How To Apply for a Canadian Visa in 2025

If you plan to travel to Canada for tourism, business, or to visit family, you may need a Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or Canadian Tourist Visa).

This type of visa is valid for tourism, short business trips, and transit stays of up to 6 months. It can be single or multiple-entry, is generally valid for 10 years, and is processed online except in special cases.

Who Needs a Visa To Travel to Canada?

Canada requires a Visitor Visa for citizens of many countries. This document is mandatory to enter the country if you do not qualify for an eTA authorization.

Below is the list of countries and territories whose citizens must apply for a Visitor Visa to Canada, according to the Canadian government website:

(*) Nationals of these countries may be eligible to travel with an eTA instead of a Visitor Visa if they meet certain requirements listed below.

Exceptions: When you can travel with an eTA

According to Canadian authorities, travelers from certain countries that normally require a visa may obtain an eTA under specific conditions.

These countries are:

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Argentina

• Brazil

• Costa Rica 

• Mexico

• Morocco

• Panama

• Philippines

• Seychelles

• St. Kitts and Nevis

• St. Lucia

• St. Vincent and the Grenadines

• Thailand

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Uruguay

To qualify for this option, you must:

• Travel only by air

• Hold a valid US non-immigrant visa (such as a B1/B2 visa) or have had a Canadian visa approved in the past 10 years

Since 2024, nationals of Mexico must apply for a Visitor Visa unless they meet the above conditions.

What’s the Difference Between a Canadian Visa and an eTA?

While both documents allow entry to Canada, they are not the same. A Canadian visa is required for those who do not meet eTA eligibility requirements, and the application process is more detailed and lengthy.

You can learn more about the Canada eTA on the official website.

Requirements To Apply for a Canadian Visa

The process is completed online through the Canadian ministry’s immigration, refugee, and citizenship portal (IRCC). You will need:

• A valid passport

• Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, employment letter, etc.)

• Invitation letter (if applicable)

• Explanation of travel purpose and intended stay length

• Documents showing you will return to your home country (work, family, or academic ties)

You’ll also need to have no criminal record in your home country and pay the visa fee (see below).

How To Apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa Step-By-Step

This document is obtained online through the IRCC website. To apply, you must meet the listed requirements and follow these steps:

• Create or log in to your IRCC portal account.

• Complete the electronic form (IMM 5257) and the eligibility questions.

• Upload the requested documents.

• Pay the visa processing fee by credit or debit card.

• In the same transaction, pay the biometrics fee.

• Submit the application online.

• Receive the instruction letter and go to a biometrics collection center to provide your fingerprints and photo.

Once submitted, you can track the status of your application from your IRCC account on the Canadian government’s website and respond to any additional requests.

How Much Does a Canadian Visa Cost?

According to the Government of Canada, the Visitor Visa application fee is 100 CAD. Biometrics processing costs an additional 85 CAD.

You can check the latest fees on the IRCC website.

What are biometrics?

Unless exempt, Canadian tourist visa applications require an in-person visit to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This is known as biometric data collection.

How Long Does It Take To Process a Canadian Tourist Visa?

Processing time depends on the country from which the application is submitted and the time of year.

For example, if you apply from India, the process may take around 30 days, while applying from Nigeria usually takes several months.

If you plan to travel to Canada, you can check the current estimated times for your country in the processing times section of the Government of Canada website.

Important: Once the government receives your visa application, they may ask you to:

• Attend an interview in your country

• Provide additional information

• Undergo a medical examination

• Obtain a police certificate

Processing time begins once the authorities receive your application. It does not include the time it takes you to send it or to provide your biometric data.

How To Know if Your Visa Was Approved

If your Canadian visa is approved, you will receive instructions in your IRCC account to send or present your passport for visa stamping.

If your application is refused, the reasons will be provided in the second notification.

Sources and Useful Links

• Government of Canada website

• Justice Laws Website

• IRCC Portal