Overview
What you need to know
The visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is a document placed in your passport that lets you enter Canada temporarily for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business. Most applicants apply online through IRCC and give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a collection point. Processing times vary by country and volume — commonly around 4–8 weeks — and should be confirmed against IRCC's live processing-time tool before applying.
Visa types
Which visa do you need?
Visitor Visa (TRV)
For tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. Processed by IRCC online. Most nationalities must apply in advance.
Max stay
Up to 6 months
Validity
Up to 10 years or passport expiry
Requirements
What you need to prepare
Documents Viselia prepares with you
- 1Completed IMM 5257 (Visitor Visa) application form
- 2Cover letter explaining purpose of visit, ties to home country, and financial sufficiency
- 3Travel itinerary with planned dates and destinations
- 4Letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends)
- 5Flight itinerary (reservation, not purchased ticket)
Documents you bring to the embassy
- 1
Additional requirements
Other things to keep in mind
Valid travel document
Hold a valid passport or travel document.
Good health
Be in good health and complete a medical exam if required.
No convictions
Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.
Ties to home country
Convince an officer you have ties (job, home, financial assets, family) that will take you back home.
Intent to depart
Satisfy the officer you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
Sufficient funds
Have enough money for your stay.
Processing & fees
What to expect
Typical processing time
28–56 days
Approximately 4–8 weeks. Processing times vary significantly. Check IRCC website for current estimates at time of application.
Embassy application fee
CA$100
Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa). Plus CAD 85 for biometrics if applicable. Paid to IRCC — not charged by Viselia.
How it works
Your application journey
- 1
Share your details
Tell us your travel plans and upload your documents through your secure Viselia dashboard.
- 2
We prepare your application
Our experts complete your forms, review your documents, and build a submission-ready file.
- 3
Review & submit
You review everything, then we guide you through booking your appointment and submitting to the embassy or consulate.
- 4
Track to decision
Track your application status in your dashboard right through to your visa decision.
Have your file prepared properly
One specialist handles your file. You approve before anything is finalised.
Government fee: CA$100
Paid directly to the embassy or consulate — this fee is not charged by Viselia.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Processing varies by country and is commonly around 4–8 weeks; always check IRCC's online processing-time tool for your country.
The visitor visa fee is CAD 100 per person, plus a CAD 85 biometrics fee if applicable. Paid to IRCC — not charged by Viselia. Viselia's service fee is separate.
No — an IRCC officer decides, and meeting the requirements does not guarantee a visa. Viselia maximises your chances through accurate forms and thorough documentation.
Most applicants must give fingerprints and a photo, which stay valid for 10 years.