Canada Visitor Visa (TRV) & Super Visa 2026: Complete Guide
Updated April 2026 • By Maple Route Immigration Team
A Canada visitor visa — officially called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — is required for nationals of most countries to enter Canada as a tourist, to visit family, or for other short-term stays. This page explains who needs one, what IRCC looks for, the documents you need, and how to apply. It also covers the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents of Canadians and permanent residents to stay for up to five years per visit.
TRV vs. Super Visa: What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Visitor Visa (TRV) | Super Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Anyone seeking temporary entry to Canada | Parents & grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs only |
| Maximum stay per entry | Up to 6 months (officer discretion) | Up to 5 years per entry |
| Validity | Up to 10 years (multiple entry) or single entry | Up to 10 years (multiple entry) |
| Medical insurance required | No (recommended) | Yes — minimum $100,000 CAD, 1 year |
| Income proof required from host | No | Yes — host must meet LICO threshold |
| Government fee | $100 CAD | $100 CAD |
| Processing time (approx.) | 2–8 weeks (varies by country) | 4–8 weeks (typically online) |
Who Needs a Visitor Visa (TRV)?
Citizens of most countries need a TRV to enter Canada. Citizens of certain countries — including the United States — are visa-exempt but may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead for air travel. Check the IRCC country list to confirm your specific requirement.
What IRCC Evaluates in Every TRV Application
| Factor | What IRCC Looks For |
|---|---|
| Purpose of visit | Clear, believable reason — tourism, visiting family, attending an event, medical treatment |
| Ties to home country | Employment, family, property, business — evidence you will return |
| Financial capacity | Enough funds to cover the trip without working in Canada |
| Travel history | Previous visits to Canada or other countries strengthens the profile |
| Immigration history | No previous violations, overstays, or misrepresentation |
| Intent to leave Canada | Overall credibility that the applicant will respect the authorized stay |
Required Documents — Visitor Visa (TRV)
IRCC does not publish a fixed checklist — requirements vary by nationality and individual circumstances. The following represents the standard set of documents for most applicants:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for the entire intended stay; ideally 6 months beyond departure date |
| Completed IMM 5257 form | TRV application form (completed online via IRCC portal) |
| Digital photo | Must meet IRCC photo specifications |
| Biometrics | Required for most applicants (first-time or expired biometrics); fee $85 CAD |
| Proof of financial means | Bank statements (3–6 months), pay stubs, employment letter, investment accounts |
| Employment / enrollment letter | Confirms your job or studies in the home country and your return date |
| Purpose of visit evidence | Hotel bookings, itinerary, event invitation, or conference registration |
| Invitation letter (if visiting family) | From the host in Canada with their status, address, and relationship to you |
| Travel history | Copies of previous passports or visas showing travel to other countries |
| Family ties documentation | Spouse, children, parents in home country — marriage/birth certificates |
| Property ownership (if applicable) | Property deed, land title, or lease agreement |
Super Visa: Parents & Grandparents
The Super Visa was created to allow parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit for extended periods without needing to apply for the Parent and Grandparent Program (PGP). It is valid for up to 10 years with multiple entries, and allows stays of up to 5 years per visit (extendable from inside Canada).
Super Visa Eligibility Requirements
| Who | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Applicant (parent/grandparent) | Must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or PR; must be inadmissibility-free |
| Host (child/grandchild in Canada) | Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; must meet LICO income threshold |
| Medical insurance | Canadian private health insurance for applicant — minimum $100,000 coverage, valid for at least 1 year from entry |
| Relationship proof | Applicant's birth certificate, host's birth certificate or adoption records, host's PR card or passport |
| Income proof | Host's T4/NOA/employment letter showing income meets or exceeds LICO for household size |
| Invitation letter | Signed letter from host committing to financially support the visit |
Super Visa Document Checklist
| Document | Provided By |
|---|---|
| Completed TRV application (IMM 5257) + Schedule 1 | Applicant |
| Valid passport (6+ months validity preferred) | Applicant |
| Digital photo (IRCC specs) | Applicant |
| Biometrics | Applicant |
| Private Canadian medical insurance certificate | Applicant (purchased in Canada or abroad) |
| Proof of relationship (birth/adoption certificates) | Both applicant and host |
| Proof of host's Canadian citizenship or PR status | Host |
| Host's income proof (T4, NOA, employment letter) | Host |
| Signed invitation letter from host | Host |
| Applicant's bank statements or financial documents | Applicant |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa
Use IRCC's online tool to confirm whether your nationality requires a TRV, an eTA, or nothing. US citizens are visa-exempt and do not need either for land/sea entry (eTA required for air travel).
Go to canada.ca/IRCC and sign in with a GCKey or Sign-In Partner account. Select "Visitor Visa (TRV)" and complete the eligibility questions to generate your personalized document checklist.
Fill out IMM 5257 (TRV application) and IMM 5645 (family information) accurately. Any inconsistency between your forms and your supporting documents can trigger a refusal or a misrepresentation finding.
Scan all documents clearly — passport bio page, financial proof, employment/enrollment letter, travel itinerary, invitation letter (if applicable), ties documentation. Use PDF format where possible. Ensure file sizes comply with IRCC upload limits.
TRV fee: $100 CAD. Biometrics: $85 CAD (if required). Fees are paid online by credit card during the application. They are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
After submitting the application and paying the biometrics fee, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or Application Support Center (ASC) near you. Biometrics are valid for 10 years once collected.
Processing times vary from 2 to 8+ weeks depending on the visa office processing your application and current volumes. If approved, you will receive instructions to submit your passport so IRCC can affix the visa. For passport-required visa offices, some applicants mail or drop off their passport at a VAC.
Common Refusal Reasons and How to Avoid Them
| Refusal Reason | How to Address It |
|---|---|
| Weak ties to home country | Submit employment letter, property documents, evidence of dependent family members at home |
| Insufficient funds | Provide 3–6 months of bank statements; include investments, property, or sponsor's financial support letter |
| Unclear purpose of visit | Write a clear, specific cover letter explaining the purpose, duration, and plans; attach supporting documents (itinerary, hotel, event invites) |
| Previous visa refusals | Disclose all prior refusals honestly; explain what has changed since the prior refusal |
| Prior overstay or immigration violations | Address directly in a cover letter; may require additional documentation or a legal opinion |
| Incomplete or inconsistent application | Double-check every field; ensure names, dates, and details match across all documents exactly |
| Weak travel history | Submit copies of all previous visas and entry/exit stamps if available |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Canada visitor visa cost?
The government processing fee is $100 CAD. If biometrics are required, add $85 CAD. Both fees are non-refundable. Third-party Visa Application Centre (VAC) service fees may also apply depending on your country.
How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
IRCC typically allows up to 6 months from the date of entry, unless the border officer records a different date in your passport or on your entry record. A Super Visa allows stays of up to 5 years per entry. You can apply to extend your stay from inside Canada before your authorized period expires.
Why are Canadian visitor visas refused?
The most common reasons are weak ties to the home country, insufficient financial proof, unclear purpose of visit, prior refusals or immigration violations not properly disclosed, and incomplete applications. A strong application proactively addresses all of these areas.
Who qualifies for a Canada Super Visa?
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The child or grandchild must meet the LICO income threshold, write a signed invitation letter, and arrange Canadian private medical insurance of at least $100,000 for at least one year for the applicant.
Can I extend my visitor status from inside Canada?
Yes — apply to extend your visitor record (not the visa itself) before your current authorized stay expires. If you apply before expiry, implied status allows you to remain in Canada while IRCC processes your extension. If you miss the deadline, you must apply to restore your status, which is a different and more complex process.
Do I need an invitation letter for a visitor visa?
An invitation letter is not mandatory for a standard TRV, but it is strongly recommended when visiting family or friends in Canada. For a Super Visa, a signed invitation letter from the child or grandchild in Canada is a required document.
Need Professional Immigration Help?
This page is for educational purposes only. For advice specific to your visitor visa application, consult a licensed Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer. Verify credentials at the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants.
Disclaimer: Content on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules change — always verify current requirements at ircc.canada.ca or consult a licensed RCIC or immigration lawyer.