Planning a trip to Canada? By the time you finish reading this, you’ll understand which visa or travel authorization fits your situation, how to apply step by step, and insider tips—like “dual intent” and Super Visas—that most guides overlook.

Types of Canadian Visitor Visas

When you think “visit Canada,” the first option is the standard visitor visa. However, you might qualify for other entry schemes.

Standard Visitor Visa

This sticker in your passport lets you stay up to six months per visit. You can apply for validity of up to ten years or until your passport expires, but each entry is capped unless an officer grants longer. For a detailed breakdown of requirements and processing times, refer to the comprehensive overview on CIC News’s guide to Canada’s visitor visa.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Citizens of visa-exempt countries (excluding U.S. nationals) need an eTA to fly here. It’s linked to your passport, lasts up to five years or until expiry, and costs CAD $7, as outlined in the Wikipedia article on Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization.

Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

If you’re sponsoring your parent or grandparent, the Super Visa allows multiple admissions over ten years with stays up to two years per visit. It requires proof of parental relationship and private medical insurance for at least one year. Detailed eligibility criteria are available on Immigration.ca’s Super Visa overview.

Who Needs a Visitor Visa (and When You Don’t)

Determine if you need a visa or just an eTA:

• Citizens of the U.S. don’t need a visitor visa or eTA.
• Visa-exempt nationals (e.g., EU, Australia) require an eTA.
• Nationals of other countries must apply for a visitor visa.
• Travelers transiting through Canada may need a transit visa, even if they never leave the airport; see the official CBSA transit visa requirements for full details.

Eligibility and Inadmissibility

Canada screens every visitor to ensure they pose no risk. You must:

• Hold a valid travel document (passport).
• Show enough funds to cover your stay.
• Convince officials you’ll leave at the end of your visit.
• Undergo medical exams if you plan to stay beyond six months or work/volunteer, as explained in the Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s medical exam requirements.

Factors that can make you inadmissible include criminal records, certain health conditions, or security concerns. If you’ve ever been refused entry anywhere, disclose it upfront.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Check your eligibility. Use the official IRCC visitor visa tool to confirm.
2. Gather documents. Passport, invitation letters, proof of funds, travel itinerary.
3. Pay fees online. Visitor visa: CAD $100; biometric fee: CAD $85 per person.
4. Submit your application. Prefer online for faster processing; paper at visa application centres is also accepted.
5. Provide biometrics. Since 2018, Canada collects fingerprints and a photograph from visitors to strengthen security, as highlighted by Global News’s report on Canada’s biometric program.
6. Await a decision. Processing times vary by country.

Validity vs. Duration of Stay

Your visa’s validity period and your allowed length of stay are not the same:

• Validity: The window during which you can use the visa (up to 10 years).
• Stay: Normally six months per visit, as stamped by the border officer.

If you need more time, apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before your current status expires. This document doesn’t let you re-enter; it only extends your stay without leaving Canada. For guidance, see Immigroup’s visitor record extension instructions.

Extending Your Stay

Want to linger longer?
Apply online for a visitor record. You’ll need:

• A copy of your current passport.
• Proof of funds.
• Reasons for the extension.

Submit before your status runs out. Once you apply, you can remain under “implied status” until a decision arrives.

Dual Intent and Reapplication After Refusal

Canada allows dual intent, meaning you can visit as a tourist while planning to apply for permanent residence later. You must still prove you’ll leave after your visit if required; this principle is enshrined in Section 22(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

If your visa is refused:

1. Review the refusal letter.
2. Address each concern (e.g., insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose).
3. Reapply with updated documents.
4. Consider consulting an immigration professional.

Border Interview and Overstaying Consequences

Final entry rests with the border services officer. They may:

• Ask about your travel plans.
• Request additional documents.
• Deny entry on the spot if something seems off.

Overstaying can lead to:

• Being barred from re-entry for months or years.
• Future visa refusals.
• Deportation and a formal removal order.

Ready for Your Canadian Adventure?

Now you know the full spectrum—from eTAs and visitor visas to Super Visas and dual intent rules. Gather your documents, choose the right pathway, and start your application. Canada awaits your discovery.