Visitor Visa to Canada
Navigate the complexities of the visitor visa application process with ease, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to the Great White North.
A Visitor Visa, more commonly identified as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a crucial document facilitating foreign individuals to travel and gain entry into Canada. For those not hailing from visa-exempt nations, securing a visitor visa is mandatory. This holds regardless of the purpose of your visit - be it for education, a short-term work stint, or simply leisure.
Visitor Visa Overview
Canada categorizes visitor visas under two major divisions: Single Entry and Multiple Entry visas. A Single Entry Visa grants you one-time access into Canada. On the other hand, a Multiple Entry Visa offers the flexibility to move in and out of Canada as you please for the duration the visa remains valid. Notably, all applicants are predominantly evaluated for the Multiple Entry option. Single Entry visas are offered only in distinct circumstances.
The Multiple Entry variant allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months per visit. While these can be valid up to a decade, the exact tenure is at the discretion of the visa official handling your case. If you are already a recipient of a study permit or work permit, you are granted a visitor visa by default to enter Canada and claim your permit, typically as a multiple entry visa.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa
The majority of individuals, barring Canadian citizens or permanent residents and those from visa-exempt countries, must possess a visitor visa for entry into Canada. Canadian permanent residents should not apply for a visitor visa, even with an expired permanent resident card. Their recourse is the permanent resident travel document (PRTD). Canadian citizens, inclusive of dual citizenship holders, should travel only on a legitimate Canadian passport.
Eligibility for Visa-Exemption
Certain countries have agreements with Canada exempting their citizens from visa requirements for visits up to six months. However, if their mode of entry is via air, a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA) is indispensable. For entries by land or sea, a valid passport suffices. Notably, U.S. citizens can utilize their valid passport for entry without necessitating a visitor visa or eTA for stays under six months.
Application Procedure
Potential visitors can approach the application process online, through paper applications, or directly at a Visa Application Center (VAC). For family travels, every member, even dependent children, must furnish individual applications. However, these can be submitted collectively. Depending on one's nationality, biometric details may be mandatory. When required, the application process will guide you to provide fingerprints and photographs at a designated biometric collection center.
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Extension of Visitor Visa
Visitor visas, be it Single or Multiple Entry, permit stays of up to six months. On expiry of this tenure, one must exit Canada. To prolong your stay, apply for an extension within your visa's valid timeframe. It's recommended to initiate this 30 days prior to your visa's expiry. If your visa lapses during the extension processing period, you're granted an implied status, allowing you to stay in Canada until a decision emerges. Additionally, eligibility permitting, you can transition to a permanent resident status via one of Canada's migration schemes.
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