Do I need a medical exam?

Not for standard tourism. Medical exams are required for study permits, work permits over 6 months, and family sponsorship. IRCC will notify you if one is needed.

How long can I stay on a visitor visa?

Your authorized stay is decided by the border officer upon entry, typically up to 6 months. The visa itself is just entry permission; duration of stay is separate.

Can I extend my visitor visa?

Yes, if you're still in Canada and have a valid reason (tourism, family visits, temporary employment). Extensions require application and typically 2-4 weeks processing.

What is the difference between eTA and visitor visa?

eTA is for air travelers only from visa-exempt countries, processed instantly online. Visitor visa is traditional approval for anyone else, takes 4-6 weeks, valid for land/sea/air travel.

Can I study and work simultaneously?

Yes, study permit holders can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during school and full-time during scheduled breaks.

What happens if I overstay?

Overstaying is a serious violation. You become deportable, lose eligibility for future visas, and may be banned from Canada for up to 10 years.

Travel to Canada

Canada Visitor Visa, eTA & Study Permit Guide

Canada offers different authorization methods depending on your nationality and purpose. Most visitors need either a Visitor Visa or eTA (electronic authorization). Students and workers require specific permits. Understanding which authorization you need is essential before traveling.

Visa Information

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Purpose: Tourism, visiting family, business meetings
Duration: Up to 6 months (officer decides exact duration)
Validity: Typically 10 years or until passport expires
Fee: $100 CAD (approximately $74 USD)
Interview required: Sometimes, may be waived for straightforward applications
Processing time: 4-6 weeks online, 8-10 weeks by mail
Multiple entry: Yes—can visit Canada multiple times during validity

eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)

Purpose: Faster, simpler authorization for visa-exempt citizens
Eligible countries: Over 60 including most European, developed nations, USA, Australia, Japan
Duration: 6 years or until passport expires (whichever is shorter)
Fee: $7 CAD (one-time, rarely waived)
Interview required: No
Processing time: Usually instant, maximum 72 hours
Application: Done entirely online, no documents needed
Note: Only for air travel; land and sea entries may require different documentation

Study Permit

Purpose: Full-time post-secondary education in Canada
Duration: Length of study program plus grace period
Fee: $150 CAD
Requirements: Letter of acceptance from Designated Learning Institution (DLI), proof of financial support ($20,000-$30,000+ CAD per year), proof of ties to home country
Medical exam: May be required
Processing time: 4-8 weeks online
Work rights: Can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during school, full-time during breaks
Post-graduation work permit: Available for up to 3 years depending on program length

Work Permit

Purpose: Temporary employment in Canada
Duration: 1-4 years depending on employment contract
Fee: $275 CAD
Requirements: Valid job offer (some categories exempt), employer compliance, proof of no negative impact on Canadian labor market
Categories: Employer-specific, open, international mobility program
Processing time: 2-4 weeks for biometric processing
Spouse eligibility: Spouses may qualify for open work permit
International Mobility Program: Alternative to Labor Market Impact Assessment (no fee)

Family Sponsorship

Purpose: Permanent residence sponsorship by Canadian family member
Requirements: Sponsor must be Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 18+, minimum income
Processing time: 12-24 months
Categories: Spouse/partner, dependent children, parents/grandparents, other relatives
Medical exam: Required for all applicants
Security clearance: Criminal record check mandatory

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

Purpose: Emergency travel permission (inadmissibility reasons)
Duration: Variable, typically short-term
Fee: $200 CAD
Requirements: Otherwise inadmissible but emergency need to visit Canada
Processing time: Varies, urgent requests available
Use case: Criminal record, medical issues, security concerns

Required Documents

🛂Valid passport (must remain valid during stay)

📸Passport photographs (4x6 cm, color, white background)

💳Completed application form (online or paper)

📋Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment letter, tax returns)

🛂Proof of ties to home country (property deed, employment contract, family)

📸Travel itinerary and accommodation details

💳Medical examination (if required by IRCC)

📋Police certificate/criminal record check (if applicable)

🛂Letter of acceptance from school (study permit)

📸Job offer letter (work permit)

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Apply online whenever possible—online applications are processed faster than paper applications

IRCC assesses applications using a points-based system; strong ties to your home country improve approval chances

Financial proof must be recent (within 3-4 months); old bank statements may not be accepted

Provide clear, legible photocopies of all documents—original documents are not required unless specifically requested

If marrying a Canadian, timing is critical; common-law partnerships require 1+ year of cohabitation

International credentials may not be recognized in Canada; check professional licensing requirements before moving

Visit permit expiration dates are strictly enforced—overstaying by even one day can result in deportation proceedings

Keep your IRCC account updated with current contact information; communications may not reach you otherwise

Frequently Asked Questions

This guide provides general visa information for travel planning purposes. It is not legal advice. Always consult official embassy websites and government immigration portals for the most current requirements. Visa policies change frequently and may vary by individual circumstances.