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2021-02-03T12:00:00

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Plan your unforgettable Canadian adventure with ease! Discover how to apply for a tourist visa to Canada and explore its stunning

Everything You Need to Know About Canada's Tourist Visa

Kelia Losa Reinoso is a qualified content writer with a Master of Arts degree in Journalism and Media Studies

Dreaming of experiencing Canada's breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse culture? Embarking on a journey to this captivating country starts with understanding the ins and outs of obtaining a tourist visa.

Whether you're planning a short visit to reconnect with family, explore stunning natural wonders, or discover urban delights, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to navigate the process seamlessly.

From eligibility criteria and application procedures to travel restrictions and tips for a successful application, we've got you covered. Let us unravel everything you need to know about tourist visas for Canada with your top questions answered below.

Canada's Tourist Visa: Your Questions Answered

You may be wondering how you can visit Canada and what procedure you need to follow. Get ready to uncover all the answers as we dive into the details of tourist visas, from eligibility and application procedures to travel tips and restrictions.

What is Canada’s Tourist Visa?

In essence, it allows you to travel to and around Canada for a limited period, typically up to 6 months. It's important to note that while on a tourist visa, engaging in work or study activities is prohibited, aligning with the visa's intended scope and restrictions. Its primary purpose is to enable tourists to experience Canada's wonders and connect with its way of life.

What is the Difference Between a Tourist Visa and an eTA?

When planning a trip to Canada, it's crucial to understand the distinction between a Tourist Visa and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). These two entry permits serve different purposes and apply to different travelers.

Tourist Visa

A Tourist Visa, also known as a Visitor Visa, is a traditional visa that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a temporary stay, typically up to six months. It's a document placed in your passport and is obtained through a Canadian consulate or embassy. Tourist Visas are typically required for citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt or eligible for an eTA.

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

An eTA, on the other hand, is an electronic entry requirement designed for visa-exempt foreign nationals who are traveling to Canada by air. It's a simpler and faster way to gain entry clearance than a full-fledged visa. The eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. It's crucial to note that the eTA is only applicable if you're flying to Canada; if you're arriving by land or sea, you won't need an eTA.

How do I Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa?

Step 1: Complete Online Application

Visit the official Canadian immigration website and fill out the tourist visa application form accurately.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Collect necessary documents such as a valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of funds, travel history, and a letter of invitation (if applicable).

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the required visa application fee through the online portal using a valid payment method.

Step 4: Biometrics Appointment

Schedule and attend a biometrics appointment at a local Application Support Center (ASC) if instructed.

Step 5: Submit Application

Submit your completed application form and supporting documents online through the official portal.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

Wait for your application to be processed. This may take several weeks, so be patient.

Step 7: Attend Visa Interview (if required)

If asked, attend an interview at the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy.

Step 8: Receive Visa Decision

You will be notified of the visa decision. If approved, follow the instructions to receive your passport with the visa.

What Documents Do I Need For a Tourist Visa?

How much does the canadian tourist visa cost.

A Canadian tourist visa otherwise known as a visitor visa or even a temporary resident visa costs CAD100 and allows you to stay in Canada for up to 6 months but is valid for ten years or until your passport expires. If it’s your first time applying for a Canadian visa, you must include your biometrics (fingerprints and photos) at an additional cost of CAD85.

Who is Eligible for a Canada eTA?

If you are a citizen of a country that is visa-exempt in Canada, then you are eligible for an eTA and you will need one to in order to get into the country. Those who are not visa-exempt will need to apply for tourist visas. The list of eTA eligible countries are listed in the table below:

How Do I Apply for an eTA?

Step 1: visit the official website.

Go to the official Canadian government website dedicated to eTA applications.

Step 2: Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for an eTA. Most travelers from visa-exempt countries require an eTA to enter Canada by air.

Step 3: Gather Documents

Have your valid passport, a credit card, and your travel details ready.

Step 4: Start Application

Begin the online application by providing personal information, passport details, and travel plans.

Step 5: Answer Questions

Respond to a few questions about your health, criminal history, and travel purposes.

Step 6: Submit Payment

Pay the eTA processing fee using a credit card. The fee is typically lower than a traditional visa.

Step 7: Review and Submit

Carefully review the information you've provided before submitting the application.

Step 8: Wait for Approval

In most cases, you'll receive a decision within minutes. However, it's recommended to apply at least a few days before your departure.

Step 9: Check Your Email

If approved, you'll get an email with your eTA confirmation. It's electronically linked to your passport.

Step 10: Travel to Canada

Board your flight to Canada. When you arrive, the airline staff will verify your eTA before you can board.

Does Canada have any COVID-19 Travel Restrictions?

As of October 1, 2022, the border measures related to COVID-19 have ceased for all individuals arriving or coming back to Canada via air, land, or sea.

Top Tourist Destinations in Canada

Now that you know how to visit Canada, let’s get you excited about traveling around the Great White North. Whether you’re exploring Canada with a group tour or planning your own itinerary, here are some of the must-see sights in Canada.

The Cabot Trail is one of the Seven Wonders of Canada and is located in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. With 26 hiking trails that range from easy strolls to challenging climbs - all leading to panoramic views of canyons, highlands, waterfalls, and coastlines, you have plenty of hiking adventures to plan in Cape Breton.

Ski at Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America located in Whistler, British Columbia. Plan your ski trip from January to March right in time for fresh snowfall and the best skiing and/or snowboarding experience. The resort further offers sophisticated lounge-style restaurants and bars where you can feast with incredible views of Blackcomb Mountain.

Sightsee in Old Montreal

If hiking and action-packed snow activities do not tickle your fancy, you might enjoy exploring the quaint cobblestone streets and architecture from the 16th century in Montreal - Quebec’s largest-French speaking city. A visit to the city is not complete without a stop at the Notre-Dame Basilica and Habitat 67. And don’t forget to indulge your sweet tooth with a frozen maple syrup lollipop from Sugar Shack.

Take a Cruise to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are world-famous waterfalls situated in Ontario, Niagara Falls. It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Canada, and for good reason. The thundering of 3,160 tons of water every second gives any spectator goosebumps. You can choose how you want to experience this natural world wonder with many unique and exciting activities that can be pre-booked on Tripadvisor, like a cruise that takes you as close as possible to the falls.

Inside Banff National Park you’d discover plenty of gems, including Lake Louise. The famous crystal clear turquoise water makes it one of the most Instragrammable lakes in the world. Canoeing is an iconic activity for travelers visiting Canada, and for CAD105, you and three friends can hire a canoe for one hour to paddle across Lake Louise, take in incredible nature, and spot small creatures in the park.

Chill at a Hip Gastown Bar in Van-City

Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood that seamlessly combines old style with contemporary elements. It’s home to the hottest restaurants and bars, making it a great pick for an incredible night out. You’ll also enjoy shopping at the city's independent fashion boutiques and modern gift stores while exploring the many art galleries that line the cobblestone streets.

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How to extend your stay as a visitor in Canada

With border closures, travel bans, and restrictions still in place, if you are in Canada as a visitor, you may be looking to extend your stay.

In general, visitor visas allow foreigners to live legally in Canada for up to six months. At the end of this period, the visitor's legal status expires and they must leave Canada.

If this is the case for you, you may be considering extending your stay in Canada beyond the specified period.

To do so, you will need to submit an application to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) while your visitor visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is still valid. The TRV is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office and inserted in the foreign national's passport. This document certifies that you have met the conditions for entry to Canada as a temporary resident.

To extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, you must apply for a visitor record. This document will have an expiry date, upon which you must leave the country or apply for another extension to remain in Canada legally. It is important to note that a visitor record does not guarantee you will be able to re-enter Canada if you decide to leave the country.

If your current visitor visa expires while your application for an extension is being processed, you can stay in Canada until a decision is made. This is known as " maintained status ," which was previously known as "implied status."

During this period, the conditions of your visitor status are extended beyond the expiry date and you will simply be allowed to stay in Canada as a visitor.

If, however, your visitor status has already expired, you may be able to restore your status if you continue to meet initial requirements and conditions.

Get help with your visitor visa extension

How long can you stay in Canada?

Unless they are citizens of a visa-exempt country, individuals who wish to enter Canada for a temporary purpose, such as tourists, temporary foreign workers , and international students must apply for and be granted a TRV. Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to six months.

Those who receive a stamp in their passport when they enter Canada must leave the country by the date indicated on the stamp. Those issued a visitor record must leave Canada before the expiry date indicated on the visitor record.

In the event that the passport has not been stamped, foreign nationals can only remain in Canada for a period of six months from the date of their initial entry into the country or before the expiry of their passport, whichever happens first.

It is possible to apply for a visitor's visa despite existing travel restrictions, but only individuals exempt from these restrictions are allowed to enter Canada at this time.

A temporary policy allows visitors to apply for work permits

On August 24, 2020 , IRCC introduced a special measure allowing foreign nationals who are in Canada on visitor status with a  valid job offer to apply for an employer-specific work permit. Before, visitors would usually need to apply for their initial work permits  before coming to Canada. If they were already in the country on visitor status when they were approved for the work permit, they would need to leave Canada and return in order to activate it.

Applicant looking to benefit from this temporary measure must:

• have valid status in Canada as a visitor on the day they apply;
• have remained in Canada with valid status;
• have a valid job offer;
• submit an in-Canada application for an employer-specific work permit that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA-exempt offer of employment, no later than August 31, 2021; and
• meet all other standard admissibility criteria, such as medical and criminal checks, among others .

The temporary policy was first introduced to allow visitors who arrived in Canada during the time when coronavirus-related travel restrictions were introduced and has since been extended until August 31, 2021.

Get help with your Canadian work permit application

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What is the difference between a single and a multiple entry visa?

The main difference between these two visa types is that a single entry visa allows entry to Canada for one-time only and a multiple entry visa allows entry many times .

Which type of visa to get

You don’t need to choose. A multiple entry visa is what all visa applicants are automatically considered for. We will review your application and issue you a visa depending on your situation.

Multiple entry visa

While valid, a multiple entry visa will let you travel to Canada for six months at a time as many times as you want. It will be valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever is shorter. You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa.

Single entry visa

A single entry visa lets you travel to Canada only one time. For instance, you may only be eligible for a single entry visa if:

• you are eligible for a fee-exemption and the purpose of your entry to Canada is limited (such as, for an official visit by a foreign national)
• you are taking part in a one-time special event in Canada
• there are approved country-specific procedures or guidelines in place.

In most cases, once you have left Canada, you will need a new visa to enter Canada again.

You won’t need a new visitor visa to return to Canada if you are travelling directly to the United States (including its Territories and Possessions) or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

New entry requirement now in effect

Visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens , and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA.

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• Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
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• How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?
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Can I Stay In Canada After My Visitor Visa Expires?

Most people need a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) or an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to travel to Canada. (You can click here to find out here whether you can enter Canada with an eTA or not.)

Those who enter Canada with a TRV (if the visa officer does not give a different period of time at the time of entering the country) can stay in the country for a maximum of 6 months . This date is usually written in the passport at the time of entering the country, but if not, this period does not change. Having a visa for 10 years does not change this situation. Long term visas issued for 10 years or according to the passport's expiry date are called ' Multiple Entry ' visas. The date printed on your passport as the end date means that you can enter Canada until that date. Of course, if the visa officer at the port of entry approves your entry.

If you need to stay in Canada for more than 6 months, you must apply for a ' Visitor Record ' at least 30 days before your visitor status expires. In fact, this application can be made even on the last day, but the time suggested by IRCC is 30 days. Of course, in this application, you must provide a valid reason for your request to extend your stay and provide the necessary information and documents. One of the critical points here is that you must submit proof that you have the financial capacity and you don't need to work during this time. Because people who enter Canada as visitors do not have the right to work. If you make this application before your visitor status expires, you will retain your legal status in Canada until a decision is made for your Visitor Record application. This is called 'implied status'.

If you came to Canada as a student or worker , the situation is different. The document you will use to enter the country is again a TRV, but the document that determines your status in the country is 'study permit' or 'work permit'. In other words, this is the document that determines the duration of your stay in Canada. In this case, even if the TRV printed on your passport expires, you can stay in Canada for the duration of your 'study permit' or 'work permit' and if you want to continue your status, you can apply for an extension. However, for example, Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is not a work permit type that can be extended, that is, the type of work permit must be changing in order to extend it. It is also important to pay attention to such issues.

So you are here on a 'study permit' or 'work permit' and the TRV printed on your passport has expired. What does it mean? This is not a problem if you are going to stay in Canada or travel to the US only (if you have a valid US visa, of course). But if you are going to travel to Turkey, for example, you need to make a new application for a TRV. You can travel to Turkey but you can not return to Canada without a valid TRV. So, having a valid 'study permit' or 'work permit' is not sufficient for you to re-enter Canada- you must have a valid TRV, that is, a visitor visa.

To summarize, TRV is the entry document to Canada. If you come to Canada as a visitor, you can stay for a maximum of 6 months unless a different decision has been made upon entering the country. It is possible to extend this period by applying for a 'Visitor Record' without leaving the country. If you are a student or a worker, the 'permit' given to you determines your duration of stay. However, anyone wishing to travel outside Canada and return must have a valid TRV. (If they are not from a visa-exempt country.)

Although these applications seem simple, they can sometimes be more complicated than even permanent residence applications. The highest refusal rates are seen in "temporary residence" applications (visitors, students and workers). Therefore, it is critical to know the laws and regulations and make an accurate application. In addition, if the person needs professional support in their application, they must get this support from a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant , who is a member of ICCRC.

You can contact us for consultancy and representation service for your visitor visa, visitor record, study permit and work permit application and extension.

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Admission to the United States and your Duration of Stay

Extension of stay, what if i decide to stay longer and am out-of-status with the department of homeland security.

Sometimes understanding the difference between the visa expiration date and the length of time you have permission to remain in the United States can be confusing. These are very different terms. Also review our “ What is a U.S. Visa ?” webpage.

• A U.S. visa in his/her passport gives a foreign citizen permission to apply to enter the United States. A visa by itself doesn’t authorize entry to the U.S.  A visa simply indicates that your application has been reviewed by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, and that the officer determined you’re eligible to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry for a specific purpose. The port-of-entry can be an airport, a seaport or a land border crossing.
• At the port-of-entry, a U.S. immigration officer of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decides whether to allow you to enter and how long you can stay for any particular visit, as part of the Admission process. Only the U.S. immigration officer has the authority to permit you to enter the United States.

The visa expiration date is shown on the visa along with the visa issuance date. The time between visa issuance and expiration date is called your visa validity. The visa validity is the length of time you are permitted to travel to a port-of-entry in the United States.

Depending on your nationality, visas can be issued from a single entry (application) up to multiple/unlimited entries.

• A visa issued for a single entry (denoted on the visa under “Entries” with the number 1) is valid, or can be used from the date it is issued until the date it expires to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry one time.
• Applying for a new visa is not necessary if your visa has not expired and you have not exceeded the number of entries permitted on your visa.
• Multiple uses of a visa must be for the same purpose of travel allowable on the type of visa you have.

Please be aware, a visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. Additionally, the visa expiration date shown on your visa does not reflect how long you are authorized to stay within the United States. Entry and the length of authorized stay within the United States are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry each time you travel.

It is important to note that there are circumstances which can serve to void or cancel the period of visa validity. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will automatically void or cancel unless;

• You have filed an application in a timely manner for an extension of stay or a change of status;
• That application is pending and not frivolous;

If you have applied for adjustment of status to become a permanent resident (LPR, also called green card holder), you should contact USCIS regarding obtaining  Advance Parole  before leaving the United States.

Upon arriving at a port of entry, the CBP official will determine the length of your visit.

On the admission stamp or paper Form I-94, the U.S. immigration inspector records either an admitted-until date or "D/S" (duration of status). If your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 contains a specific date, then that is the date by which you must leave the United States. If you have D/S on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, you may remain in the United States as long as you continue your course of studies, remain in your exchange program, or qualifying employment.  The admitted-until date or D/S notation, shown on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94 is the official record of your authorized length of stay in the United States. You cannot use the visa expiration date in determining or referring to your permitted length of stay in the United States.

Carefully review information about  international visitor admission  on the CBP Website.

If you came to the United States on a nonimmigrant visa and you want to extend your stay you must apply with USCIS before your authorized stay, denoted on your admission stamp or paper Form I-94, expires. It is recommended you apply well in advance of your expiration date. To learn more select  USCIS, How Do I Extend My Stay ?.

Important Note: Providing permission to enter and/or remain in the United States. to persons holding a nonimmigrant visa is not the responsibility of the Department of State, and therefore Visa Services is unable assist you in this regard. All inquiries must be directed to USCIS.

• You should carefully consider the dates of your authorized stay and make sure you are following the procedures. Failure to do so will cause you to be out-of-status.
• Staying beyond the period of time authorized, by the Department of Homeland Security, and out-of-status in the United States, is a violation of U.S. immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future for return travel to the United States. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will generally be automatically be voided or cancelled, as explained above. Select  Classes of Aliens Ineligible to Receive Visas  to learn more.

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Entering canada few days before TRV expiry date

• Thread starter Ganny
• Start date Jul 16, 2018

Star Member

My parents TRV visa is expiring in August. Can they enter Canada a couple of weeks before the TRV expiry date and stay in Canada for 6 months without applying for a new visa or extension? Will they be questioned at port of entry if the return ticket date is past the visa expiry date? Please advise. Thanks.  

1. Yes 2. No. Visa = document for entering, or being admitted to, Canada A visa is not tied to their presence or length of stay in Canada  

Ganny said: My parents TRV visa is expiring in August. Can they enter Canada a couple of weeks before the TRV expiry date and stay in Canada for 6 months without applying for a new visa or extension? Will they be questioned at port of entry if the return ticket date is past the visa expiry date? Please advise. Thanks. Click to expand...

Thanks for the replies. Their passports expire in 2 years. So no issues regarding that. (They got their TRVs up until the end of my previous work permit date hence the difference in dates).  

Ganny said: Thanks for the replies. Their passports expire in 2 years. So no issues regarding that. (They got their TRVs up until the end of my previous work permit date hence the difference in dates). Click to expand...

Bryanna said: I had missed it. You had mentioned it in the other thread. The TRV will help only to board the flight. The length of their stay will be determined by the officer at the POE Click to expand...

Ganny said: Thanks again for your response. Is there any chance that the officer at POE will determine the length of the stay for shorter than 6 months (considering the visa expiry or other reasons). Click to expand...

In that case, I could still file an extension after they arrive here, I believe. Click to expand...

Bryanna said: A shorter stay could be due to any reason. It's difficult to say. It won't be because of the TRV expiry date because your parents' passports are valid for two years i.e. well after the TRV expiry. Yes, they can apply to extend their stay Click to expand...

Hi Bryanna, thanks for your assistance so far. I recently spoke to an immigration consultant friend who explained my case to his fellow lawyers/consultants and got some negative answers. Apparently, they believe my parents may be either questioned at the Delhi immigration or at the POE regarding why they are visiting close to expiry and may be denied entry. I refuse to believe it as the CIC site doesn't say so.. I have booked their return tickets few days less than 6 months and planning to provide a letter explaining in case the officer asks that I shall be renewing their visa if the need be. Questions. 1. Can Delhi immigration deny them boarding their flight citing visa expiry reason? 2. If the officer at POE provide a visitor record with exit date, can I apply for extension when they are here. (even if the visitor record is only until the visa expiry date. Is there a minimum no. of days before an extension be applied) 3. If they are not given a date and allowed to stay for 6 months, do I still need to extend their visas? (considering they are not planning to leave the country and return during their stay) Your response will be relieving.  

bonitaellada

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Ganny said: Hi Bryanna, thanks for your assistance so far. I recently spoke to an immigration consultant friend who explained my case to his fellow lawyers/consultants and got some negative answers. Apparently, they believe my parents may be either questioned at the Delhi immigration or at the POE regarding why they are visiting close to expiry and may be denied entry. I refuse to believe it as the CIC site doesn't say so.. I have booked their return tickets few days less than 6 months and planning to provide a letter explaining in case the officer asks that I shall be renewing their visa if the need be. Questions. 1. Can Delhi immigration deny them boarding their flight citing visa expiry reason? 2. If the officer at POE provide a visitor record with exit date, can I apply for extension when they are here. (even if the visitor record is only until the visa expiry date. Is there a minimum no. of days before an extension be applied) 3. If they are not given a date and allowed to stay for 6 months, do I still need to extend their visas? (considering they are not planning to leave the country and return during their stay) Your response will be relieving. Click to expand...

bonitaellada said: Earlier this year I have travelled with a visa that was about to expire (6 days before expiry). I didn't have any issues. The officer at the POE told me next time you want to visit, you need to apply for a new visa. And she stamped 6 months stay. Click to expand...

Ganny said: I recently spoke to an immigration consultant friend who explained my case to his fellow lawyers/consultants and got some negative answers. Apparently, they believe my parents may be either questioned at the Delhi immigration or at the POE regarding why they are visiting close to expiry and may be denied entry. I refuse to believe it as the CIC site doesn't say so.. Click to expand...

I have booked their return tickets few days less than 6 months and planning to provide a letter explaining in case the officer asks that I shall be renewing their visa if the need be. Click to expand...

Questions. 1. Can Delhi immigration deny them boarding their flight citing visa expiry reason? Click to expand...

2. If the officer at POE provide a visitor record with exit date, can I apply for extension when they are here. (even if the visitor record is only until the visa expiry date. Is there a minimum no. of days before an extension be applied) Click to expand...

3. If they are not given a date and allowed to stay for 6 months, do I still need to extend their visas? (considering they are not planning to leave the country and return during their stay) Click to expand...

Bryanna said: It's unfortunate when immigration consulates give incorrect information. Little knowledge is dangerous! You cannot 'renew' their TRVs/visitor visas. They can only apply to extend their authorized stay when they are in Canada. For new TRVs, they would need to apply from scratch to a visa office outside Canada, preferably when they return to India where their ties are the strongest. I do NOT recommend giving a letter that states they will apply for new TRVs. It would imply that they have weak ties to return to India. On the contrary, they could carry evidence of their strong ties to India (property ownership, employment/ retirement pension renewal/ business, dependent family members + finances for their visit, etc). Airline officials will check to see if your parents have valid visas to travel to Canada. Your parents must travel with both passports. Airline officials will probably handwrite (or sometimes not write) VOIP in the new passport i.e. 'Visa In Old Passport'. As your parents have valid passports with validity longer than 6 months, the airline officials cannot stop them from boarding the flight. Your parents could carry a copy of the IRCC rules. Here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/visitors/visa-validity-expiry-dates.html All going well, your parents will be allowed to stay for 6 months i.e. no handwritten date in the passport or no visitor record. Typically, extensions must be applied about 30 days/or even few days before the visitor status expires. Not if they plan to return home before the 6 months are up Click to expand...

Bryanna said: It's unfortunate when immigration consulates give incorrect information. Little knowledge is dangerous! You cannot 'renew' their TRVs/visitor visas. They can only apply to extend their authorized stay when they are in Canada. For new TRVs, they would need to apply from scratch to a visa office outside Canada, preferably when they return to India where their ties are the strongest. I do NOT recommend giving a letter that states they will apply for new TRVs. It would imply that they have weak ties to return to India. On the contrary, they could carry evidence of their strong ties to India (property ownership, employment/ retirement pension renewal/ business, dependent family members + finances for their visit, etc). Airline officials will check to see if your parents have valid visas to travel to Canada. Your parents must travel with both passports. Airline officials will probably handwrite (or sometimes not write) VIOP in the new passport i.e. 'Visa In Old Passport'. As your parents have valid passports with validity longer than 6 months, the airline officials cannot stop them from boarding the flight. Your parents could carry a copy of the IRCC rules. Here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/publications-manuals/operational-bulletins-manuals/temporary-residents/visitors/visa-validity-expiry-dates.html All going well, your parents will be allowed to stay for 6 months i.e. no handwritten date in the passport or no visitor record. Typically, extensions must be applied about 30 days/or even few days before the visitor status expires. Not if they plan to return home before the 6 months are up Click to expand...

Ganny said: Sorry, missed asking this one question. Does all this apply even on their second visit? (Again, I was told the first visit they can be allowed to enter but not on their second visit.) Click to expand...

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Changes to the Start-up Visa and Self-Employed Persons programs to help reduce backlogs and improve processing times

From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

News release

Immigration is critical to the growth of our economy and our communities. Improving processing times is key to providing an immigration system that works better for newcomers and Canadians alike, which is why we are taking action to reduce wait times and modernize our programs and services.

April 29, 2024—Ottawa— Immigration is critical to the growth of our economy and our communities. Improving processing times is key to providing an immigration system that works better for newcomers and Canadians alike, which is why we are taking action to reduce wait times and modernize our programs and services.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced several changes to Canada’s federal business programs to help reduce processing times and the application backlog. These changes take effect on April 30, 2024.

To improve the Start-up Visa Program, we will encourage designated venture capital firms, angel investor groups and business incubators to focus on the most promising proposals by

• capping the number of permanent residence applications we will accept for processing each year to those associated with no more than 10 start-ups per designated organization
• providing priority processing for entrepreneurs whose start-up is supported by Canadian capital or by a business incubator that is a member of Canada’s Tech Network , including applications in the inventory and new applications as they are submitted

In addition, Minister Miller announced a full pause on application intake for the Self­-Employed Persons Program to focus on processing applications from the inventory, starting April 30, 2024. The Self-Employed Persons Program provides a pathway to permanent residence for people with notable experience in art, culture, recreation or sports and who will contribute to Canada’s cultural vitality. Due to the high number of applications submitted for this program, processing times have increased to beyond four years. While the pause is in place, IRCC will continue finalizing applications from the backlog while assessing options for reforming the program and ensuring its integrity.

By restricting application intake through the end of 2026, and through planned increases in admissions for the federal business category as tabled in the 2024–2026 multi-year levels plan , IRCC will be able to reduce the backlog and bring down wait times while continuing to welcome the talented, innovative and entrepreneurial newcomers we need to continue to grow Canada’s economy. 

“Fast processing is critical to the success of entrepreneurs who come to Canada through our federal business programs. These necessary changes will set the Start­up Visa Program and Self-Employed Persons Program on the path to faster processing times while we look ahead to further reforms to make these programs more sustainable and effective over the long term.” – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

Quick facts

Immigrants account for about one third of business owners with paid staff in Canada. 

Canada ranked number one as the most attractive destination for start-up founders in a  2023 report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (PDF 2.18 MB) . The rankings were based on a wide variety of factors, including access to capital, corporate tax rates, skills of the workforce, strength of its universities and quality of life, as well as immigration policies for entrepreneurs and their families.

To qualify to apply for the Start-up Visa Program, a foreign entrepreneur must have the committed support of a designated venture capital fund (investment of $200,000), angel investor group (investment of $75,000) or business incubator (acceptance into their incubation program).

Since the program began in 2013, about 900 entrepreneurs have become permanent residents through this category, representing the launch of more than 300 start-ups.

All applications in the venture capital and angel investor streams will get priority processing, as will any business incubator–supported applications that report an investment of at least $75,000.

Related products

• News release: Stabilizing Canada’s immigration targets to support sustainable growth
• News release: Minister Fraser announces Canada’s first Tech Talent Strategy at Collision 2023

Associated links

• Start-up Visa Program
• Self-Employed Persons Program

Bahoz Dara Aziz   Press Secretary Minister’s Office Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [email protected]

Media Relations Communications Sector Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada 613-952-1650 [email protected]

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