Canada boasts a wide range of tourist attractions, including iconic landmarks such as Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, and the CN Tower.
Canada's tourism industry is a major contributor to its economy. Thus, attracting millions of visitors annually.
If you are also dreaming of exploring Canada, there's a tiny hurdle: getting your Canadian tourist visa. Don't worry, though! We're here to simplify things for you. This guide will break down the documents required for a Canada Tourist Visa in plain language.
The Canada tourist visa is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). It allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for leisure, tourism, or visiting someone. It's issued for a duration of up to six months. Although extensions may be possible in certain circumstances.
People who need a Canada Visitor Visa are those from countries that don't have a visa-exemption agreement with Canada. In simple terms, if you're from a country not on Canada's visa-exempt list, you'll need a visitor visa to enter the country.
For example, citizens of the United States or the European Union don't need a visitor visa. But folks from countries like India or China do.
So foreign nationals from not-visa exempt country need Visitor :
Here are the top 10 reasons to apply for the Canada Tourist Visa:
Canada Visit Visa Requirements in 2025- KansasĀ®
In the table below you will find a list of all the important documents required for Canada Tourist Visa:
Requirement |
Description |
Passport |
Ensure you have a genuine passport and photocopies of the information page |
Photographs |
Provide a minimum of 2 passport-sized photos for your Canada Tourist Visa application. |
Proof of Funds |
Submit evidence demonstrating your ability to support yourself and your family during your stay in Canada. |
Cover Letter |
Write a cover letter or declaration to the Government of Canada explaining why you are applying for a Tourist Visa. |
Letter of Invitation |
If visiting family or friends, provide a letter of invitation from them. |
Visa Application Form |
Download and complete the visa application form from the IRCC website, and submit it along with all required documents, including photographs, fee receipts, passport copies, and others. |
Travel Itinerary |
Present a detailed travel plan, including flight tickets, destinations to be visited, and routes of travel within Canada. |
Memorandum of Association and Other Documents |
Self-employed individuals should submit the Memorandum of Association and other relevant supporting documents. |
Documents of Proof |
Provide evidence to convince visa officers that you do not intend to stay in Canada. |
Your passport should be genuine and have a validity extending at least six months beyond your intended stay in Canada. When applying for a Canada Visa, include two photocopies of the passport's information page containing details such as
You need to download the visa application form from the IRCC website and fill it out accurately. After that, submit the completed form along with other necessary documents like:
Make sure to include recent, passport-sized photographs that meet Canada's specifications. You'll need to provide at least two colour photographs that comply to these requirements.
Prove your financial capability to cover expenses while in Canada. These are the following documents that you have to submit as proof of funds:
If you plan to stay with friends or relatives in Canada, a letter of invitation from the host is necessary. Further, their contact details and proof of status in Canada may be necessary to support the visa application.
Additionally, business visa applicants must provide a letter of invitation from the host company or business in Canada. While those sponsored by a Canadian resident should include a letter of invitation from their sponsor.
Writing a detailed cover letter specifying the purpose of your visit is necessary. It is important for persuading the Government of Canada to grant you a Tourist Visa is essential for a successful application.
Present documentation showing ties to your home country. It includes property ownership, employment, or family commitments, to show your intent to return after your visit. You can use these documents as a proof:
In case of an employment contract provide a letter from your employer. This letter must disclose your position, salary, approved leave of absence, and any relevant employment documents.
You must undergo a medical examination administered by a designated Panel Physician. This is to verify your good health, which is a rule for the visa application process.
For a clean record, applicants may need to provide a police clearance certificate as a proof. This indicates no criminal history, from their home country or any country of residence where they lived for over six months.
Note: For the students, ID card is mandatory. For retired applicants, need to show their pension slips and retirement proofs along with other documents.
Your Complete Guide to Canada Business Visa
When travelling with minors, you'll need some extra documents:
There are two modes of application online or offline:
Step |
Description |
1 |
Download the visa application form. |
2 |
Gather and attach all required supporting documents. |
3 |
Pay the visa processing and biometrics fees. |
4 |
Submit your application online or in person. |
5 |
Provide your biometrics (fingerprint and photograph) by visiting the embassy or consulate. |
6 |
Await the decision after the immigration department reviews your background check and eligibility. |
Note |
During the review stage, additional documents may be requested by the immigration department. |
7 Steps To Apply For Canadain Visit Visa | 2025 Rules
For the tourist visa, the fee required is:
An individual living in Canada needs 1,230 CAD (INR 75,525 approx.) per month for their monthly expenses, and if an applicant is coming for tourism, then 2,000 CAD (INR 1,22,805 approx.) for 30 days per person is enough.
This amount is an addition to the visa fees.
Processing time for the Canada Tourist Visa typically takes 10-15 working days. This period excludes the time taken for providing biometrics and any transit time between Visa Application Centers (VAC) and the visa office.
Note: Visitor Visas are non-immigrant visas. This means they are intended for temporary stays. Hence they do not grant permanent residency or citizenship rights.
At Kansas Overseas Careers, we're here to make your tourist visa application process smooth and stress-free. Here's how we can assist you:
Consultation: We'll sit down with you for a personalized consultation. We will understand your travel plans, preferred destinations, and visa requirements.
Documentation Assistance: We'll guide you through the gathering and organization of all necessary documents.
Application Support: We'll help you navigate the visa application process. We will assist with form filling, appointment scheduling, and submission to the relevant authorities.
Visa Interview Preparation: We'll provide valuable insights and tips to prepare you for your visa interview. It will ensur you feel confident and ready to address any questions.
Follow-up and Updates: We'll keep you informed about the progress of your visa application. Thus we will provide regular updates and notifying you of any changes or additional requirements.
1. How much bank balance is required for Canada visitor visa?
The amount of bank balance required for a Canada visitor visa depends on various factors such as
Generally, you need to show sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada. This includes accommodation, transportation, and daily expenses. There is no fixed amount. But having a substantial balance in your bank account improves your chances of visa approval.
2. Why did your application for a Canada tourist visa get denied?
There could be several reasons why a Canada tourist visa application might be denied. Common reasons include
It's essential to carefully review the requirements and guidelines before applying. This will increase the chances of approval.
3. How do you know if I need a visitor visa before I travel to Canada?
Whether you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for visa exemptions. This allows them to travel to Canada for short visits without a visa.
You can check the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can also consult with the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate to determine if you need a visitor visa before traveling to Canada.
4. What is the cost and time of processing a Canada visitor visa?
The cost and processing time for a Canada visitor visa can vary. The application fee for a visitor visa is typically 100 CAD per person, with additional fees for biometrics if required.
The processing time is usually around 10-15 working days. But, it can vary depending on factors
5. What are some important things to consider when collecting your documents for a Canada visit visa?
When collecting documents for a Canada visit visa, it's essential to ensure they are accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Key documents to include:
Double-checking the requirements and organizing your documents neatly can help streamline the application process.
6. How much funds are required for a study visa in Canada?
The amount of funds required for a study visa in Canada depends on various factors such as:
Generally, applicants need to show they have enough funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation. Specific financial requirements are outlined by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
7. What kind of visa do you need when transiting through Canada?
If you are transiting through Canada to another country, you may need a transit visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It depends on your nationality and the duration of your stay.
Transit visas are required for citizens of certain countries. But, others may be eligible for an eTA, which allows visa-exempt travelers to transit through Canada for short periods.
8. How long can you stay in Canada on a Canadian visitor visa?
Generally, visitors to Canada can stay for up to six months on a Canadian visitor visa. However, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry determines the actual duration of stay granted
Visitors may be allowed to stay for less than six months. This depends on the purpose of their visit and the officer's discretion.
9. What are the Canada tourist visa eligibility criteria?
The eligibility criteria for a Canada tourist visa include:
10. What are the conditions for extending a visitor visa to Canada?
The conditions for extending a visitor visa to Canada are: