Temporary Resident Visa in Canada

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Visitors: What you need to know If you are a citizen of a country requiring a visa to enter Canada, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), often referred to as a visitor visa. This article outlines the various options available for submitting your application, the documents required, the associated fees and the payment procedure.

Do you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?

Canada attracts millions of visitors every year. However, to enter the country, most travelers must obtain authorization from Canadian immigration authorities, which often involves applying for a TRV.

Nationality determines whether you need a visa. If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you won't need to apply for a TRV, but you will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before flying. If you are a citizen of a country requiring a visa, you will need to apply for a TRV. You can check your status on the Canadian government's official website.

In many cases, you will receive a multiple-entry visa, which allows you to enter and leave Canada several times as long as the visa is valid.

How do I apply for a Visitor's Visa (VRT)?

To submit a TRV application, you generally have to go through an online procedure, whether you're already in Canada or elsewhere. Here are the steps:

1. Internet access and payment methods: You'll need an Internet connection,

2. a camera or scanner to send electronic copies of your documents, and a credit/debit card to pay processing fees.

3. Documents required: You'll need to provide digital copies of several important documents, including your passport. Depending on your situation, you may also need to provide additional information.

There are exceptions for people with disabilities, or those with special documents, such as refugees or stateless persons. These people can apply on paper instead of online.

Biometrics

In some cases, you will be asked to submit biometric data, such as fingerprints and a photograph. This is part of our security measures and helps confirm your identity.

Invitation letter

If you're invited to Canada by a family member or friend, you'll need to include a letter of invitation signed by the person inviting you. This letter is important proof of the nature of your visit, and should include details such as the host's name and address, and the planned dates of your stay.

Processing fees

The cost of a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for visitors is $100 CAD. This fee covers the processing of the application. If you are invited by a family member or friend, additional fees may apply for biometrics or other specific services.

Processing times

Processing TRV applications generally takes up to 14 days for 80% of applications processed outside Canada. However, adherence to this timeframe varies according to workload and the country of origin of the request. For example, in 2022-2023, approximately 23% of requests were processed within this 14-day timeframe.

To find out the exact processing times for your country, you can consult the official website by selecting “Temporary residence (visit, study, work)”, then “Visitor visa (from abroad)” and choosing your country.