An essential guide to applying for a Canada visit visa

There are millions who route to Canada for study, work, and visits. They all apply for temporary visas like a Canada work visa, a Canada study visa, and a Canada visit visa. A Canada visit visa is otherwise known as Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

A TRV is issued as an official counterfoil document by a visa office. It’s placed in a visitor’s passport and it shows that the traveler has met the requirements for entering Canada as a temporary resident.

Just because you hold a TRV it needn’t be that you are guaranteed entry to Canada. Foreign nationals are allowed to enter Canada as temporary residents as a privilege, not a right.

Common purposes for a temporary Canada visa

Temporary resident visas are issued in Canada for 3 major purposes: work, study and visit. Only after foreign nationals meet the requirements laid down by the IRPA and are deemed admissible, does an immigration officer consider the issuance of a TRV.

The visa is placed in the applicant’s passport as an official counterfoil document. A TRV’s expiry date is the date by which the applicant must use the visa to reach the POE (Port of Entry) as well as seek admission to Canada. A TRV’s expiry date shouldn’t be misunderstood as the suggested duration of the applicant’s visit. Neither does a TRV guarantee that the applicant can enter Canada nor does it fetch a temporary resident status in Canada.

TRV for the purpose of work

There are 2 types of work permits that are available and are of a limited validity period. They are:

Open work permit

This type of permit lets you to work for an employer in Canada with the exception of one:

• who has entered the list of employers who have been unsuccessful in complying with the criteria and hence deemed ineligible or
• who regularly offers services of the nature of adult entertainment

You may be eligible for an open work permit if you:

• Are an international student who completed your graduation from a DLI and are eligible for the PGWP
• Have a work permit that’s specific to an employer and have been subjected to abuse or are at risk of being abused in relation to your employment in Canada
• Are a student who’s unable to meet the costs of your studies anymore
• Are a dependent family member of an individual who filed an application for Canada PR
• Applied for Canada PR
• Are the spouse/common-law partner of an applicant of the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program
• Are the spouse/common-law partner of a skilled worker/international student
• Are a refugee claimant, protected person, refugee, or a family member of theirs
• Hold a temporary resident permit
• Are under an order for removal that’s unenforceable
• Participate in special programs as a young worker

Employer-specific work permits

These are work permits where the employment in Canada and the work permit thereof are connected to a single employer in the country. This work permit lets you work as per the conditions of your work permit. These include:

• How long you can work
• The name of the employer you can be employed with
• Your work location (if applicable)

A TRV or eTA (electronic travel authorization) may also be required to enter Canada along with your Canadian work permit as the permit isn’t the same as a visa. When Canada immigration authorities approve your work permit, they do issue a TRV to you too.

TRV for the purpose of studies

IRCC issues the study permit as a document that permits foreigners to study at DLIs in Canada. Most foreigners require a study permit if they want to study in Canada. If you want to apply for a Canadian study permit, you must submit all the necessary documents before you file an application. You should submit your application before you travel to Canada.

A TRV or eTA (electronic travel authorization) may also be required to enter Canada along with your Canadian study permit as the permit isn’t the same as a visa. When Canada immigration authorities approve your study permit, they do issue a TRV to you too.

TRV for the purpose of visit

A visitor visa (TRV) is an official document stamped on your passport by Canadian authorities once you meet the requirements to qualify to enter Canada.

Most travelers require a visitor visa to travel to Canada. Apart from traveling to Canada, the TRV may be needed in case you are transiting via an airport in Canadian as part of your journey to another destination.

TRV can be applied online or on paper. TRV has a general validity of up to 6 months.

You may need to obtain a visitor visa or eTA depending on the following factors:

• The country that issued your travel document
• Your nationality
• The type of travel document you plan to travel with
• Your method of travel to Canada for this trip

How to apply for TRV

Step 1: Make sure that you have the eligibility to travel to Canada

You have to bring proof that you meet the eligibility criteria to travel to Canada.

Step 2: Ready the documents that show that you meet the criteria for a Canada visit visa

The important documents needed for a TRV:

Passport

You need to have a genuine passport and other important travel documents. Provide 2 photocopies with the information page of your passport that includes:

• Passport number
• The date of issue and expiry of the passport
• Personal Information (name, photo, place of birth, and date of birth)

Photographs

Attach at least 2 passport size photos with the application for TRV.

Proof of Funds

This is proof that you can support the family while you stay/visit Canada. The documents for this purpose include:

• Bank statements
• Evidence of financial support from family/friends to meet your expenses while you are staying in Canada
• Letter of employment (for declaring your annual earnings)
• Evidence of income of the person who will host you while you stay in Canada
• Documents of your filing tax in the last 3 years
• Other proofs of finance such as PPFs, property, FDs, shares, etc.

Cover letter

A cover letter or declaration to the Canadian government must be attached that explains why they should grant you a TRV.

Invitation letter

If you are visiting your friends/family, it’s required of you to submit a letter of invitation you received from them.

Visa application form and other documents

The visa application form has to be filled out and all the necessary documents have to be submitted along with it. Documents submitted include passport copies, fee receipts, pictures, and other documents.

Travel Itinerary

The total plan of the trip to Canada including to and from air tickets must be presented. Mention the places you are planning to visit in Canada as well as a detailed description of travel routes you will be using.

Memorandum of association and other documents

If you are a self-employed applicant, you are required to submit a Memorandum of Association and other supporting documents.

Documents of Proof

Proof of employment: Employment contract

Proof of lease, property dealing: These documents are submitted to confirm that you will go back to your country after completing your trip.

Step 3: Apply online

File the application for a TRV online. For this, first, create an account, upload necessary documents, and pay your fees.

Step 4: Give your biometric information (fingerprints and photo)

Once these many steps are done, IRCC will check your application and process it. Incomplete applications will be returned without processing. In case your application is approved, they will ask you to send your passport.

Follow the instructions and send the passport. Now prepare for your journey to Canada. Keep the documents that you may have to present at the border/airport in Canada.

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