Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) for Canada
Canada is one of the world’s
most visited countries, attracting millions of tourists, business travelers,
and families each year. If you are from a country that requires a visa, you
must apply for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) before
traveling to Canada.
A TRV allows you to stay in
Canada temporarily, usually for up to six months. While the application process
seems straightforward, refusals are common. To succeed, you must demonstrate a clear
purpose of travel, financial stability, and strong ties to your
home country.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
You need a TRV if you:
- Are from a visa-required country (check
the official IRCC list).
- Plan to visit Canada for:
- Tourism or vacation.
- Visiting friends or family.
- Business meetings or conferences.
- Short-term studies (six months or less).
If you are from a visa-exempt
country, you may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada.
Source: IRCC – Visit Canada
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, applicants must
show:
- A valid passport.
- Good health and no serious criminal record.
- Proof of financial support (bank statements,
employment letters).
- A clear, temporary purpose of visit.
- Strong ties to home country (employment,
property, family).
Canadian courts have
stressed that fairness and context matter in these assessments. For
example, in Guillermo v. Canada (2017 FC 61), the Court noted that
visiting close family is a legitimate purpose for a TRV.
Application Process
- Complete the TRV application form (IMM 5257).
- Gather documents, including:
- Proof of funds.
- Travel itinerary and return ticket.
- Invitation letter (if applicable).
- Evidence of employment or business.
- Submit online through IRCC’s portal.
- Pay fees: CAD $100 for application + CAD $85 for biometrics (if required).
- Provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre.
- Wait for IRCC’s decision.
Common Reasons for
Refusal
Many refusals happen due to:
- Weak financial evidence. (Abdisoufi v.
Canada, 2024 FC 164 emphasized the need for full financial
documentation.)
- Lack of ties to home country. (Ekpenyong v.
Canada, 2019 FC 1245 recognized that family and employment are strong
return incentives.)
- Limited travel history. But courts have said
this should not count against applicants. In Ekpenyong (2019 FC 1245),
the Court held that lack of travel history is a neutral factor.
- Officers ignoring key documents. In Rocha v.
Canada (2022 FC 84), the Court ruled it was unreasonable to dismiss
verified income records.
Travel History
Your past travel is
important, but not determinative.
- No travel history: Neutral factor, not negative (Ekpenyong,
2019).
- Previous travel: Strong support if you have always complied
with immigration rules (Khatoon v. Canada, 2008 FC 276).
Inviter’s Support
If you are visiting family
or friends, a strong invitation package helps. Include:
- Invitation letter.
- Proof of status in Canada.
- Evidence of accommodation or financial support.
In Guillermo (2017 FC 61) and Ashraf v. Canada (2009), the Federal Court noted that clear host
support strengthens the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually up to six months per entry, unless an officer sets a different period.
Yes. Apply for a visitor record before your visa expires.
No, unless your study is short-term (under six months). For work, you need a work permit.
Not mandatory, but it strengthens your application if visiting family or friends.
You may reapply with stronger evidence, or in some cases, pursue a Judicial Review in Federal Court if the decision was unfair (Okhravi v. Canada, 2025 FC 513).
A Visitor Visa (TRV) is the
entry point for many travelers wishing to see Canada. Success depends on
demonstrating a credible purpose of visit, sufficient financial
capacity, and convincing ties to your home country.
Canadian case law confirms
that officers must assess applications fairly and in context. From Guillermo on family visits to Ekpenyong on travel history and ties, the courts
have repeatedly ruled that refusals must be based on reasoned decisions, not
speculation.
With careful preparation —
and, where needed, professional guidance — applicants can significantly improve
their chances of approval and enjoy a meaningful, temporary visit to Canada.
