With recent changes to visitor visa requirements for some Mexican nationals, foreign nationals planning to visit Canada may have questions about their own situations. CIC News has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand the process and prepare for your visit to Canada.
1. How long can I stay in Canada as a
visitor?
Most visitors can stay in Canada for up
to six months from the day they enter or until their passport expires,
whichever comes first. The exact date by which you must leave Canada will be
indicated by a stamp on your passport or a document provided by a Canada Border
Services Agency (CBSA) officer. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for
an extension.
2. What is the difference between a
single-entry and a multiple-entry visa?
A single-entry visa allows you to enter
Canada once, while a multiple-entry visa permits repeated entry as long as the
visa remains valid. Multiple-entry visas are valid for up to 10 years or one
month before your passport expires. Each entry allows a stay of up to six
months.
3. Can I fill out one visa
application for my whole family if we are traveling together?
No, each family member must complete and
sign their visitor visa application. However, all applications can be
submitted together in the same envelope with one payment receipt. Parents or
guardians can assist children in filling out their forms, and documents for
those under 18 must be signed by a parent or guardian.
4. Is there any way I can help a
friend or family member visit Canada?
Yes, you can provide a letter of
invitation detailing how you will assist the visa applicant, such as offering
accommodation. This letter can support their application but does not guarantee
approval.
5. Do I need a medical exam to get a
visitor visa?
It depends on your length of stay and
activities in Canada. Generally, visitors staying for six months or less do not
need a medical exam unless working in specific public health-related jobs.
Those staying longer or meeting certain conditions, like living in designated
countries for six months or more, may require a medical exam.
6. Is a visitor visa the same thing
as a visitor record?
No, a visitor visa allows you to enter
Canada as a visitor, while a visitor record is issued to extend or restrict
your stay. A visitor record is provided by CBSA officers or issued after an
extension or status restoration application is approved.
7. I got a new passport but have a
valid visa in my old one. Can I use the visa in my old passport?
Yes, you can travel to Canada with the
valid visa in your old passport, but you must bring both the old passport and
your new valid passport. IRCC recommends obtaining a new visitor visa in your
new passport to avoid processing delays.
8. How can I extend my stay as a
visitor?
You must submit biometrics and apply for a visitor record to extend your stay. This document allows you to extend
your stay as a visitor, a worker authorized to work without a permit, or a
student authorized to study without a permit. Detailed steps can be found on
the IRCC website.
9. Can I file an appeal if my visitor
visa is denied?
There is no appeal process for a visitor
visa denial. You can re-apply, but only if your situation has changed or you
have new information that may affect the outcome.
10. Do I need a visa to travel through Canada to another country?
It depends on your nationality and
travel plans. Visa-required travelers might need a visitor visa or a transit
visa based on their transit duration and mode of travel. Visa-exempt travelers
need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to transit through Canada by air,
but not for other modes of transportation.