
Yes, it is possible. A tourist visa allows you to travel to Canada, but the final decision is made by the border officer. You could be refused entry if the officer believes:
You may overstay
You don’t have enough funds
Your purpose of visit is unclear
Your documents don’t match your stated travel plans
Being honest and prepared helps reduce this risk.
It depends on the nature and seriousness of the offence. Some minor or old offences may not make you inadmissible, while others could. In such cases, immigration officers assess:
Type of offence
How long ago it occurred
Whether it has been resolved
You may need additional documents or legal guidance before applying.
A Canada tourist visa (TRV) is required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt. An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is for visa-exempt passport holders travelling by air.
UK passport holders usually qualify for an eTA, not a tourist visa—unless they are ineligible for an eTA or travelling under specific conditions
Yes. Common scams include:
Fake websites charging high fees
Promises of “guaranteed visas”
Requests for payment outside official portals
Always apply through the official Canadian government website or use authorized representatives only.
You can find authorized immigration consultants and lawyers listed on Canada’s official immigration website. These representatives are regulated and legally allowed to assist with visa applications. Avoid agents who cannot prove their authorization.
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to six months. The exact length of stay is decided by the border officer and may be stamped in your passport or mentioned in your entry record. If no date is specified, you can usually stay for up to six months from the date you enter Canada.
