Visitor Visa & Super Visa Canada

A Visitor Visa Canada application may allow an eligible foreign national to travel to Canada temporarily for purposes such as visiting family or friends, tourism, business activities or other authorized short-term visits.

A Canadian visitor visa is also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Applicants must satisfy the applicable immigration requirements and demonstrate that their proposed visit is temporary.

Visitor Visa Canada: What Is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa, is an official document placed in a traveller's passport showing that they have met the requirements to travel to Canada as a temporary resident.

However, having a valid visitor visa does not guarantee entry. A border services officer makes the final decision about admission when the traveller arrives in Canada.

For current federal information, review the official IRCC visitor visa information .

Who May Qualify for a Visitor Visa Canada Application?

Visitor visa applicants generally need to demonstrate that they meet the applicable temporary resident requirements.

Relevant factors may include:

• A valid passport or travel document
• The purpose of the proposed visit
• Financial resources for the trip
• Employment, family, property or other ties outside Canada
• Travel history, where relevant
• The expected duration of the visit
• Accommodation and travel arrangements
• Admissibility to Canada
• Whether the applicant will leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay

In addition, some applicants may need a medical examination, biometrics or other supporting documentation depending on their circumstances.

How Long Can a Visitor Stay in Canada?

Most visitors are normally authorized to stay in Canada for up to six months. However, a border services officer may authorize a shorter or longer period depending on the circumstances.

If the officer specifies a departure date, that date controls the authorized period of stay. In some cases, the visitor may receive a visitor record showing when they must leave Canada.

Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visitor Visas

A visa officer may issue a single-entry or multiple-entry visitor visa. The validity period depends on the officer's decision and the applicant's passport, biometrics and circumstances.

Documents for a Canadian Visitor Visa Application

Required documents depend on the applicant's purpose of travel and individual circumstances. Common documents may include:

• Valid passport or travel document
• Proof of financial support
• Employment or business documents
• Travel history, where relevant
• Evidence of family, employment or property ties
• Invitation letter, where applicable
• Purpose-of-travel documentation
• Proposed itinerary
• Accommodation information
• Medical examination documentation, where required
• Other documents requested by IRCC

Invitation Letter for a Canada Visitor Visa

An invitation letter may help explain the purpose of the proposed visit, particularly when the applicant plans to stay with relatives or friends in Canada.

Depending on the circumstances, the letter may include information about:

• The visitor and host
• The relationship between them
• The reason for the visit
• The expected duration of stay
• Accommodation arrangements
• Financial support, where applicable

Nevertheless, an invitation letter by itself does not guarantee approval. The applicant must still satisfy the applicable visitor visa requirements.

Super Visa Canada for Parents and Grandparents

The Super Visa is designed for eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and certain persons registered under the Indian Act.

Unlike a regular visitor visa, an approved Super Visa can allow an eligible parent or grandparent to stay in Canada for up to five years at a time. It can provide multiple entries for a period of up to ten years, subject to visa validity, passport validity and entry requirements.

For official program information, review the IRCC Super Visa program information .

Who May Qualify for a Super Visa?

Super Visa eligibility involves requirements for both the applicant and the host in Canada.

The applicant generally must:

• Be the parent or grandparent of an eligible host in Canada
• Apply from outside Canada
• Be admissible to Canada
• Complete an immigration medical examination
• Have qualifying private health insurance for at least one year
• Meet the general requirements for visiting Canada

The host in Canada must also satisfy the applicable relationship, residence, invitation and income requirements.

Super Visa Medical Insurance Requirements

Super Visa applicants must provide proof of qualifying private health insurance that is valid for at least one year from the date of entry to Canada.

Depending on the current IRCC rules, the insurance may be issued by an eligible Canadian insurance company or by a qualifying foreign insurance company approved for the program.

Super Visa Income Requirement

The host must meet the applicable minimum income requirement for the relevant family size.

As of March 31, 2026, IRCC changed how Super Visa income may be assessed. In some cases, the host and co-signer may qualify using either of the two taxation years immediately before the application. In addition, under certain conditions, qualifying income of the visiting parent or grandparent may help cover part of the required amount.

Review the official Super Visa eligibility requirements .

Medical Examination for a Super Visa

A Super Visa applicant must complete an immigration medical examination. The medical examination must be completed according to IRCC requirements and by an approved panel physician.

Visitor Visa Refusal and Reapplication

A visitor visa may be refused when the officer is not satisfied that the applicant meets the applicable temporary resident requirements.

Common concerns can involve the purpose of travel, financial circumstances, ties outside Canada, travel history, documentation or whether the applicant will leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay.

Depending on the case, an applicant may consider a new application, a reconsideration request or another appropriate option. However, simply resubmitting the same application without addressing the refusal concerns may not resolve the underlying issue.

Extending Visitor Status in Canada

A visitor who wants to remain in Canada beyond their authorized period may need to apply to extend their stay before their current status expires.

If approved, IRCC may issue a visitor record showing the new date by which the person must leave Canada.

A visitor record is not a visa and does not by itself authorize re-entry to Canada after international travel.

How Third Pole Immigration Services Can Help With Visitor Visa Applications

Depending on the applicant's circumstances, our services may include:

• Reviewing visitor visa eligibility
• Reviewing the purpose of travel
• Assessing financial and supporting documents
• Reviewing invitation letters
• Preparing or reviewing visitor visa applications
• Preparing Super Visa applications
• Reviewing Super Visa income requirements
• Reviewing insurance and medical-exam requirements
• Visitor record and extension applications
• Reviewing refusals and possible next steps
• Responding to requests for additional documents or information

Visitor Visa and Super Visa Services by Location

Related Canadian Immigration Services

• Family Sponsorship services
• Canadian Permanent Residence services
• Immigration consultation and contact information

Frequently Asked Questions About Visitor Visa Canada

What is a visitor visa for Canada?

A visitor visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa, is an official travel document placed in the passport of a person who requires a visa to travel to Canada.

How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?

Most visitors are normally authorized to stay for up to six months. However, the border services officer may authorize a shorter or longer stay.

Is a Super Visa the same as a regular visitor visa?

No. A Super Visa has additional eligibility requirements and is specifically designed for eligible parents and grandparents. It can allow stays of up to five years at a time.

How long is a Super Visa valid?

A Super Visa can provide multiple entries for up to ten years, subject to passport validity, visa validity and other applicable requirements.

Do Super Visa applicants need insurance?

Yes. Applicants must meet the applicable private health-insurance requirements and provide acceptable proof of coverage.

Does a visitor visa guarantee entry to Canada?

No. A valid visa allows a person to travel to a Canadian port of entry. A border services officer determines whether the traveller may enter Canada.

Can I extend my stay as a visitor?

Eligible visitors may apply to extend their temporary resident status before their authorized stay expires.