Temporary Resident Visas (Visitor Visas) & eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Each year, Canada greets 35 million+ temporary residents – non-immigrants. Excluding Canadian citizens and permanent residents, all other individuals need permission to enter the country as a visitor and need either a TRV (Temporary Resident Visa) or an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), unless they are US Citizens.
Listed bellow are foreigners needing either a TRV or an eTA :
- Business Visitors
- International students – individuals on study permits
- Temporary foreign workers – individuals with work permits
- Tourists
Which one do I get? TRV or an eTA?
Please note that you only need one of the two (NOT both).
Any citizens of visa-exempt countries planning to travel to Canada by air are expected to have applied for an obtained an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) prior to their departure to Canada
Please note: The exception is that citizens of the US do not need a Temporary Resident Visa or an electronic Travel Authorization. However, Green Card holders in the US need an eTA in order to come to Canada, despite their nationality.
In case you are NOT a citizen from a visa-exempt country, you WILL require a Temporary Resident Visa to enter the country.
What is a eTA (electronic Travel Authorization)?
Any travellers with passports from countries that are visa-exempt who enter the country by air will require an eTA (issued as of March 15, 2016).
Keep in mind that the authorization is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for 5 years or once your passport expires (whichever comes first).
What is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and how do I apply for one?
Generally, the Temporary Resident Visa is a document issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office exterior off Canada, demonstrating that the owner has satisfied the requirements for admission to Canada (as a visitor). Temporary Resident Visa's could be for one entry or numerous entry. As a common rule, tourists are admitted for a period of 6 months. Temporary foreign workers and international students are admitted for varying periods of time (determined on a case-by-case basis). Extensions could be applied for from within the country.
It is essential to note that possession of a valid Temporary Resident Visa does not automatically mean that the Officer at the Canadian Port of Entry will allow the visitor into the country. At the Port of Entry, all visitors need to demonstrate that the purpose of their visit into the country is of a temporary nature. Officers at the Port of Entry will refuse admission to all individuals who (based on their opinion), do not plan to leave the country at the expiry of their visitor status.
Please note:
- Particular applicants may require to undergo a medical examination. This pertains to few individuals who plan to stay in the country and have not long ago visited certain countries. Additionally, individuals who plan to work in certain occupations in the country.
- Medical and criminality issues could stop a visitor from entering the country.
- Visitors to Canada must show evidence that they are able to support themselves during their intended temporary stay in the country.
- Citizens of particular countries may need to give biometric information. Please click here, to learn which countries this applies to.
Country Checklist: Visa-required (TRV) or Visa-exempt (eTA)
Temporary Resident Visas are required for citizens of Visa-required countries. Visit these links to see which citizens need a Temporary Resident Visa (Visa-Required) and which citizens need an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in order to travel to Canada.