Visit Canada: Visitor Visa, eTA, Super Visa and Visitor Record
Most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to visit Canada, never both. Parents and grandparents may use the Super Visa for longer stays, and visitors who want more time apply for a visitor record. This guide shows which document you need, what it costs and what to do if something goes wrong.
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Which document do you need to visit Canada?
You need either a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), depending on your passport, your nationality and how you travel. You never need both. Most visitors can stay up to 6 months (IRCC).
What if you want to stay longer or something goes wrong?
To stay longer, you apply for a visitor record before your status expires. Parents and grandparents can use the Super Visa. If your visa was refused, you have options. Read our visitor visa guide, the visitor record guide, the visitor visa refused guide and the Super Visa page. More guides: eTA, Super Visa vs visitor visa, business visitors, visitor visa for a spouse and visitor visa for parents. See also our temporary residence guide.
Key rules at a glance
- Visa or eTA: an eTA is for air travel for citizens of eTA-required countries. Most others need a visitor visa.
- Entry is not guaranteed: a valid visa or eTA does not guarantee entry. The border officer decides when you arrive.
- Stay length: most visitors can stay up to 6 months, and the officer may give less or more.
- Extensions: apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before your status expires.
Which situation matches yours?
Pick the situation that matches yours below.
A visitor visa fits if
- You want to visit family, travel or do short business in Canada.
- Your passport needs a visa to enter.
- You can show ties to home, enough money and a plan to leave.
Another route fits if
- You are a parent or grandparent: read the Super Visa page and the Super Visa vs visitor visa guide.
- You want to work or study: see the work permits hub and the Study in Canada hub.
- You are already here and need more time: read the visitor record guide.
See the family sponsorship hub if you plan to bring family to Canada for good.
Why visitor visa applications get refused
Five problems cause most trouble. Source: IRCC.
Weak ties to home
Officers must be convinced that you will go back, based on ties such as a job, home, assets or family.
Unclear purpose or funds
A vague plan or too little money for your stay can lead to a refusal. The amount depends on how long you stay and where.
Missing documents
An incomplete application may be refused. Each application gets a personalized checklist.
Admissibility problems
You can be refused for criminal, security, health or financial reasons. Read our inadmissibility and refusals hub.
Invitation letter issues
A letter of invitation helps but does not guarantee a visa. It must be honest and complete.
Not sure which document you need?
We check your passport, plans and ties before you apply or pay a fee.
Deadlines you cannot miss
Passport valid 6 months
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you plan to travel. Renew it before you apply.
If you want to extend your stay or change your status to visitor, apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. Applying before it expires keeps your maintained status.
If your visa is refused, you can reapply with new information or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. Court deadlines are 15 or 60 days under IRPA s.72.
Documents to gather
Your online application builds a personalized checklist. Start with these.
How visiting Canada works, step by step
Six stages from your document check to your arrival.
Check what you need
Find out if you need a visa or an eTA for your passport and trip.
Gather your papers
Passport, funds, ties and an invitation letter if needed.
Apply online
Answer the questions and upload your checklist items.
Give biometrics
Book your appointment as soon as you get the letter.
Wait for the decision
IRCC may ask for a medical exam, interview or police certificate.
Travel
Carry your documents. The border officer decides your stay.
Visiting costs
From IRCC pages. Last updated: October 2026.
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Visiting Canada FAQs
Do I need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada?
You need one or the other, never both. It depends on your passport, your nationality and how you travel. IRCC has a short questionnaire that tells you which one applies.
How much is a visitor visa?
IRCC lists the visitor visa fee as starting from CAD$100. Biometrics cost CAD$85 if needed. Check the IRCC fee list before you pay.
How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
Most visitors can stay up to 6 months. The border officer may allow less or more, and may give you a visitor record with the date you must leave by.
How long is a visitor visa valid?
Generally up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first. A visa officer decides if it is single or multiple entry.
Does a visa guarantee entry?
No. The border services officer decides when you arrive. Carry your documents and be ready to explain your trip.
What is an eTA?
An eTA is a CAD$7 travel authorization for air travel for citizens of eTA-required countries. Read our visitor visa guide to compare it with a visa.
How do I extend my stay?
Apply online for a visitor record, ideally at least 30 days before your status expires. Read our visitor record guide.
Can my parents stay longer?
Parents and grandparents can apply for a Super Visa for stays of up to 5 years at a time. Read our Super Visa page and the comparison guide.
Do I need a letter of invitation?
Not always. IRCC may ask for one. It does not guarantee a visa. The writer must be honest and give details about you, the visitor and the trip.
Can I work or study as a visitor?
No. A visit does not give you the right to work, and most studies over 6 months need a study permit. See our work permits hub and Study in Canada hub.
What if my visa is refused?
You can reapply with new information, or ask the Federal Court to review the decision. There is no appeal. Read our visitor visa refused guide.
Can you help with my visitor visa?
Yes. We check your plan, funds, ties and documents before you apply. Book a Strategy Consultation.