So you want to visit Canada—maybe for a vacation, to see family, or to explore before deciding if you want to move here. Whatever your reason, I think the hardest part is figuring out which document you need and what all the rules actually mean. Let me break it down in plain language, the way I wish someone had explained it to me.
What Is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)?
If you're from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada, you'll need what's called a Temporary Resident Visa—often shortened to TRV or just "tourist visa." It's basically a sticker in your passport that says you're allowed to show up at the Canadian border. Think of it as permission to knock on the door, not a guarantee you'll get in.
Here's something that trips a lot of people up: the validity period of your visa (which can be up to 10 years) does not tell you how long you can stay. It just tells you how long you have to use it. So a 10-year visa means you can come and go during that window—but each time you enter, the border officer decides how long you can actually remain. Usually it's up to 6 months by default. And yes, multiple-entry visas are the standard now. Nobody really gets single-entry visitor visas anymore unless something unusual is going on.
Heads up: Having a valid visa does not guarantee entry. The officer at the border has the final say. They can refuse you even with a visa in your passport if they believe you might overstay, work illegally, or otherwise not comply with the rules. So always have your return ticket and proof of ties to home ready.
Can You Apply for a Tourist Visa If You've Applied for PR?
This is a common question, and honestly, it's one where the rules are more flexible than many people assume. Yes—you can apply for a tourist visa even if you've already applied for permanent residence. The concept is called "dual intent": you're allowed to have both the goal of visiting and the goal of eventually immigrating. Canada gets this.
The catch? You still need to satisfy the officer that you'll leave if your PR doesn't work out. That means showing strong ties to your home country: a job, property, family who depend on you, savings, a clear return plan. If you're young, single, and unemployed back home, it gets tougher. If you're a professional with a career and a house and kids in school, you have a much stronger case. In my opinion, always prepare as if you're just visiting. Overprepare your proof. It makes a difference.
eTA: The Easy Option for Visa-Exempt Nationals
If you're from a visa-exempt country (think UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, South Korea—and many others), you don't need a full tourist visa. You need an eTA, which stands for Electronic Travel Authorization. It's linked to your passport, costs about $7 CAD, and is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. US citizens don't need an eTA; they can enter with just a passport.
Here's a little-known fact: some people who would normally need a visa can actually use an eTA instead. If you're from Brazil, Morocco, or the Philippines—countries that usually need a visa—you might qualify for an eTA if you've held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or if you currently have a valid US visa. It's worth checking the official IRCC eTA page to see if this applies to you. It can save you a lot of time and paperwork.
What Happens When You Arrive at the Border?
By default, visitors get up to 6 months in Canada. The officer doesn't always stamp your passport with a specific date—sometimes they just wave you through. If they don't give you a written document, you're good for 6 months from the day you arrived. If they want to limit your stay (maybe because you've visited often or they want to see a return ticket), they'll give you a Visitor Record with a specific expiry date. Always check what you received before you leave the border booth.
Extending Your Stay: Do It Before Your Time Runs Out
Life happens. Maybe you're having a great time, or your grandkid was just born, or you need more time to wrap up things. You can apply to extend your stay by getting a Visitor Record. The key rule: apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. Show why you need more time, prove you have enough money, and demonstrate that you plan to leave eventually. Don't overstay "just a little"—it can mess up future applications.
Maintained status (implied status): If you apply to extend before your current stay expires, you can legally remain in Canada while waiting for a decision. You're in a kind of limbo, but it's allowed. If they refuse your extension, you must leave right away. No second chances.
Missed the Deadline? Restoration of Status
If you overstayed and didn't apply in time, you have 90 days from when your status expired to apply for "restoration of status." You'll need to pay an extra fee and explain what happened. It's not guaranteed—they can refuse you. Honestly, avoid this situation if you can. Set a calendar reminder. Ask a friend to nag you. Do whatever it takes to apply before you run out of time.
Super Visa: The Best Option for Parents and Grandparents
If you're a Canadian citizen or PR and you want to bring your parent or grandparent to Canada for a long visit, the Super Visa is honestly a game-changer. It's a 10-year, multiple-entry visa that lets them stay up to 5 years per visit. Compare that to a regular visitor visa, where they'd typically get 6 months at a time and might need to leave and come back.
To sponsor a Super Visa, you need to meet an income threshold (the exact amount depends on your family size—check the current figures on the IRCC site) and your parent or grandparent needs private health insurance that covers them for at least one year. The insurance can be from a Canadian provider and usually costs a few thousand dollars depending on their age and health. It's an investment, but for families who want to spend real quality time together, it's often worth it.
Super Visa vs. Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP): The PGP is a lottery—you might wait years and never get drawn. If your parent or grandparent qualifies, the Super Visa is a reliable way to get them here while you wait. They can visit for extended periods, and if you eventually get lucky in the PGP draw, great. If not, at least you've had those years together.
Advice for Different Visitors
Tourists in their 20s and 30s: Show a clear itinerary, return ticket, and proof you have money to support yourself. If you're between jobs or taking a gap year, explain it. Officers get suspicious when young travelers have no obvious reason to go home. A letter from an employer saying you're expected back, or proof of enrolment in school, helps a lot.
Retirees visiting family: You often have an easier time—steady income, property, long-established ties. But if you're retired and planning to stay for several months, bring proof of pension or savings. Show that you're not planning to rely on your Canadian family for support (even if you are—they want to see you could support yourself).
Parents on Super Visa: In my opinion, if your adult child in Canada meets the income requirement and you're okay getting health insurance, go for it. The ability to stay 2, 3, or even 5 years per visit is huge. Plan ahead for the insurance—shop around, and remember you'll need to renew it if they stay beyond a year.
People waiting on PR: You can visit while your application is in progress. Just be ready to prove you'll leave if things don't work out. Strong ties to home are your best friend. And honestly? Don't try to "speed things up" by coming to Canada and hoping to get processed faster. It doesn't work that way, and it can create complications.
Whether you're coming for two weeks or two years, the rules are there to keep things fair and orderly. Follow them, prepare well, and you'll have a much smoother experience. Safe travels.