Visitor visa: About the document
New COVID-19 requirements for air travel from China, Hong Kong and Macao
As of January 5 at 12:01 am (EST) all air travellers, 2 years of age and older, arriving from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong or Macao must show a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than 2 days before their departure, to the airline in order to board their flight.
For people affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine
You can apply for the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) to come to Canada temporarily, if you’re
- a Ukrainian national
- a family member of a Ukrainian national
Fees
From: $100
Processing time ?
Varies by country
You may need to give biometrics with your application. This processing time doesn’t include the time you need to give biometrics.
About the document
A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that we stick in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada.
Most travellers need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. You may also need one if you’re transiting through a Canadian airport on your way to your final destination.
You can apply for a visitor visa online.
Find answers about visitingHow long you can stay
Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.
At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave by.
If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border officer after you finish at the kiosk.
Make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply
You may need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. The entry document you need depends on:
- the type of travel document you plan to travel with
- the country that issued your travel document
- your nationality
- your method of travel to Canada for this trip
Features
Check if your representative is authorized
If you’re using an immigration agent (consultant, lawyer or Quebec notary), they must be licensed to represent you or give advice.
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