Visitor Visa
Apart from Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents all other individuals require permission to enter Canada as a visitor. Unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country, anybody who wishes to enter Canada for a temporary purpose (tourists, foreign workers, students) must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
TRV is a document issued by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) office, showing that the applicant has satisfied the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary visitor. It can be for a single entry or multiple entries. Tourists are permitted to remain in the country for a period of six months. Extensions may be applied for within Canada.
Citizens of certain countries might need to provide biometric information. Click here for the list of Countries.
Visa Extension
An applicant can apply to extend their stay in Canada as a visitor. It is important to check your temporary resident status to make sure you apply before the expiry date. This will be on the stamp in your passport or, if you do not have a stamp in your passport, the expiry will be 6 months from the day you entered Canada. You should apply to extend your stay 30 days before your status expires.
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) Application
Certain Countries are exempt from the requirement to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Citizens of visa-exempt countries intending to travel to Canada by air are expected to have obtained an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before their departure to Canada. Exceptions to this include citizens of United States, who do not require a TRV or an eTA. Although American Green Card holders require an eTA to come to Canada, regardless of their nationality.
eTA is a pre-screening system that was introduced through 2016 and made effective from November 9, 2016. The eTA has now now become mandatory for visitors from countries whose citizens do not require a TRV and who are entering Canada by air.
To find out if you need a TRV or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization), please visit the IRCC (Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada) website.