To visit Canada, you must:
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport;
- be in good health;
- satisfy an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home and family, that will take you back to your country of origin;
- satisfy an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit; and
- have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives. For more information, ask the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
You may also need:
- a temporary resident visa, depending on your citizenship;
- a medical examination; and
- a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
Before you plan your visit, you should find out if you need a visa to enter Canada. If you don’t know, see Do you need a Visa? in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page to find out if you need to apply for one.
Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them. See List of Canadian visa offices in the Related Links section at the bottom of this page to find the correct office for your country.
How to apply for your temporary resident visa
- Obtain a temporary resident visa application package.
- Read the instruction guide.
- Complete the application forms and attach the necessary documents.
- Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
- Submit the application form and necessary documents.
1. Obtain a temporary resident visa application package.
The package includes the application guide and all the forms you need to fill out. Download and print the application package.
2. Read the guide.
Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible for a temporary resident visa before you apply.
3. Complete the application forms and attach the necessary documents.
Read the Instruction Guide and be sure to provide the required documents. If you do not provide all the requested information or documents, your application may be delayed.
Each individual applicant must submit a completed temporary resident visa application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.
All required documents must be included with your application:
- You must have a valid travel document (such as a passport).
- Two recent passport photos are required. Make sure these photos meet the requirements. For more information on specifications for photographs, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
- Enclose the application fee. Your fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
- You must provide proof that you have enough money for your visit to Canada. The amount of money may vary, depending on the circumstances for your visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives. You can get more information from the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
- You may need to include other documents. These documents could be identification cards, proof of employment, a letter of invitation from relatives or friends in Canada, or a proposed itinerary. Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information.
4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
The fee per person is $75 for a single entry visa, $150 for a multiple entry visa or $400 for a family (multiple or single entry).
Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them.
5. Submit the application forms and necessary documents.
When you have completed the application forms, make sure you sign and date them, and that all required documents and fees are included in the envelope. In most countries, application fees must be paid in Canadian dollars. You must send your application to the Canadian visa office in the country or region where you live. Check the guide in your application package for instructions.
