Navigate Your Path to Canada with Confidence

Complete the TRV application form with precision. Submit your application online or by mail, ensuring all information is correct and fees are paid.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to Canada: How to apply for a Visitor Visa? 

Understanding Travel Requirements for Canada

When planning your visit to Canada, it’s important to know the differences between the various travel authorizations: the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), and Visitor Record (VR). Here’s what you need to know:

What You Need for Your Visit

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV):
  This visa is necessary for travellers from specific countries who wish to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. The TRV permits multiple entries during its validity, allowing you to explore Canada at your leisure. You can find out if you need a visa for your country by visiting Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) website. Once on the website www.cic.gc.ca , select visitor visa application, and proceed to the section on who needs a visitor visa.
• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA):
  The eTA is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. It’s linked to your passport and is valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires. The eTA simplifies entry for short visits.
• Visitor Record (VR):
  If you’re already in Canada and want to extend your stay, you’ll need a Visitor Record. This document allows you to remain in Canada longer, under specified conditions.

TRV Process Timeline

The TRV application timeline can vary based on your home country and the time of year. Processing times typically range from a few weeks to several months. To ensure a smooth application process, it’s a good idea to check the current processing times on the IRCC website home page under the section that says check application processing time.

Getting Started with Your TRV Application

1. Determine Eligibility:
   Assess whether you need a TRV based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit.
2. Gather Required Documents:
   Use country-specific checklists to prepare all necessary documents, such as your passport, proof of funds, and any invitation letters.
3. Complete the Application Form:
   Fill out the TRV application form carefully and accurately, ensuring all information is correct.
4. Submit Your Application:
   Follow the instructions for submitting your application, either online or by mail, along with the appropriate fees.

You can use our step-by-step guide to make and submit your visitor visa application.

Guide to Applying for a Visitor Visa for Canada

Visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and access the

IRCC Portal for Visitor Application www.cic.gc.ca . Select Visit and then select apply for a visa on their website. Answer the questions relevant to your visit and proceed.

• Step 1 – Sign in/sign up on the IRCC Portal

Clarification

The IRCC Portal is another way to submit a visitor visa application. You must create an account with an email address.

Questions

• Why use the IRCC Portal instead of the GCKey Platform? The advantage of the IRCC Portal is easier to use instead of the GCKey system, applicant also do not need to fill out IRCC IMM forms.
• Can I apply on behalf of my a relative or someone such as a sibling or a parent? Yes, you will need to declare yourself as a representative in this case.

Step 2 – Apply to visit Canada

Clarification

Select the application you like to submit such as a visitor application.

Step 3 – Agree to the conditions and start the application

Step 4 – Select the number of applicants

Clarification

You may apply as a group (family/company) or alone.

 Questions

• Am I able to represent my group in the application? Yes, you will need to provide additional details about your relationship and submit a group application along with supporting documents for all members.

Step 5.1 – Select the visa type

Step 5.2 – Choose the purpose for your travel

Step 5.3 – Provide travel details

Clarification

Please share a short summary of your plans for your visit to Canada, including any friends or family you intend to see or places you want to explore

Questions

• Is it possible to skip this section? No, you must provide a brief overview.
• How much detail is necessary? Avoid overloading this section with excessive information. Use your Statement of Purpose Letter to elaborate on your background and intentions.

Step 6 – Representative information

Clarification

Select “No” if you are submitting a personal application for yourself or your family. If you are applying on behalf of someone else, select “Yes” and specify your relationship to that person.

Step 7 – Provide personal information from your government ID (passport)

Step 8.1 – Provide your travel document ID

Questions

• Can I use an expiring passport? While it is possible, it is not suggested that you do. It is better to apply for a renewal to ensure you have a passport with a longer validity.

Step 8.2 – Answer questions on your government ID

Step 9 – Explain your citizenship

Clarification

If you hold multiple citizenship? Answer “yes” to the question about being a citizen of more than one country and list all of your citizenships. For your application, use the country with which you have the strongest ties.

Step 10 – Indicate if you have a national ID

Step 11 – Provide names you used in the past

Clarification

If you used a different named in the past (maiden name for instance), provide it in this section.

Step 12.1 – Indicate your country of residence

Clarification

The country of residence is the country where you reside (live).

Questions

• What should I do if I reside in a country different from my citizenship? To improve your chances, apply from your country of citizenship or the country to which you have the strongest ties.

Step 12.2 – List all the countries you lived in for more than 6 months in the last 5 years

Step 13 – Indicate your biometrics information

Step 14 – Provide financial information on your funds

Clarification

Demonstrate your financial capacity to cover your entire stay. Only funds that you can access immediately from your bank account are considered; assets are not included.

Questions

• How much money should I demonstrate? While there is no specific amount, it’s suggested to show at least $10,000 per person for each month and/or proof of a stable income, such as a salary.
• Can someone act as my sponsor? Yes, parents, spouses, or businesses can sponsor you. In this case, please specify how much money they have in their account and include a financial affidavit in your supporting documents.

Step 15 – Outline all of your post-secondary education

Step 15.1 – Provide information if you served in a Military or Police  

Step 16 – Provide your activities history

Clarification

Provide information for all your employment and activities over the past 10 years. Ensure that you have entries for every time period within that span. Do not include any positions that you have already listed for post-secondary education, military service, or police work (if that was your sole occupation during that time).

Questions

• What if I had a gap in my employment? If you were unemployed, incarcerated, or retired in the past 10 years, please choose that option from the menu and provide for how long.
• What if I was or am a student? If you were a secondary school student, please select unemployed.

Step 17.1 – Outline your travel history

Clarification

Please provide details of all your travels over the past five (5) years. If you haven not traveled, simply respond with ‘no.’

Questions

• What if I traveled to one country several times a month? In case of multiple visits a month, just indicate it once.

Step 17.2 – Answer travel history background questions

Clarification

If you have overstayed your visa or been denied a Canadian or US visa, please provide an explanation.

Step 18.1 – Answer security and criminality questions part 1

Step 18.2 – Answer security and criminality questions part 2

Step 19.1 – Answer medical background questions part 1

Clarification

Provide answer regarding your medical history.

Step 19.2 – Answer medical background questions part 2

Step 19.3 – Answer medical background questions part 3

Step 20 – Indicate your marital status

Explanation

If you’re married/divorced – add information about your spouse.

Step 21 – Provide information about your children

Step 22 – Add information on your parents

Step 23 – Select your preferred language(s)

Step 24 – Provide an email address for communication

Step 25 – Add a contact phone number

Phase two
IRCC Portal supporting documents upload

Step 1 – Upload your national ID, such as a passport

Clarification

Upload your valid passport and any past travel stamps, and country status documents if you are not in your country of citizenship and pages.

Questions

• What if my passport expires soon? It’s recommended to use a new passport valid for as long as possible.

Step 2 – Upload your proof of funds

Clarification

Show your financial ability to pay for the entire stay. Assets do not normally count, only money that you can access immediately from your bank account.

Questions

• How much money should I show? There is no set amount. But it’s recommended to demonstrate you have at least $10,000 per person for every month and/or a permanent source of income like salary.
• What documents can show funds? Bank statements, bank drafts, notarized gift deeds, etc.
• Can someone sponsor me? Yes, parents, spouses, or business can sponsor you. In this case, indicate how much money they have in their account and provide a financial affidavit in supporting documents.

Step 3 – Upload any other documents required by IRCC

Clarification

You may be required to upload marriage certificates, birth certificates or other documents relevant to your situation.

​ Phase three
IRCC Portal optional documents upload

Step 1 – Upload your Letter of Explanation or Statement of Purpose Letter

Clarification

Upload a custom Letter of Explanation (LOE) or a Statement of Purpose (SOP) under ‘Additional documents. The letter should convey your situation to the visa officer and outline your intentions and background.

You can use our AI Statement of Purpose Letter Builder

⚠️ Important ⚠️

If you are uncertain about how to craft an effective Statement of Purpose Letter (SOP), try our Visitor Visa SOP Builder. This advanced AI tool, developed using frameworks from Immigration experts (lawyers and consultants) can help you create a tailored letter of explanation in just minutes.

Step 2 – Upload your employment documents or self-employed documents

Clarification

To support your ability to cover travel expenses, provide evidence of a steady income source, such as employment or self-employment. It is suggested to combine your employment letter, work contract with salary statements, or self-employed documents to effectively demonstrate your income.

Application Submission

Be sure to review your entire application before submitting and if you wish to edit a section. Save your progress and select the back button and edit the section that you wish to correct or add information.

When you have completed all three phases, you can pay for the application and submit your application. You can select the Save and Continue button and pay your fees.

The IRCC portal will calculate your fees based on the number of applicants applying for a visa as well as those who require a biometric. Save and continue to pay your fees and submit the application.

💡 What happens after?

Check your IRCC Portal periodically for additional information requests from IRCC.

✅ If your application is approved, you will be asked to submit your passport to obtain your visa.

Prepare for Your Trip

• Once you have your visa, finalize your travel arrangements.
• Carry copies of your documents when traveling, including your itinerary and proof of financial stability.

Travel to Canada

• At the border in Canada, be prepared to present your visa and any supporting documents to the immigration officer.
• Answer any questions honestly and clearly.

🍁 Upon arrival in Canada, you will get your visitor stamp in your passport or a visitor record from a visa officer at the port of entry.  

Once you have completed all necessary steps in your visa application, it’s crucial to review your entire submission carefully. Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date before finalizing your application. After submission, you will receive a confirmation email from the IRCC portal. It’s important to regularly check your portal for any additional requests or updates regarding your application status. If approved, you will be instructed to submit your passport for visa stamping. Prepare for your journey by arranging travel plans and ensuring you have all necessary documentation ready for your arrival in Canada. Remember, honesty and clarity are key when interacting with immigration officers at the border.