Visitor Visa

General information only, not legal advice. This page gives general information about a Canadian immigration topic as understood in 2026. It is not legal advice, it does not guarantee any outcome, and it is not a substitute for advice on your own case from a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer. Immigration rules, figures, and fees change, so always confirm the current requirements on the official Government of Canada immigration and citizenship pages before you apply or rely on anything here.

A visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa, allows people from many countries to visit Canada for tourism, to visit family or friends, or for short business trips.

How it generally works

Apply before travel. Visitor visas are applied for from outside Canada, before you travel.
Show the purpose of your visit. Applications typically explain the reason for the visit, where you will stay, and your ties to your home country, and show that you have enough money for your stay and that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
Decision on arrival. A visa allows you to travel to Canada; the border officer on arrival confirms how long you may stay.

How long you can stay

Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months. The border officer on arrival may limit or extend that period, and may issue a visitor record showing the date you must leave. Note the distinction: the date on your visa is the date by which you must arrive in Canada, not the date your stay ends. If you want to stay longer, apply to extend your stay from inside Canada before your authorized stay expires, and at least 30 days before it expires.

What this page does not state

This page does not state government application fees or processing times, because both change and depend on where you apply from. Confirm current fees and times on the Government of Canada immigration pages before you apply.

Visitor visas are often relevant to families: parents and relatives visiting a student in Canada, or attending a graduation. If you are planning a family visit around a study journey, talk to us and we will help you plan the timing.