Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Visa-required nationals visiting Canada for tourism, family or short business.
The Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is a Canadian visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~CA$100 (plus ~CA$85 biometrics)) and processing time (Varies widely by country (weeks to a few months)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is for
Visa-required nationals visiting Canada for tourism, family or short business.
No PR; visitors must apply under a separate immigration program to settle.
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) - eligibility criteria
- Valid passport and genuine purpose of visit
- Show ties to your home country and intent to leave
- Sufficient funds for the trip
- Provide biometrics where required
- Be admissible (no security/criminal/medical bars)
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) (Canada) is ~CA$100 (plus ~CA$85 biometrics), with an indicative processing time of Varies widely by country (weeks to a few months). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at IRCC (canada.ca).
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online from outside (or inside) Canada |
| Length of stay | Usually up to 6 months per entry |
| Work rights | No |
| Study rights | Short courses under 6 months only |
| Government fee | ~CA$100 (plus ~CA$85 biometrics) |
| Processing time | Varies widely by country (weeks to a few months) |
| Route to PR | No PR; visitors must apply under a separate immigration program to settle. |
Pathway & next steps
No PR; visitors must apply under a separate immigration program to settle.
Many applicants also compare eTA · Electronic Travel Authorization, Super Visa · Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents), IEC · International Experience Canada (Working Holiday). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Canadian route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) pitfalls we fix
Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) cost?
The Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) government fee is ~CA$100 (plus ~CA$85 biometrics). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at IRCC (canada.ca) before applying.
How long does the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) take to process?
Indicative processing time is Varies widely by country (weeks to a few months). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) lead to permanent residence?
No PR; visitors must apply under a separate immigration program to settle.
Can I work on the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)?
Work rights: No.
Who can apply for the Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)?
Visa-required nationals visiting Canada for tourism, family or short business.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Canada government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- IRCC (canada.ca) - official Canada immigration authority