Visiting Canada
Whether you’re planning a vacation, visiting family, attending a business meeting, or bringing your parents to stay longer — Canada has a temporary entry option for you. Below is a plain-language overview of each program, who qualifies, and what it’s designed for.
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Visitor Visa
A Visitor Visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa) is an official document placed in your passport that shows you meet the requirements to enter Canada. It is required for nationals of countries that do not have visa-free access to Canada. A TRV can be issued as a single-entry or multiple-entry visa, typically allowing stays of up to 6 months per visit.
- Citizens of countries not on Canada's visa-exempt list
- Tourists, sightseers, or those attending events
- Individuals visiting family or friends in Canada
- People transiting through a Canadian airport
- Applicants with a valid passport, ties to home country, and sufficient funds
- Those with no serious criminal history or immigration violations
eTA
Electronic Travel Authorization
An eTA is a mandatory entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. It is electronically linked to your passport — you do not receive a physical stamp or sticker. Once approved, an eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, and allows multiple entries into Canada. Each stay is typically up to 6 months.
- Citizens of visa-exempt countries (e.g. UK, Australia, most EU nations) flying to Canada
- Those transiting through a Canadian airport en route to another country
- Applicants with a valid passport and no inadmissibility issues
- Individuals who do not require a full Visitor Visa (TRV)
- Note: US citizens do not need an eTA — a valid passport is sufficient
Status Extension Inside Canada
Visitor Record
A Visitor Record is an official document issued by IRCC that extends your authorized stay in Canada beyond what was originally granted at the port of entry. It is not a new visa — it is a document that updates the conditions of your status while you are already in Canada. You must apply before your current authorized stay expires to maintain legal status.
- Visitors already in Canada whose authorized stay is ending
- Those who need more time to recover from illness or care for a family member
- Individuals awaiting another application (e.g. PR or study permit)
- Applicants who can demonstrate genuine temporary purpose and ties to home country
- Those with valid status at the time of application
Parent & Grandparent Multi-Entry Visa
Super Visa
The Super Visa is a special multi-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Unlike a regular visitor visa, it allows stays of up to 5 years per entry (recently extended from 2 years) and is valid for up to 10 years. It is a popular alternative for families who want extended time together while waiting for a sponsorship application to be processed.
- Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- The sponsoring child/grandchild must meet a minimum income threshold (LICO)
- Applicant must obtain Canadian medical insurance for at least 1 year (minimum $100,000 coverage)
- Must undergo an immigration medical exam
- Must demonstrate intent to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay
International Business Entry
Business Visitors
Business visitors are foreign nationals who come to Canada for international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labour market. They may attend meetings, conferences, trade shows, or conduct negotiations on behalf of a foreign company. They cannot be paid by a Canadian source and cannot provide services directly to Canadian businesses as employees.
- Executives or professionals attending conferences, seminars, or trade shows
- Those conducting contract negotiations or purchasing goods/services
- Representatives of foreign companies inspecting Canadian facilities
- After-sales representatives installing or repairing purchased equipment
- Applicants whose primary place of business remains outside Canada
- Nationals requiring a TRV must apply before arrival
How Shally Bothra Immigration Services can help you
At Shally Bothra Immigration Services, we understand that navigating Canada’s immigration system can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re simply trying to visit family, attend a meeting, or bring your parents home for an extended stay. As a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), Shally personally reviews every file to determine the most appropriate visa category for your unique situation, prepares a strong and complete application package, and guides you through every step of the process — from document checklists to responding to IRCC requests. Whether you’re applying for a firsttime Visitor Visa, renewing an eTA, extending your stay with a Visitor Record, or navigating the Super Visa requirements, we are here to make your experience as smooth and stressfree as possible. Your journey to Canada starts with a conversation — reach out today for a personalized consultation.
