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Visitor Visa checklist: Everything you need to apply and visit Canada

sponsored tourist visa canada

A visitor visa is needed to come to Canada as a tourist, or on a quick trip to visit family, or do business for individuals of many countries.

Anyone who is not a permanent or temporary resident of Canada (those with a work or study permit) will need a visitor visa to enter the country. However, citizens of certain countries do not need a visitor visa and can instead pursue an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). eTAs are a more streamlined form or travel authorisation available to nationals of countries that have visa-free travel agreements with Canada. For answers to common questions on eTAs, click here .

Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration

What is needed to get a Canadian visitor visa?

1. Complete the needed forms

Depending on whether you are applying inside or outside of Canada, you will need to fill in different forms. Those applying outside of Canada will require:

  • Application for temporary resident visa (IMM 5257);
  • Family information form (IMM 5707);
  • Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409);
  • Use of representative (IMM 5476)—Note this is only required if you have used the services of a representative, or if you are appointing or cancelling use of a representative; and
  • Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)—Note this form is only required if you authorise Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to release information from your case file to someone other than yourself (i.e.: a representative or authorised relative).

2. Collect the needed documentation

In addition to the above forms, applicants for a visitor visa will need to following documentation in support of their request:

  • Receipt of fee payment;
  • A photocopy of the information page of your passport, including: the passport number, issuance and expiry dates, and your photo, name, issue date, and place of birth;
  • Two photos meeting the requirements of the visa application photograph specifications . On the back of these two photos applicants must write their name and date of birth. If applicants are required to provide biometric fingerprints and photo they do not have to attach these photos;
  • Proof of financial support, proving that you can support yourself and any family member accompanying you while you are in Canada;
  • Photocopy of your marriage license or certificate (if relevant);
  • Letter explaining the purpose of your travel;
  • Photocopy of your current immigration status (if your country of residence differs from the country of citizenship listed on your passport, you must provide proof of legal status in your country of residence);
  • Minors travelling alone or with one parent must provide custody documents or a letter of authorisation from the other non-accompanying parent of a letter of authorisation signed by both parent or legal guardians; and
  • Any other additional documents required by the responsible visa office in your region.

Note that application forms completed online must be completed and validated with the generation of a barcode. If completed on a computer, these barcodes will be automatically attached to the immigration forms, otherwise they must be printed and placed at the top of an application if applying by paper.

How to pay required fees and prove fee payment to IRCC

There are two kinds of fees that applicants for a visitor visa may need to pay. These are application processing fees, and biometric fees. Those who do not need to provide biometrics may be exempt from the second set of fees—find out if you need to give biometrics here .

Application processing fees for visitor visas are $100 CAD per person, and $500 CAD for a family (five or more people).

Biometrics fees on the other hand are $85 CAD per person, and $170 per family (two or more people).

These fees may be subject to change and cannot be refunded regardless of the decision reached on your application. In addition, the only accepted method to pay these fees is online.

After following the given instructions and completing the process, you must wait until an official IRCC receipt is issued with a barcode. Applicants are advised to save this file and attach a copy of it to their application.

How to provide proof of financial support

There are several documents that you can use to prove that you can support yourself and any dependents that accompany you while you are visiting Canada.

Some examples include cash, certified cheque, bank draft, or money order in a large enough amount to cover all reasonable expenses incurred during your stay in Canada.

In addition, written or verbal statements (which can be verified) can also be used, provided that they satisfy an officer that sufficient financial support from friends and/or family has been arranged and can cover reasonable incurable expenses during your stay.

Other documents include bank statements, a letter of employment or previous tax filing information,

How to write a “purpose of travel” letter

All foreign nationals entering Canada must be able to satisfy an officer at their time of entry that they have legitimate reasons to enter and reside in Canada. In the context of a visitor visa, this can often also include proving that you (the foreign national) will leave Canada once the period of your authorised stay expires.

In some cases, visitor visa applicants may also need a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident .

Applying with family members

Visitor visa applicants wishing to bring their family with them on their trip to Canada must complete an application form for each family member. All applications may be submitted together online or at the VAC where you will send your application on paper. A single receipt may also be given for all included applications.

Lastly all family members and dependents must meet all requirements for temporary residence in Canada.

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How to invite a friend to Canada

While Canada doesn’t have an invitation visa, you can invite a friend or your family member to come and visit you in Canada. Your friend or your family member will be applying for a regular tourist visa, but you will be providing an invitation letter in support of that visa application.

How to submit the application

Have your friend first apply for a tourist visa.

Follow the steps in How to apply for a tourist visa to Canada .

Prepare your invitation letter

Immigration Canada provides an example of how your invitation letter should look like.

The letter is very basic and lists only the information you must include in the letter. A letter like that is not very personal. You might want to add more details about why you are inviting this person to visit you in Canada.

Supporting documentation

  • Optionally, include supporting financial statements to show that you have the funds to support your friend while they are in Canada. A recent bank statement and/or pay stab is usually enough.
  • Additionally, if possible, include any proof of connection you have to your friend.

Can I do it myself?

Yes. This application is very similar to the Tourist Visa application. You can put it together yourself by following the Immigration Canada instructions.

However, you might want to consider legal help in the following situations (this is not the complete list):

  • You, the inviting person, have not been well established in Canada
  • Your finances are not very strong
  • Your friend is not well established in his country, have no strong ties
  • Your friend’s immigration status in their country is problematic
  • Your friend has been previously refused a visa to Canada
  • Your friend is currently unemployed or have been unemployed for a long time
  • Your friend hasn’t travelled a lot in the past before this trip to Canada
  • Your friend is coming from a country with a weak economy , problematic security situation, or in an international conflict

(The above should not be treated as legal advice)

Still unsure? We can help you make sense of your situation and suggest what you might need to do next.

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Can I sponsor my friend to Canada for tourist visa?

How can i sponsor my friend, what are the requirements for sponsoring a friend, what role does the sponsorship letter play, can a friend visit canada without sponsorship, what are the responsibilities of a sponsor, is there a limit on the number of people i can sponsor, how long does the sponsorship process take, can i withdraw my sponsorship, what happens if my friend’s visa application is refused, can i sponsor my friend for a longer stay, can i sponsor my friend for a permanent residency, can i sponsor my friend from any country, is there an age limit for sponsoring a friend, can i sponsor a friend if i am a permanent resident, can i sponsor my friend for a business visitor visa, can i sponsor a friend who has previously been denied a visa, can i be held financially responsible for my friend during their stay in canada, can i sponsor my friend to canada for a tourist visa.

Yes, you can sponsor your friend to visit Canada on a tourist visa. However, it’s important to keep in mind that sponsorship for a tourist visa is different from sponsorship for a permanent residency or work visa. As a sponsor, your role will be to provide a letter of invitation and support to assist your friend in obtaining a visitor visa.

To sponsor your friend for a tourist visa, you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident. The sponsorship process involves writing a letter of invitation to your friend, stating the purpose of the visit, duration, and your willingness to provide financial support during their stay. This letter should also include your contact information and any other relevant details. It’s important to note that although sponsorship is not a guarantee of a visa approval, it can greatly enhance your friend’s chances of obtaining a tourist visa.

While there are no specific requirements for sponsoring a friend, there are certain factors that will be taken into consideration during the visa application process. Some of these factors include your relationship with the person you are sponsoring, their purpose of travel, their ties to their home country, their financial situation, and any previous travel history. It’s essential to ensure that your friend meets all the general requirements for obtaining a visitor visa, such as having a valid passport, being in good health, and having sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Canada.

The sponsorship letter you provide serves as evidence of your commitment to supporting your friend during their visit to Canada. It helps prove the purpose of their visit, shows their ties to their home country, and demonstrates that they have a reliable source of financial support in Canada. The letter should include specific details such as the duration of their stay, the intended activities during their visit, and your relationship with the applicant. It’s important to draft the letter in a professional and convincing manner to increase the chances of a successful visa application.

Yes, a friend can visit Canada without sponsorship. While sponsorship can enhance the visa application, it is not a mandatory requirement. However, it may be more challenging for your friend to obtain a visitor visa without sponsorship, as they will need to prove their eligibility using other means such as financial stability, strong ties to their home country, and a clear purpose for their visit. It’s important for your friend to carefully follow the visa requirements and provide all the necessary documentation to support their application.

As a sponsor, your responsibilities include providing a letter of invitation, supporting your friend’s application, and ensuring that they follow all the rules and conditions of their visit. You may also be required to provide financial support, cover their expenses, and accommodate them during their stay in Canada. It’s crucial to understand the obligations and responsibilities associated with sponsoring a friend and to ensure you are willing and able to fulfill them before undertaking this role.

There is no specific limit on the number of people you can sponsor for a tourist visa. However, it’s important to consider that each sponsorship is assessed individually, and the visa officer will evaluate the circumstances of each case. You should provide strong and valid reasons for sponsoring multiple individuals and ensure that you are able to fulfill your responsibilities as a sponsor for each person.

The processing time for a sponsor’s application can vary depending on various factors such as the visa office, the time of the year, and the complexity of the case. Generally, it can take several weeks or even months for a sponsorship application to be processed. It’s advisable to plan ahead and submit the application well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing.

Yes, you can withdraw your sponsorship at any time before a decision is made on the visa application. However, once the application is approved, you cannot withdraw your sponsorship. It’s important to carefully consider your decision to sponsor someone and ensure that you are fully committed to fulfilling your responsibilities before initiating the sponsorship process.

If your friend’s visa application is refused, it means that the visa officer was not convinced about the purpose of their visit or their eligibility for a visitor visa. In such cases, your friend can reapply, addressing any concerns raised in the previous application and providing additional supporting documents if necessary. It’s recommended to seek legal advice or consult an immigration professional to understand the reasons for the refusal and improve the chances of a successful reapplication.

While the sponsorship letter can indicate a longer duration of stay, the final decision on the length of the visa is determined by the visa officer. It’s important to note that a visitor visa typically allows individuals to stay in Canada for up to six months. If your friend requires a longer stay, they may need to apply for an extension once they are in Canada or consider alternative options such as applying for a study permit or work permit if eligible.

Sponsoring a friend for permanent residency is a different process and falls under the Family Class sponsorship category. The sponsorship requirements for permanent residency are more complex and involve demonstrating a genuine relationship, financial ability to support the individual, and meeting various other criteria set by the immigration authorities. It’s advisable to consult an immigration professional to navigate the permanent residency sponsorship process.

Yes, you can sponsor your friend from any country, provided that you meet the sponsorship requirements and your friend meets the visa requirements set by the Canadian immigration authorities. Regardless of the applicant’s country of origin, the visa officer will assess the application based on factors such as the purpose of travel, ties to the home country, and their eligibility for a visitor visa.

There is no specific age limit for sponsoring a friend. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria as a sponsor and your friend meets the visa requirements as an applicant, you can sponsor a friend of any age. The visa officer will assess the application based on the information provided and determine the individual’s eligibility for a visitor visa.

Yes, as a permanent resident of Canada, you can sponsor a friend for a tourist visa. Permanent residents have the same sponsorship privileges as Canadian citizens. However, it’s important to note that permanent residents do not have the right to vote or hold certain government positions. It’s advisable to carefully consider your ability to fulfill the responsibilities of sponsorship before initiating the process.

The sponsorship process for a business visitor visa is different from a regular tourist visa. As a sponsor, you would need to provide additional documentation such as a letter of invitation stating the purpose of the visit, details of the business relationship, and any necessary supporting documents related to the business activities in Canada. It’s important to consult an immigration professional or refer to the official guidelines to understand the specific requirements for sponsoring a friend for a business visitor visa.

While it’s not impossible to sponsor a friend who has previously been denied a visa, it may be more challenging. The visa officer will take into consideration the reasons for the previous visa denial and assess the new application accordingly. It’s crucial to address any concerns or issues that led to the previous refusal and provide strong supporting documentation to increase the chances of a successful sponsorship for a visitor visa. Seeking legal advice or consulting an immigration professional can be beneficial in such cases.

As a sponsor, you may be required to provide financial support for your friend during their stay in Canada. This includes covering their expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, and other basic needs. The exact financial responsibility may vary depending on the circumstances and the visa officer’s assessment. It’s important to discuss and clarify the financial aspects with your friend before initiating the sponsorship process to ensure mutual understanding.

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Bringing a Spouse, Common-Law Partner, or Family Members to Canada

Are you thinking about inviting a spouse or common-law partner, or other members of your family, to join you in canada.

Canada’s generous immigration policy allows certain family members of international students to come to Canada to work and/or study. This CanadaVisa page provides you with an overview of how you can bring your family to Canada while you study.

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Definition of a family member.

  • Visitor Visas

Work Permits for Spouses

  • Minor Children and Canadian Study Permits

Applying Together

  • Does a Child Need a Study Permit?
  • Can I Bring my Parents While on a Study Permit?

Contact the Cohen Immigration Law Firm for Assistance

For the purposes of this page, “family member” refers to a spouse, common-law/conjugal partner, and dependent children. 

Visitor Visas

Citizens of some countries and territories require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)  in order to enter Canada as visitors. A visa cannot be applied for at a Canadian Port of Entry, and, in some cases, a medical examination  may be required. This can add significant processing time to your application.

Citizens of certain countries do not need a TRV, but, as of November 10, 2016, most visa-exempt persons require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) . The main exception is U.S. citizens, who require neither a TRV nor an eTA.

To determine whether you and/or your accompanying family members require a TRV or an eTA, use the Visiting Canada Tool .

IRCC has changed the eligibility criteria for spouses of international students who are eligible for an open work permit.  This open work permit allows its bearer to work for any employer in Canada, and does not require a job offer, or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. Bear in mind, this open work permit may exclude certain occupations (such as jobs in schools or hospitals) unless medical examination is provided. A spousal open work permit for the spouse an international student will usually be valid for the same amount of time as the validity of the student's study permit. 

If an application has been made after March 19th, 2024, the following conditions must be met for your spouse to be eligible for an open work permit:

  • a master’s or doctoral degree program in a university or polytechnic institution  or
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS, DMD)
  • Bachelor of Law or Juris Doctor (LLB, JD, BCL)
  • Doctor of Medicine (MD)
  • Doctor of Optometry (OD)
  • Pharmacy (PharmD, BS, BSc, BPharm)
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN, BSN, BNSc)
  • Bachelor of Education (B. Ed.)
  • Bachelor of Engineering (B. Eng., BE, BASc)
  • a valid letter of acceptance from your designated learning institution (DLI)
  • a proof of enrolment letter from your DLI
  • transcripts from your current program
  • You must be able to provide proof of your relationship to IRCC 

If an application for an open work permit has been made before March 19th, then all of the following conditions must be met:

  • You (the student) have a valid study permit
  • You're eligible for a post graduation work permit (PGWP)
  • a public post-secondary school, such as a college or university, or CEGEP in Quebec
  • a private college-level school in Quebec
  • a Canadian private school that can legally award degrees under provincial law (for example, a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree)

Note : If your spouse or common-law partner already has an open work permit under this stream, and wants to extend their work permit under this stream, they must meet all the same eligibility criteria as those who have applied for their work permit before March 19th, 2024. 

Spousal Work Permit Timing and Application Procedure

Canadian visa offices overseas are generally able to process an application for a work permit at the same time as the study permit application. In such cases, in addition to the study permit processing fees, the applicant(s) must also include work permit processing fees.

Conversely, the spouse or common-law partner may come to Canada as a visitor and then apply for a work permit after arrival. For citizens of countries that do not require a TRV, this work permit application may be done at a Canadian Port of Entry. In some cases, citizens of visa-required countries may also contemplate a Port of Entry application.

Minor Children and Canadian Study Permit Rules

If you or your spouse or common-law partner is already in Canada, your minor child may study without a study permit at the preschool, primary, or secondary level. Once the child reaches the age of majority in their province, however, he or she must apply for a study permit to continue his or her studies in Canada. This application can be completed from inside Canada. Please consult the table below for further information.

When applying from outside Canada, you will need to apply for your child’s study permit at a Canadian overseas visa office.

if you are planning to bring your family to Canada while you study, and you’ll be arriving at the same time, you may consider filling out one application for the entire family. If you have a variety of different permit applications (your study permit and your spouse or common-law partner’s work permit, for example) you will need extra documentation and will need to include additional fees (such as the additional fee for the work permit).

If you wish to extend or change your conditions while you are in Canada, you will need to complete a separate application. Make sure to check the date of expiry on your study permit and apply at least 30 days before that date if you would like to extend your stay.

Does a child need a study permit?

Children accompanying an adult who is in Canada on a work or study permit may study in Canada without a study permit at the pre-school, primary and secondary levels.

Note: The child may have either a visitor record or a study permit when entering Canada. The child is authorized to study without a study permit if he or she has only the visitor record or a Canadian entry stamp on his or her passport.

Can I bring my parents while on a study permit?

While on a study permit, international students can invite their parent(s) to visit on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) , which allows the parent (s)to travel to Canada. 

Do you need assistance studying in Canada? The Cohen Immigration Law Firm  can help. Cohen Immigration Law offers over 45 years of Canadian immigration expertise.

Please contact us to schedule a free telephone consultation with one of our lawyers.

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How can I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?

Help Centre what do you need help with?

If your friend or family member wants to visit Canada, they must apply to the Canadian visa office responsible for his or her country or region. A visa officer will review the application and decide whether to issue a visa.

You can help your friend or family member by writing a letter of invitation . It should explain how you will help the person. For example, you may offer to pay for plane tickets or accommodation. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person will get a visa.

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Canada places immense value on the reunification of families. How do we know this? Well, the introduction of the Canada Family Sponsorship speaks for itself.

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Updated: May 4th, 2023

Canada is a welcoming nation where family is essential. The Canadian government understands that many immigrants don't want to leave their loved ones behind to come to Canada or, if they do, don't want to stay in Canada without their family and, as a result, make a plan to return home as soon as possible. Canada loves its immigrants as they're vital for the growth of Canada's culture and economy.

To foster this growth, the Canadian government has created several family sponsorship immigration streams that enable Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members and bring them to Canada as permanent residents.

These family sponsorship programs are divided into categories based on the relationship between the Canadian sponsor and sponsored family member. The Family Sponsorship program works as follows:

In this guide, we will explore these different family sponsorship immigration streams in detail and provide the information you need to understand the process of sponsoring your family to Canada.

Who Can Be Sponsored in Canada?

Who Can be Sponsored in Canada

There is always a way™

Tourist visa frequently asked questions, visitor visa faqs, what kind of visa should i get to travel to canada.

If you are a citizen of a visa-required Country , one that is not visa exempt and requires documentation to enter Canada, you should apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, which is commonly known as a visitor visa. There are two types : a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa. Both are valid for a fixed period and cannot be used after they expire.

A multiple-entry visa lets you enter and leave Canada repeatedly while it is valid. It can be valid for up to 10 years at the officer’s discretion or one month before your passport expires, whichever is earlier. You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa.

A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada only one time. Once you have left Canada, excluding travel to the United States and St. Pierre and Miquelon, you will need a new visa to travel back to and enter Canada.

If your visa is still valid and you are travelling only and directly to the United States (including its Territories and Possessions) or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you do not need a new Temporary Resident Visa ( Visitor Visa ) to return to Canada. If your visa expires prior to returning to Canada from this area, and you do not have any other valid status, such as a valid visitor record, work permit, study permit, or temporary resident permit, you will need to obtain a new temporary resident visa.

Do I need a visa if I am travelling through Canada without stopping or visiting?

Citizens of certain countries and territories must have visas when they enter Canada. If you need a visa to visit Canada, then you will need a Transit Visa to travel through Canada without stopping or visiting. This is true even if you are in Canada for less than 48 hours. There is no fee for a Transit Visa.

You may not need a transit visa if you are travelling to or from the United States. The Transit Without Visa program (TWOV) and the China Transit Program (CTP) allow certain foreign nationals to travel through Canada on their way to and from the United States without a Canadian transit visa, if you meet these requirements:

  • For TWOV: you are from Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan or the Philippines; OR

You must also:

  • hold a valid U.S. visa;
  • travel on an approved airline; and
  • transit through a participating Canadian international airport.

How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?

Anyone who visits Canada from a temporary resident visa-required country must initially apply from outside the country. Your friend or family member must apply to the Canadian visa office responsible for his or her country or region. A visa officer will review the application and decide whether to issue a visa.

You may provide your family member or friend with a letter of invitation in support of their application. It should explain how you will help the person. For example, you may offer to pay for plane tickets or accommodation. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person will get a visa .

How do I get help if my visa application is refused?

Unfortunately, there is no formal appeal process if your application for a Temporary Resident Visa is refused . However, you can always re-apply and take into consideration the reasons for refusal. If you are able to address them and put together a stronger case, you will be able to increase your chances for success.

I have a visa. What can I expect when I arrive in Canada?

When you arrive at the port of entry in Canada, the border services officer will make sure you meet the requirements to enter Canada. The officer will authorize your stay by stamping your passport and/or issuing another document. If there is no stamp, handwritten date or document in your passport, your temporary resident status will expire six months from the day you arrived in Canada.

If you received a visitor record, student or work permit, the expiry date is marked on it.

For further information with respect to your Canadian immigration, we invite you to contact our experienced immigration representatives.

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CIMM – Parents and Grandparents Program – February 28, 2024

Key facts and figures.

  • The Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) provides Canadian citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to sponsor their parents and grandparents for permanent residence. Sponsors must be at least 18 years old, meet an income threshold, and sign an undertaking to support their parents and grandparents for 20 years.
  • Demand for parent and grandparent sponsorship is significantly greater than available admissions space in the Multi-year Levels Plan. To manage demand, IRCC receives a target number of complete applications each year. Prospective sponsors submit their interest during a designated Interest to Sponsor period, and the Department then invites a specified number to submit an application using a random selection process.
  • In 2023, the Department invited sponsors from the approximately 108,000 who remain from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool to submit an application for the PGP. 24,200 invitations were sent in order to target receipt of 15,000 complete applications in 2023. As of February 20, 2024, processing times for parents and grandparents are approximately 24 months (50 months for Quebec)). Quebec-destined applications face additional delays in processing compared to other applicants, given limited level space under family class in Quebec’s levels plan.
  • A longstanding human rights complaint (Attaran) has alleged that IRCC discriminates on the basis of family status, race, and national/ethnic origin because it takes longer to process parent and grandparents applications than other family class sponsorship categories (e.g. spouses and children). In 2023, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal dismissed the complaint. Both the Canadian Human Rights Commission and Dr. Attaran have sought judicial review of the dismissal.

Key Messages

  • Family reunification is a pillar of Canada’s immigration system. Canada remains committed to helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents sponsor their loved ones to live and work alongside them in Canada. Our dedication to reuniting families through the Parents and Grandparents Program can be seen through our historically high admissions numbers for parents and grandparents under the Multi-Year Levels Plan.
  • In 2023, IRCC welcomed 28,285 parents and grandparents as permanent residents. Admissions targets for this category are increasing to 32,000 in 2024 and 34,000 in 2025.
  • Since demand for parent and grandparent sponsorship is significantly greater than available admission space, IRCC receives a target number of applications each year through an annual intake period. The Department recently completed the 2023 intake and targeted receipt of 15,000 applications.
  • Parents and grandparents who were not invited to apply or who are waiting for their applications to be processed and wish to come to Canada may also be eligible to apply for a Super Visa, which is a multi-entry visa that allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for extended lengths of time.

Supplementary Information

If pressed on lottery / random selection process:

  • The random selection model ensures that the process is fair and transparent, and that all interested sponsors have an equal opportunity to be invited to apply.

If pressed on annual intakes from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool:

  • In the fall of 2020, interested sponsors had a three-week period to express their interest by submitting an Interest to Sponsor form. After the Interest to Sponsor period closed and duplicate forms were removed, a total of 203,213 Interest to Sponsor submissions remained. These submissions were used to invite sponsors for the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 intakes.
  • Following the 2023 intake, there are approximately 108,000 Interest to Sponsor submissions remaining in the pool.

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  1. How to apply for a visitor visa

    To apply for a visitor visa to join a vessel as a marine crew member (seafarer), you must. be travelling to Canada to join a ship's crew. hold a seafarer's identity document. hold a valid passport or travel document. have proof of employment on a vessel at a Canadian port.

  2. How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?

    What your friend or family member needs depends on: how they will travel to Canada. Before applying, find out what document (s) they need. If they need a visitor visa, you may provide your family member or friend with a letter of invitation in support of their visa application. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the ...

  3. Eligibility to apply for a visitor visa

    Who can get a visa. You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa. You must: have a valid travel document, like a passport. be in good health. have no criminal or immigration-related convictions. convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your ...

  4. Application for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa

    You need to give your biometrics. In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply. Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works. You can apply online or on paper (in specific situations) for: visitor visas (also known as temporary resident visas)

  5. Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa)

    Family members must complete their own application forms. However, you may submit your applications together online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and use one payment receipt for the total amount. Your spouse or common-law partner and children must meet all of the requirements for temporary residence in Canada.

  6. Canada Visitor Visa

    The Canada Visitor Visa has been open for all vaccinated tourists since September 7, 2021. However, On October 1, 2022, all COVID-19 border requirements, including vaccination, use of ArriveCAN, testing and quarantine or isolation requirements, ended for all travellers entering the country.

  7. Visitor Visa checklist: Everything you need to apply and visit Canada

    Application processing fees for visitor visas are $100 CAD per person, and $500 CAD for a family (five or more people). Biometrics fees on the other hand are $85 CAD per person, and $170 per family (two or more people). These fees may be subject to change and cannot be refunded regardless of the decision reached on your application.

  8. Everything You Need to Know About Canada's Tourist Visa

    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 ...

  9. How to invite a friend to Canada

    How to invite a friend to Canada. Last updated on August 29, 2022. While Canada doesn't have an invitation visa, you can invite a friend or your family member to come and visit you in Canada. Your friend or your family member will be applying for a regular tourist visa, but you will be providing an invitation letter in support of that visa ...

  10. Canada Family Sponsorship Immigration Visa

    How to Apply for Family Sponsorship. Step 1: Ensure you meet eligibility criteria to be a sponsor.. Step 2: Ensure that the relatives you intend to sponsor meet eligibility criteria.. Step 3: You will need to apply at the federal level to the Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and, if you are a Quebec resident, at the provincial level to the Ministry of Immigration ...

  11. Visitor visa (temporary resident visa)

    Who needs a visitor visa Find out if you need a visitor visa to enter Canada Who can apply Requirements you need to meet to get a visitor visa How to apply Prepare documents and apply for a visitor visa After you apply Biometrics, processing, and documents before your arrival Prepare for your arrival When you arrive and entry to Canada

  12. Canada family sponsorship: Are you eligible to sponsor?

    Requirements for the Sponsor: The sponsor must be at least 18 years of age; The sponsor must be a Canadian permanent resident living in Canada or a Canadian citizen; The sponsor cannot be in prison, bankrupt, under a removal order (if a permanent resident) or charged with a serious offence; and. The sponsor cannot have been sponsored to Canada ...

  13. Find out if you need a visa to travel to Canada

    You need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. A visitor visa: is a sticker we put in your passport; costs CAN$100; Processing times vary by country. You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab with your application. Processing time doesn't include the time you need to give biometrics.

  14. Can I sponsor my friend to Canada for tourist visa?

    The sponsorship process for a business visitor visa is different from a regular tourist visa. As a sponsor, you would need to provide additional documentation such as a letter of invitation stating the purpose of the visit, details of the business relationship, and any necessary supporting documents related to the business activities in Canada.

  15. Visitor Visa Canada: How to Visit Canada as a Tourist, Student, or Work

    How to Apply for a Visitor Visa in Canada. There are three major steps to successfully applying for Canada Visitor Visa. These steps include: Step 1: Check if you're eligible to travel to Canada. Step 2: Gather all your supporting documents. Step 3: Apply Online.

  16. Study in Canada and Bring a Family Member or Partner

    Visitor Visas. Citizens of some countries and territories require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in order to enter Canada as visitors. A visa cannot be applied for at a Canadian Port of Entry, and, in some cases, a medical examination may be required. This can add significant processing time to your application.

  17. How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?

    What your friend or family member needs depends on: how they will travel to Canada. Before applying, find out what document (s) they need. If they need a visitor visa, you may provide your family member or friend with a letter of invitation in support of their visa application. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the ...

  18. How can I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?

    A visa officer will review the application and decide whether to issue a visa. You can help your friend or family member by writing a letter of invitation. It should explain how you will help the person. For example, you may offer to pay for plane tickets or accommodation. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person ...

  19. Canadian Family Sponsorship Immigration Programs

    A Visitor Visa is different from a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa on how long the visa lasts. Generally, Visitor Visa's last for 6 months and need an extension and an additional fee, if you wish to stay longer in Canada. The Parent & Grandparent Super Visa lasts for two years. You can also enter Canada more than once with this type of visa.

  20. Sponsor your family members to immigrate to Canada

    Government of Canada. All contacts; Departments and agencies; About government; Themes and topics. Jobs; Immigration and citizenship; Travel and tourism; Business; Benefits; Health; Taxes; Environment and natural resources; National security and defence; Culture, history and sport; Policing, justice and emergencies; Transport and infrastructure ...

  21. Tourist Visa Frequently Asked Questions

    A multiple-entry visa lets you enter and leave Canada repeatedly while it is valid. It can be valid for up to 10 years at the officer's discretion or one month before your passport expires, whichever is earlier. You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa. A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada only one time.

  22. Sponsor your spouse, partner or child: about the process

    About the process. If you're eligible, you can sponsor your spouse, partner or dependent children to become permanent residents of Canada. If you do, you must be able to: support them financially. make sure they don't need social assistance from the government. Next: Check if you're eligible.

  23. Fee list

    Visitor visa - per family (1 fee per family of 5 or more people) Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa What's this?; maximum fee for a family of 5 or more people applying at the same time and place. 500.00: Extend your stay as a visitor - per person: 100.00: Restore your status as a visitor. Visa fee not needed. 229.00

  24. CIMM

    If pressed on annual intakes from the 2020 Interest to Sponsor pool: In the fall of 2020, interested sponsors had a three-week period to express their interest by submitting an Interest to Sponsor form. After the Interest to Sponsor period closed and duplicate forms were removed, a total of 203,213 Interest to Sponsor submissions remained.