Millions visit Canada each year for tourism, family, and business — and hundreds of thousands are refused for applications that were preventable. Whether you need a visitor visa or just an eTA, and whether you'll be approved, comes down to a few knowable factors.

TRV or eTA?

Citizens of visa-required countries need a Temporary Resident Visa before travelling. Citizens of visa-exempt countries flying to Canada need only an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — minutes online, $7. Check your country's requirement first; everything below concerns the TRV.

The officer's single question

Will this person leave when their stay ends? Every document you submit answers it, for or against you:

  • Home ties: employment with approved leave, business ownership, property, family remaining behind
  • Funds: months of bank history realistically covering the trip — not a lump sum that appeared last week
  • Purpose: an itinerary, event, or invitation that makes narrative sense
  • History: compliant previous travel helps; prior refusals and overstays must be declared and addressed

Visiting family: the invitation letter

A proper invitation states the host's status (citizen/PR), address, relationship to you, who pays for what, and the visit's purpose and duration — with status proof attached. If your host is supporting you financially, their bank evidence joins the file. Hosts whose parents are visiting long-term should read our super visa guide — five-year stays versus six months.

How long can you stay?

Default authorization is up to six months per entry (the officer can grant less — check your stamp). Extensions are possible from inside Canada if applied for before status expires. Overstaying, even briefly, poisons every future application.

If you've been refused: the refusal stays on record and reapplying with the same file wastes money. Our refusal-reasons guide breaks down the fix for each ground.

FAQ

Can I work on a visitor visa?

No. Working without authorization is a serious violation. If work is the actual goal, pursue a work permit honestly from the start.

Fees?

$100 application + $85 biometrics per person; family groups cap biometrics at $170.

Planning a Canadian Trip?

One properly prepared application beats two refusals on your record. We review your risk factors before you pay a fee.

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This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Program requirements, fees, and IRCC policies change without notice. Always consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer before applying. Mirus Immigration consultants are registered members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). No guarantee of immigration outcomes is expressed or implied.