Canada Tourist Visa
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) · For Trinidad and Tobago citizens
Planning a trip to Canada from Trinidad and Tobago? This guide covers everything you need for the Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) application: required documents, current fees of CAD $100, processing times, and strategies to improve your chances. With proper preparation and strong documentation, you can successfully navigate the Canadian visa process.
Canada Tourist Visa for Trinidadian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Trinidad and Tobago citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada
Complete the visitor visa application through IRCC online portal
Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting Canadian specifications
Evidence that you have enough money to cover your stay in Canada
Documentation proving your employment status
Details of your planned trip to Canada
Evidence that you will return home after your visit
Fingerprints and photograph collected at a Visa Application Centre
Recommended (Optional)
Letter from your host in Canada
Application Process
Canada visitor visa applications from Trinidad and Tobago are processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).1 The process involves these steps:
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm you need a visitor visa. Use the IRCC online tool to check requirements based on your nationality and purpose of travel.1
2. Gather Documents
Collect all required documents including passport, photos, financial proof, and evidence of ties to Trinidad and Tobago.4 Use the IRCC document checklist to ensure nothing is missing.
3. Create Account and Apply Online
Create an account on the IRCC website and complete the visitor visa application (IMM 5257).1 Upload your documents and pay the application fee of CAD $100.
4. Provide Biometrics
After submitting your application, you will receive instructions to give biometrics.1 Visit a Visa Application Centre to provide fingerprints and photo. The biometrics fee is CAD $85.
5. Wait for Processing
Current processing time is approximately 4 weeks.3 Check your application status online. You may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
6. Receive Decision
If approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. Collect your passport from the VAC or receive it by courier.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa Application | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics (if required) | CAD $85 |
| Total (first-time applicants) | CAD $185 |
Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.2 Pay online when submitting your application.
What You Need to Prove
To be approved for a Canadian visitor visa, you must demonstrate:1
- Ties to your home country that will bring you back to Trinidad and Tobago
- Sufficient funds to support yourself during your visit
- Clear purpose for your trip
- Intent to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
- No criminal inadmissibility or security concerns
The officer must be satisfied that you are a genuine visitor who will comply with visa conditions.
Processing Times
| Application Type | Current Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (Online) | ~4 weeks |
| Visitor Visa (Paper) | Longer |
Processing times are estimates and vary based on:3
- Application volume
- Completeness of your application
- Need for additional documents
- Verification requirements
Apply well in advance of your planned travel dates, especially during peak seasons.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, a visa sticker will be placed in your passport showing:
- Validity period (single or multiple entry)
- Expiry date
At the Canadian border:
- The border officer will ask about your trip
- They will determine how long you can stay (usually up to 6 months)
- They may ask to see your supporting documents
- They will stamp your passport with the entry date
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. Common next steps:
- Review the refusal reasons carefully
- Gather stronger documentation addressing each concern
- Reapply when you have improved your application
- Consider professional help for complex cases
There is no formal appeal process for visitor visa refusals. However, you can reapply at any time with a new application and fee.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Failure to Demonstrate Return Intent
Unable to convince the officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay.
How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of ties to Trinidad: employment letter, property documents, family obligations, business commitments. Show you have more reasons to stay home than to remain in Canada.
Insufficient Financial Support
Cannot demonstrate enough funds to support yourself during your visit without working.
How to avoid: Provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income. If being sponsored, include sponsor's financial documents.
Incomplete Application
Missing documents, incomplete forms, or failure to meet basic requirements.
How to avoid: Use the IRCC document checklist. Ensure all forms are complete and all required documents are uploaded.
Inconsistent Information
Information provided does not match across documents or seems implausible.
How to avoid: Review all documents for consistency. Dates, names, and facts should match everywhere.
Travel History Concerns
Limited travel history or concerns about previous immigration issues.
How to avoid: If you have limited travel history, focus on other strong points. Be honest about any previous issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Canada on a tourist visa?
Most visitors can stay in Canada for up to 6 months. The exact duration is determined by the border services officer when you arrive. If you want to extend your stay, you must apply before your authorized stay expires.
Can I work on a Canadian tourist visa?
No, the visitor visa does not permit any form of work in Canada. If you want to work, you need to apply for a work permit. Working illegally can result in deportation and future visa bans.
How long does Canada visa processing take from Trinidad?
Current processing time is approximately 4 weeks, though this varies based on application volume and individual circumstances. Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
What is the Canada tourist visa fee for Trinidadians in 2025?
The visitor visa application fee is CAD $100. You also need to pay a biometrics fee of CAD $85 if you have not provided biometrics in the last 10 years. Total: CAD $185 for first-time applicants.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No, you should not book non-refundable flights before your visa is approved. Include your tentative travel plans in your application.
Do I need a letter of invitation?
A letter of invitation is not mandatory but is helpful if you are visiting friends or family. It should include their contact details, immigration status, and details of your stay.
What happens if my visa is refused?
You will receive a letter explaining why your application was refused. You can reapply at any time with improved documentation addressing the refusal reasons. There is no formal appeal process.