A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), or a Visitor Visa, is an official travel document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada as a visitor, temporary worker or student. Canada visitor visa is a mandatory document needed for all foreign nationals to enter Canada unless they are from a visa-exempt country.

The two main types of Canada visitor visas are:

1. Single Entry

This type of Visa permits foreign nationals to enter Canada only once. They cannot leave and visit Canada repeatedly if they are granted a single-entry visa.

2. Multiple Entry

This type of Visa permits foreign nationals to enter Canada multiple times if the Visa is still valid. Foreign nationals who are granted this Visa can stay up to 6 months straight inside the country without leaving. The validity of this type of Visa depends on your purpose of visiting Canada and is in the visa officer’s hands.

Does everyone need a visitor visa to enter Canada?

There are only two categories of people who don’t require a visitor visa to visit Canada are:

1. Canadian Permanent Residents and Citizens and;

2. Individuals from Visa-exempt countries

Foreign nationals belonging to visa-exempt countries only need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to enter Canada if they are boarding a flight. If coming via sea or land, an Electronic Travel Authorization is not needed.

What are the types of Multiple Entry Visa’s?

A Multiple Entry Visa can be awarded to an applicant for many purposes:

To Visit

The applicant can be a tourist or wants to visit someone known in the country; intends to come for a special event etc. They may be granted a Canadian tourist visa in this case.

To Study

Applicants with approved/valid study permits are also granted Multiple Entry Visa’s to enter and re-enter Canada.

To Work

Applicants with approved/valid work permits are also granted Multiple Entry Visa’s to enter and re-enter Canada. These work permits can be open or closed.

What are the essential eligibility criteria to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa?

The applicant:

• Must be in good health
• Should have no previous immigration or related criminal convictions
• Must have valid travel documents like a passport
• Should be able to convince the immigration officer that he will leave Canada once the Visa is over
• Must have sufficient funds to be able to stay in Canada
• Must have an eligible purpose to come to Canada.