More About Visiting Canada and Visas

Planning a vacation in Canada? Have family and friends who live in our country? You’ll want to learn more about the visitor visa and its requirements. Maybe you have not seen family in a while and wish to visit them in their new country, while seeing Canada and its beauty. Whether for a few days or several months, you will need the temporary visitor visa, except in some cases.

If on the other hand, you are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of our country, you may be eligible for a Super Visa, which allows you to stay up to two years. Maybe you have a new grandchild or wish to spend time with those who have grown up since they left your home country.

Both of these visas for Canada allow you to reunite and spend precious time with friends or family again. With either of these visas, you may also get to see the majestic beauty of Canada and enjoy its parks, lakes, cultural attractions and sporting events.

The Visitor Visa

You will need the Visitor Visa if you are transiting though Canada on your way to another country as your final destination. As long as you are in an airport in our country, you will need a visa. However, there are some countries of origin that are visa exempt, if you are a citizen from there. The visitor visa is a temporary resident (TRV) visa.

Requirements

You must be in good health and have a travel document, such as a passport. Free of criminal conviction, you will need to prove that you have ties back to your home country that will make you want to return there. You may prove you have a job, a home, family or financial assets that will take you back to your originating country. In fact, you must prove that you will be leaving Canada when your visit ends.

You must also have enough money to take care of expenses while you are in Canada. This will depend on whether you are staying with relatives, family or friends or at a hotel.

A medical exam may be necessary. Additionally, another requirement may be a letter of invitation from a person who lives in Canada.

What are the fees?

Fees for processing from the government may range from $100 for an individual to $500 for a family. This fee is needed for the processing of the visa application.

If you are a U.S. citizen visiting Canada

As a citizen of the United States traveling to Canada, you must be carrying proper identification and have a U.S. passport that is valid.

Can a Visitor Visa be extended?

Yes, you will have originally entered with a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). In some instances you may have used a passport. To extend your stay, you will need to fill out another application for a visitor record. This is not the same as a visa.

The visitor record allows you to stay longer, with the status of being a visitor to Canada. It will have the new date for you to leave by, replacing the previous date. However, it does not guarantee that you can leave and return to Canada. You must apply for this visitor record before your visitor visa expires.

How do you know when it will expire? Most visas are good for six months. The expiry date is the date that you must leave, it it is written on your visitor record.

The Super Visa

This document must be applied for before you come to Canada. You must be allowed to enter, as per government rules. You will be required to take a medical exam.

Super Visas are meant for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Your child or grandchild must send you a signed letter inviting you to come visit them in Canada. You will need to have a promise of support for the length of your visit.

You will also need a list of the people in the household of that person and a copy of their record of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document.

It is a requirement that you have medical insurance during your stay. It must be from a Canadian insurance company and must be valid for at least a year from the date of your entry into Canada. This insurance must be for $100,000 coverage or more than that. Since quotes are not accepted, you must furnish proof that the insurance is paid for.

Minimum income is necessary

Your child or grandchild must meet minimum income requirements. They must have records from their taxes to show their income for the most recent year. Pay stubs and banks statement may also be used.

One of the most important requirements for being a super visa holder is that you will leave when the visa has expired and return home. Canada wants to be assured that you will not stay longer than allowed by your visa. When you apply for the Super Visa, they will look at the ties you have at home. Also considered is the purpose of your visit as well as your family and your finances. Under consideration as well will be the political and economic stability of your home country from which you are coming.

What About COVID-19 Requirements?

Canada wants its citizens to be safe and secure. For this reason, it has set certain requirements for those who travel to Canada. Requirements change; the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) makes an effort to make travel easier as well as safe. Before traveling, you should be aware of any border requirements needed.

We Welcome Your Questions

If you would like to know more about the Visitor Visa or the Super Visa, you can talk with our knowledgeable staff; Canada Safe Haven Immigration Consulting is a certified immigration consultant. We, as a notary public, also can help you with documents that may be needed. Whether visiting temporarily or preparing for citizenship, we are here for you. Contact us to learn more.