Do you want to visit Canada?

Canada has become a travel destination for many reasons, and it is not hard to see why. From the numerous outdoor activities to business and work opportunities and schooling. Whatever your reason to visit Canada is, you will need more than your country’s passport. A visa is necessary unless you are from a visa-exempt country. We are here to make your travel to Canada is as smooth as possible. Here is everything you need to know about Canada’s visitor visa.

Canada’s visitor visa, also a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is an immigration document for foreigners visiting Canada. is essential for any foreigner traveling to Canada for leisure, work, schooling for less than 6 months, visiting family, or temporary residence. An entry visa can be either of the below

• Single entry visa - this will allow you to enter Canada only once
• Multiple entry visa -it will enable the holder to come often and leave Canada as they wish, as long as the visa is valid. The visa can be valid for years, even 10, but the period varies from one individual to the other.

Applicants automatically receive consideration for the multiple entry visa. However, some exceptional circumstances make one obtain a single entry visa. Individuals with other status documents like a student or work permit but are not from a visa-exempt country automatically receive the visitor’s visa. It allows one to gain entry into Canada to obtain the needed permit.

It is important to apply for this visa because it is the only way you can enter the country. Additionally, the lack of this visa while in the country will lead to deportation. It will also hinder your future attempts to get any visa.

Who can apply?

Foreigners from visa-exempt countries like Australia, Bahamas, and the US do not require the visitor’s visa to enter Canada unless it is for more than six months. However, if you are from a visa-exempt country and are traveling by air, you will need an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Additionally, Canadian permanent residents do not need to apply for a visitor’s visa, even if their permanent residency card has expired. In this case, a permanent resident with an expired card needs to apply for a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD).

You might also need a business visitor visa if your visit is for business. It is an immigration document for foreigners traveling to or through Canada for business and not as temporary foreign workers.

Basic requirements

To apply for a visitor’s visa, you must meet the below basic requirements:

• A valid traveling document, passport
• No immigration-related convictions
• Be healthy
• No criminal record
• Enough money to cater to your needs during the stay
• Show evidence of ties back in your home country like a job, family, financial assets or home
• Convince immigration officers you will leave Canada when your visit ends
• An invitation letter from the person you are visiting in case your visit is from an invitation

Minimum approved duration to stay in Canada

Whether you are in Canada on a single entry visa or a multiple entry visa, you can only stay up to 6 months at a time. If the processing officer gives you a lesser period, they will indicate it on your passport by when you must leave the country. You can stay for a more extended period, but you will need to apply for a visa extension.

Canada visitor visa extension

One can only apply for an extension of their Canadian visitor visa using form IMM 5708, while the current temporary resident status is still valid. The application for a visa extension must also be made at least a month before your current visa expires. Additionally, your current passport must be valid for the period of extension you seek.

In case your visa expires while the extension application is still in processing, you can remain in the country under the implied status. The implied status allows you to stay in Canada while you await the decision on your extension application.

Upon approval of your extension application, you will receive a visitor’s record. This document will state how long you are allowed to stay in the country and the expiring date. Once you leave the country, even with a visitor’s record, you will need to apply for another visitor’s visa to gain entry into the country.

Visa processing timeline by the visa office

The timeframe of getting confirmation on a visitor’s visa application varies for every case. However, it will take 2 to 8 weeks for you to get a confirmation of the status of your application, whether it is accepted or rejected. In some cases, it might take longer than four weeks.

Challenges of applying

The visitor’s visa application can be challenging, but that does not mean you cannot try. Below are the most common challenges of this process:

Technical challenges - these challenges are common when one is applying for the visa online. You can experience some difficulties with the online forms when downloading, filling, or submitting. There are different options of reaching out for help, depending on the technical challenge you are experiencing.

Your country of origin might also pose a challenge for you during the visitor’s visa application process. For example, some countries have no Visa Application Centers or Canadian embassies. This makes it difficult for their nationals to apply for the visa, especially if one has to appear in person for biometrics.

Another common challenge people face when applying for a Canadian visitor visa is to prove that a foreigner will return home after their stay in Canada. To prove this, your primary focus should be providing enough information that proves you will return home after the visit. Your information should also show your financial and family stability back home.

What makes an application strong

It is easy to strengthen the weight of your application, which makes it easier for you to receive the visitor’s visa. You can do this by ensuring:

• Your reason for visiting. If you have details of your accommodation, any invitation letters or necessary documents that prove your reason for traveling.
• Your application has all the required documentation and information
• The documents you provide are clear
• You have paid all the required fees for the VISA
• Your visa application photos meet the specifications
• A well written and convincing cover letter. Let your cover letter show the reason for travel, availability of funds during your trip, source of your funds, and reasons for not submitting any documents, if any, among other details
• Your financial stability that assures the immigration officers you are capable of taking care of yourself during the period you are in the country.

It is more convincing to the immigration officer your intention of traveling and that you will return to your home country if you offer as much detail as possible. Information that shows stability in your home country will make your visa application strong, e.g., financial stability, a stable job, ongoing education commitments, personal assets, and family.

Why hire a professional for a visitor visa application

Some of the challenges people face during the application process are easily avoidable. There is no problem believing in yourself when applying for the visitor visa application in Canada. However, a professional with more experience in this process, and the rules of immigration gives you a better chance of getting that visa. It could be a document, a form or a federal court case law, a ICCRC licensed immigration consultant knows better.

But that is not all. A professional will also save you the headache of dealing with all the paperwork. A professional will also navigate through the government red tapes on your behalf