Canada Tourist Visa

A Canadian temporary resident visa, often referred to as a tourist visa or visitor visa for Canada is a temporary Canadian immigration option allowing tourists to visit Canada for a maximum of six months.

A travel visa of this kind is required by nationals of some countries when visiting the country. In Canada, visit visas of this kind are not intended as a route to settlement and do not offer permanent residence or the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship. Visiting visas are issued on the understanding that you will not be permitted to work, and that you will depart on or before the expiry of your tourist visa.

If you wish to live and work in Canada for a longer period, you will need to explore some of the other methods for immigration to Canada. The Canadian skilled worker visa calculates entry to the country on a points system much like the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, or HSMP in the UK. Alternatively, you may qualify for one of the options under the Business immigration Program or, if you possess a job offer, a Canadian work permit. In addition, if you have a relative who is a permanent resident or Canadian citizen you may qualify to be sponsored via the family immigration route.

As a Canadian immigration consultant Indya Pulse can assist you in determining the best option for you the range of visas for Canada and Canadian work permits available. No matter which path is best for your relocation to Canada immigration consultants at Indya Pulse can offer a comprehensive Canadian visa service taking care of everything you will require for your move to Canada, immigration lawyer expertise, detailed information on the processes of immigration and more. We will also be happy to advise you as to whether you need to apply for a visit visa for Canada in order to enter the country.

Benefits

Applying for a Canadian visit visa is the appropriate method if you wish to enter the country purely for the purpose of visiting. Visitor visas are the popular route for over 35 million visitors and students each year and will allow you to stay for a period of up to six months.

Applications for Visit visas can be submitted for one of three categories.

Single entry Canada Visitor Visa

This category allows you to visit once for the duration of no more than six months. However, once in the country you can apply for a Canadian visa extension so long as you do so no later than 30 days before the expiry of the original document.

Multiple Entry Canada Visitor Visa

Under this category, you may enter and depart on several occasions during the validity of the Canadian travel visa. In this case, you will need to specify the length of time you require. The length of time subsequently awarded will be decided by an issuing case officer.

Transit Canada Visa

The third category is intended for people entering the country en route to another destination who will be spending no longer than 48 hours in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

In order to meet the eligibility requirements for a visiting visa, you will need to demonstrate that you:

• Possess sufficient funds to support you and your family for the duration of your visit.

• Do not intend to seek or undertake employment.

• Have no criminal record and intend to abide by the laws of the country.

• Will not pose a security risk.

• You may also be required to complete a medical examination, if required.

Working and studying in Canada

Whilst in the country on any of the above tourist visas it is not permitted to undertake employment. Canadian Temporary Resident Visas are not valid for work on their own and if you wish to work during your time in the country, you will need an accompanying Canadian work permit. You may study so long as the course is short term and will not exceed the six months expiry date. If you wish to study for a longer period, you will need to apply for a Canadian study visa. For more information on Work permits, Student visas or study permits for Canada please see the relevant sections of the site.

Spouses and Dependants

Spouse immigration or fiance immigration are not specifically provided for under this route and your spouse, common law partner and dependent children over 18 years of age will need to apply for their own visiting visas and meet the appropriate criteria.