How to Obtain a Canada Visitor Visa

In order to visit Canada residents from certain countries need to acquire a Canada visitor visa, also known as a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa. The following tips will help you get started.

Make sure you need a Canada visitor visa before you apply for one.

There are many different types of foreigners that are allowed into Canada on a temporary basis without needing a visa. Check to make sure that you do not qualify under that categorization before you begin to go through the process of obtaining a temporary resident visa.

Complete the Canada visitor visa application form.

You can access the Canada visitor visa application form, otherwise called the temporary resident visa application on the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website. If your spouse and children under 18 years old are traveling with you to Canada you may all use the same application form. When filling out the application make sure to use legible hand writing and the English language and alphabet. Fill out every question, making sure not to leave anything blank. If you are not applicable to a question simply write "N/A."

Gather the additional required documents.

In addition to the visa application form you need to gather certain proofs of identity and status before you may be granted a Canadian temporary resident visa. You will need:

• A valid passport or travel document for each person on the application.

• Two recent passport photos for each person applying for a visa.

• Pay the nonrefundable application fee.  A single entry visa for one person cost $150 in Canadian currency. For a multiple entry visa you must pay $150 in Canadian currency. For a family, whether you are applying for a multiple or single entry visa, you must pay $400 in Canadian currency.

• Proof such as bank statements that you have enough funds to pay for all your expenses while you are within Canadian borders.

• Depending on the country from which you are coming, you may also need to bring identification cards, proof of employment, and a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen inviting you to visit them. You may also need to supply an itinerary for your time in Canada. The Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country will give you more specific information on what you will need in order to apply for a Canada visitor visa.

Submit your documents for processing.

Send the application and required documents in an envelope to a Canadian visa office. This will most likely be the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country or region.

Attend an interview with an immigration officer.

After you have submitted the necessary paperwork you will be called in for an interview with a visa officer. It is important to remain calm and honest throughout the interview. The officer is just seeking to understand your particular situation further.

Have a medical examination.

Some people are asked to have a medical examination before they enter Canada. At the time of your interview the immigration officer will let you know if you are required to have this done and will give you more instructions on how to go about it. Unfortunately being required to have a medical examination can add 3 months or more to the processing time of your visa application.

Receive your visa.

The immigration officer will let you know at the time of your interview what your application status is. Often they will grant you the visa right then and there. Other times you may need to wait for the medical examination to be processed before hearing whether or not your visa will be issued.