Canadian Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

A Canadian Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is issued to foreign nationals who require a visa to enter Canada for temporary purposes such as tourism, visiting family, or short-term business activities.

As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Green Acres Immigration Services Ltd. provides professional immigration services in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR), and the professional standards established by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). All applications are prepared and submitted in compliance with the policies and operational guidance of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Please note that all decisions are made solely by IRCC or a delegated visa officer. Approval is never guaranteed.

Types of Visitor Visas

The type of visa issued is determined by IRCC based on eligibility and program requirements.

Single-Entry Visa
Allows one entry to Canada. The authorized period of stay is determined by a Border Services Officer at the port of entry and is typically up to six months unless otherwise specified.

Multiple-Entry Visa
Allows multiple entries to Canada during the validity period of the visa. It may be issued for up to 10 years or until the applicant’s travel document expires, whichever comes first. Each entry is generally authorized for up to six months unless otherwise limited by an officer.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for a TRV, applicants must satisfy the requirements set out under IRPA and IRPR, including but not limited to:

  • Holding a valid passport or travel document
  • Demonstrating temporary intent and sufficient ties to their country of residence
  • Providing evidence of sufficient financial resources to support their stay
  • Establishing the purpose of travel (tourism, family visit, or business activities)
  • Being admissible to Canada (including criminal, security, and medical admissibility)
  • Satisfying an officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay
  • Depending on the purpose of travel, additional documentation may be required, such as:
  • Invitation letters from Canadian hosts
  • Proof of relationship for family visits
  • Business invitation letters outlining the purpose of travel
  • Supporting financial documentation from hosts, where applicable
  • IRCC may also require biometrics and/or a medical examination, depending on nationality and travel history.

Each application is assessed on its own merits. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee approval.

Application Process

Visitor visa applications are generally submitted online through the IRCC secure portal. In certain circumstances, applications may be submitted through a Visa Application Centre (VAC), where biometrics collection services are provided.

Key components of the application process include:

  • Completion of required IRCC forms
  • Payment of applicable government processing fees
  • Submission of supporting documentation
  • Biometrics enrollment, if required
  • Responding to any procedural fairness letters or additional document requests from IRCC
  • Family members must each submit a separate application, although applications may be submitted together where applicable.
  • Processing times vary and are determined by IRCC based on volume, country of application, and other operational factors.

Extending Status in Canada

Visitors who wish to remain in Canada beyond their authorized period must apply for a visitor record before their current status expires. Applications should generally be submitted at least 30 days prior to expiry.

Submission of an extension application does not guarantee approval. Applicants must continue to meet eligibility requirements and maintain legal status in Canada in accordance with IRPR.

Our Professional Services

As licensed RCICs, we provide:

  • Eligibility assessments based on current IRCC legislation and policy
  • Document review and application preparation
  • Strategic guidance regarding temporary intent and supporting evidence
  • Submission and representation through the IRCC portal (where authorized)
  • Ongoing communication and case management throughout the process
  • Our role is to provide professional advice and ensure applications are complete, accurate, and compliant with current immigration legislation and regulatory standards. Final decisions remain at the sole discretion of IRCC and/or the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

Regulatory Disclaimer

We are licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. The information on this website is for general guidance only and does not guarantee any outcome. Please consult the official IRCC website and schedule a consultation with us for professional advice.