Whether you wish to visit your friends, family, or take in some breathtaking views, visiting Canada can be beneficial. Canada is one of the top destinations visited by millions of people every year. In addition, a Canadian visitor visa allows tourists to stay within the country for up to six months.
The government of Canada is working hard to encourage young, skilled professionals to make Canada their home in the upcoming years. While economic immigration increases its pace & becomes more efficient, now is the time to explore what Canada has to offer as a visitor.
Unless you are from a visa-exempt country, you need a visitor visa or a TRV, i.e., a temporary resident visa for visiting Canada. In addition, if you are applying for a study permit or work permit, then the TRV will be included as a part of the application. However, if you wish to visit Canada, then you have to apply for a visitor visa on your own.
Well, visa-exempt countries are those with whom Canada has agreements that allow their citizens, as well as permanent inhabitants, to visit Canada without a visitor visa.
What Will I Need To Visit If I Am Not From A Visa-Exempt Country?
Canada offers two kinds of visitor visas, i.e., single-entry visas & multiple-entry visas. The single-entry visa will enable international applicants to arrive in Canada once. On the contrary, those with multiple-entry visas can enter & exit the nation as often as they like within the valid duration of their visa.
In addition, a visitor visa is granted for a period of up to six months. However, the duration of the visa is decided by the immigration officer who is handling your case.
Moreover, if you have your children or grandchildren residing in Canada, then there are chances that you might be able to qualify for the super visa for parents & grandparents. This multiple-visa entry allows you to stay for two years in the nation. As a result, this enables you to spend time with your loved ones.
For visiting Canada & staying there, another alternative is to extend your visitor visa only if your temporary resident status is still valid. Staying in Canada with an expired visitor visa & no extension application can jeopardize your future immigration applications. Thus, if you have completed the extension application before your visitor visa expires, you can remain in the nation under implied status until your application is processed.
In addition, if you are visiting Canada for business, you might be required to obtain a business visitor visa. But you must note that this visa is not for temporary foreign workers. A separate work permit is needed to engage in the Canadian labor market directly.
What Do I Need To Visit If I Am From A Visa-Exempt Country?
Individuals visiting Canada from visa-exempt nations do not need a visitor to enter the country. Visa-exempt visitors can enter Canada for a period of up to six months.
In addition, if you are from a visa-exempt nation & visiting Canada by airplane, you must hold an eTA, i.e., electronic Travel Authorization from the government of Canada. Visa-exempt visitors arriving in Canada by sea or land would not require an eTA.
Fortunately, applications for an eTA are fast & affordable. You can ensure an eTA by visiting the Canadian government’s official website. Further, you can fill in the necessary information & pay CAD 7 to the government.
Interestingly, most eTA applications are processed in just a few minutes. However, in some cases, it can take some days. Therefore, it is best to apply in advance of your flight. If approved, an eTA remains valid for around five years or until your passport has expired.
So, if you are visiting Canada as an international student or a temporary worker of a visa-exempt nation, the government of Canada will automatically issue you an eTA with your work/ study permit.
Conclusion
Visiting Canada undoubtedly offers you a mesmerizing experience. However, the duration of your stay is subjected to various factors.
As discussed above, visitors generally obtain a six-month visa upon entry, but the extensions are possible in specific circumstances. Moreover, temporary residents, like students or professionals, have varying permits, while permanent residents need a separate application procedure.
Therefore, everyone must abide by immigration regulations to avoid problems in the future. After all, Canada’s panoramic landscapes, welcoming culture, vibrant provinces, etc., make it a fantastic destination to explore!