Canada Visa Requirements

It depends on your nationality. Citizens from about 60 countries (including US, UK, EU nations, Australia, Japan, and South Korea) can visit visa-free with an eTA for air travel. Most other nationalities, including India, China, Nigeria, and Pakistan, need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

Processing times vary significantly by country. Some applications are processed within 2-4 weeks, while others take 3+ months. Indian applicants currently face the longest wait times at around 99 days. Check IRCC's processing time tool for current estimates.

The overall visitor visa approval rate dropped to approximately 46-48% in early 2025, down from 65% in 2023. Rates vary dramatically by nationality: UK and Germany see 97% approval, while India faces only 19-20% approval. Strong documentation is critical regardless of nationality.

The visitor visa application fee is CAD $100. Biometrics cost an additional CAD $85. The Super Visa for parents and grandparents costs CAD $100 plus mandatory medical insurance. The eTA for visa-exempt travelers costs only CAD $7.

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for visa-exempt foreign nationals flying to Canada. It costs CAD $7, is processed within minutes, and is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires. US citizens are exempt from the eTA requirement entirely.

Since 2024, IRCC has significantly increased scrutiny under its Visa Integrity initiative. Officers assess whether applicants have sufficient ties to their home country and will leave Canada after their visit. Weak financial documentation, unclear travel purpose, and limited travel history are common refusal reasons.

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit for up to 5 years at a time with multiple entries over 10 years. It requires proof of relationship, a letter of invitation, medical insurance, and evidence the sponsor meets income requirements.

There is no formal appeal for visitor visa refusals. However, you can reapply immediately with stronger documentation addressing the refusal reasons. Consider requesting your GCMS notes (processing records) to understand exactly why your application was refused before reapplying.