About Canada

Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and northward into the Arctic Ocean. Canada is the world’s second-largest country by total area, and its common border with the United States is the world’s longest land border shared by the same two countries.

The land that is now Canada has been inhabited for millennia by various Aboriginal peoples. Beginning in the late 15th century, British and French colonial expeditions explored, and later settled, the region’s Atlantic coast. France ceded nearly all of its colonies in North America to the United Kingdom in 1763 after the French and Indian War, which was essentially the North American theatre of the Seven Years’ War. In 1867, with the union of three British North American colonies through Confederation, Canada was formed as a federal dominion of four provinces. This began an accretion of provinces and territories and a process of increasing autonomy, culminating in the Canada Act 1982.

Canada is a federal state governed as a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state. The country is officially bilingual and multicultural at the federal level, with a population of approximately 35 million as of 2013. Canada’s advanced economy is one of the largest in the world, relying chiefly upon its abundant natural resources and well-developed trade networks, especially in the United States, with which it has had a long and complex relationship.

Canada is a developed country, with the ninth highest per capita income globally, and the 11th highest Human Development Index ranking. It ranks among the highest in international measurements of education, government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, and economic freedom. Canada is a recognized middle power and a member of many international institutions, including the G7, G8, G20, ICCPR, NATO, NAFTA, OECD, WTO, Commonwealth of Nations, Francophonie, OAS, APEC, and the United Nations.

FACT SHEET:

CapitalOttawa
Largest cityToronto
Official languagesEnglish / French
DemonymCanadian
Government

  • Monarch
  • Governor General
  • Prime Minister
  • Chief Justice
Government

  • Elizabeth II
  • David Johnston
  • Stephen Harper
  • Beverley McLachlin
Legislature

  • Upper house
  • Lower house
Parliament

  • Senate
  • House of Commons
Area

  • Total
  • Water (%)
  • 9,984,670 km2 (2nd) 3,854,085 sq mi
  • 8.92 (891,163 km2 / 344,080 mi2)
Population

  • 2011 census
  • 33,476,688
  • Density
  • 3.41/km2 (228th) 8.3/sq mi
Currency
  • Canadian dollar ($) (CAD)
Time zone

  • Summer (DST)
  • (UTC−3.5 to −8)
  • (UTC−2.5 to −7)
Date formatdd-mm-yyyy
mm-dd-yyyy
yyyy-mm-dd (CE)
Calling code+1
ISO 3166 codeCA
Internet TLD.ca

LARGEST METROPOLITAN AREAS IN BY POPULATION (2019 CENSUS)

NameProvincePopulationNameProvincePopulation
TorontoOntario6,471,085LondonOntario545,044
MontrealQuebec4,318,051St.Catharines
Niagara
Ontario434,093
VancouverBritish
Columbia
2,691,328HalifaxNova Scotia440,035
Ottawa
Gatineau
Ontario
Quebec
1,441,012OshawaOntario413,094
CalgaryAlberta1,514,072VictoriaBritish
Columbia
402,027
EdmontonAlberta1,447,014WindsorOntario354,096
QuebecQuebec824,041SaskatoonSaskatchewan330,067
WinnipegManitoba730,018ReginaSaskatchewan261,068
HamiltonOntario794,072SherbrookeQuebec221,004
Kitchener-
Cambridge-
Waterloo
Ontario584,026St. John’sNewfoundland
and Labrador
212,043

HOW TO APPLY?


DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

  • Passport (Minimum 6 months validity) – All Passports (Old & New)
  • Photo (35mm X 45mm, white background, matt finished, 80% FACE should display)
  • Marriage certificate – If Married
  • Divorce Deed – If Divorced
  • Spouse Death certificate – In Case of Death
  • Child birth certificate/ Bonafide certificate – If child travelling
  • Vacation letter/Student Id card – If student travelling
  • NOC of parents (Child Below 18 Years) – If travelling alone or third party
  • Aadhar Card Copies of all Family Members

IF SELF EMPLOYED (BUSINESS)

  • Pan card (Personal/Company)
  • Business registration certificate (Gumasta dhara/Memorandum/Partnership deed)
  • Company Profile / Brochure (If having)
  • Business letter head-03 Nos. & visiting card
  • IT returns last 3 years with balance sheet
  • Last 6 months current account statement
  • Partner NOC & Authorization Letter

IF EMPLOYED

  • Pan card, Company Id card, Job Letter
  • Last 6 months salary slips
  • Last 3 years form no.16 & IT returns with computation
  • Leave letter/NOC (No objection certificate)

IF AGRICULTURE BUSINESS

  • Agriculture income certificate (From Mamlatdar / TDO)
  • Form no. 7& 12, 8A (Land paper)
  • Agriculture bills (If having)

IF RETIRED

  • Retired letter
  • Pension bank passbook

IF UNEMPLOYED/HOUSEWIFE/MINOR

  • Supporter Letter and Supporting Affidavit

IF FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS

  • Last 6 months bank statement/bank passbook
  • Bank fix deposit/ MIS /Post Savings/KVP/SVP/NSC
  • Share holding statement/ Bonds/ Mutual Funds
  • Provident fund/GPF/PPF
  • LIC / other policy surrender value
  • Financial report/ Valuation of property (House/Shop/Land)

IF PERSONAL DETAILS

  • Applicant’s Education Details
  • Last 10 Yrs Employment details
  • Email Id & Contact Details
  • Marriage Date(if married)
  • Applicant’s Parents / Spouse/ Children’s( Date of Birth, Occupation & Address)

SPONSOR’S DOCUMENTS

SPONSOR DOCUMENTS (CANADIAN CITIZEN/ PERMANENT RESIDENCE)

  • Sponsor letter
  • Full passport copy of sponsor (Notarized)
  • Permanent residence card copy (Both side front and back )
  • Driving license
  • Health card
  • Email ID & contact details

STATEMENT FROM YOUR EMPLOYER ON BUSINESS LETTERHEAD, GIVING WITH FOLLOWING DETAILS

  • Date and nature of employment
  • Salary paid
  • Whether position is temporary or permanent

LETTER FROM YOUR BANK (1 ORIGINAL FOR EACH APPLICANT) ON THEIR BUSINESS LETTERHEAD, GIVING WITH FOLLOWING DETAILS

  • Opening date of bank account
  • Total amount deposited for the past year
  • Present balance
  • Average balance last year

COPY OF RECENT PAY STUBS. 3 OR 4 SHOULD BE ENOUGH
COPY OF LAST THREE YEARS INCOME TAX RETURN. (NOTICE OF ASSESSMENT)
DOCUMENT OF SAVING IF HAVE ANY.
TENANCY AGREEMENT OR LETTER FROM ESTATE AGENCY OR LANDLORD

IF STUDENT

  • Enrollment Letter
  • Passport copy/ Visa copy/ Student ID Copy
  • Rent Agreement (NOC Letter from LandLord)
  • Transcript
  • Study permit
  • Bank statement (3 months)
  • Convocation Letter
  • Personal Invitation Letter – With Sign

IF CANADA CONTACT DETAILS

(Family & Friends) & Visa status
BIOMETRICS
Please note that appointments are mandatory in order to enrol biometrics at the Visa Application Centre. A planned visit with a preferred time slot at the Visa Application Centre guarantees prompt service thus eliminating longer waiting time resulting in inconvenience.

Who must provide biometrics
The following people between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide their biometrics:

  • temporary residence applicants who are applying for:
  • a temporary resident visa (TRV)
  • an extension of authorization to remain in Canada as a temporary resident
  • a temporary resident permit (TRP)
  • a restoration of temporary resident status

People who are eligible to apply for an electronic travel authorization are not required to provide their biometrics if they are travelling to Canada as a tourist.

Persons approaching 14 years old
For biometrics purposes, the age of the applicant is based on the date the application is received by IRCC.

There may be cases when an applicant is 13 years old when the application is submitted to a visa application centre (VAC). If the person is 14 years old when the application is received by the IRCC office, a biometric instruction letter (BIL) must be issued to the client, and biometrics are required in support of the claim, application or request.

Persons approaching 80 years old
For biometrics purposes, the age of the applicant is based on the date the application is received by IRCC.

There may be cases of applicants who are 79 years old when the application is submitted but turn 80 years old before biometrics collection. These clients are required to provide their biometrics. IRCC offices, Service Canada locations and U.S. application support centers can collect biometrics from all applicants who present a valid BIL, regardless of their age. However, at a VAC the Canadian Immigration Biometric Identification System (CIBIDS) will not allow the biometric information to be collected once the applicant turns 80.

In such cases, VACs must do the following:

  • advise the applicant that the IRCC office will contact them to arrange an appointment to submit their biometrics
  • advise the responsible IRCC office of this situation, following the protocols set up by the VAC

Processing Time
Visitor visa (from outside Canada) India

General time: 2 to 3 weeks [20 – 21 working days]

You may need to give biometrics with your application.

This processing time doesn’t include:

  • the time it takes to send an application between a VAC and our office
  • the time you need to give your biometrics

Review for decision
Your application will undergo a detailed review by an officer. The officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it and will decide if an interview is necessary. If so, you will be informed of the interview date, time and place.

If your application is refused, any original documents, including your passport if submitted with your application, will be returned to you with an explanation of why your application was refused.

FIND YOUR VISA APPLICATION CENTRE

LocationOpening DaysOpening hours
Ahmedabad

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Unit No 1 and 2, Bhikubhai Chambers, Near Bharat petroleum Ashram Road, Paldi Ahmedabad 380 007, India

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
Bengaluru

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd., 8th Floor, Sobha Pearl, Commissariat Road, Near Mayo Hall, next to Bangalore Central Mall, Ashok Nagar, Sivanchetti Gardens, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025 India

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
Chandigarh

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. C-313, B-3rd Floor, Elante, Industrial Area Phase 1, Chandigarh, India – 160002

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
Chennai

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 5th Floor, Fagun Mansion, Ethiraj Salai, Egmore, Chennai – 600008

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
Hyderabad

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Zonah Crescent, 3rd Floor, Banjara Hills Road No 12, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
Jalandhar

Visa Application Centre

Aman Plaza, 1st Floor, 310 Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk Opposite to Lovely Autos, Jalandhar-144001

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
Kolkata

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th Floor, Rene Tower, Plot No. AA-I, 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Kasba, Landmark: Near Geetanjali Stadium Kolkata, 700107, India

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
Mumbai

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th floor, Urmi Axis Building, Behind Famous Studio, Opp. E Moses Road, Mahalaxmi (West), Mumbai – 400 011

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
New Delhi

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place New Delhi-110001

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00
Pune

Visa Application Centre

VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 93 + 94, 40 401, Lalwani Icon Sakore Nagar, Viman Nagar, Near Hotel Fidalgo Pune, India- 411014

Monday to Friday09:00 – 17:00

VISA FEES: VISITOR VISA (TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA)

You must pay the Visa Fee when you submit your application.

It costs CAN$100 (about ₹5,200 INR) to apply for a visitor visa and the biometrics fee is CAN$85 (about ₹4,400 INR).

Application

$CAN
Visitor visa (including super visa) – per person

Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa

$100
Visitor visa – per family (1 fee per family of 5 or more people)

Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa;maximum fee for a family of 5 or more people applying at the same time and place

$500

 BIO-METRICS

Biometrics feesCAN
Biometrics (per person)85
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people

Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place

170

How to pay the fees for your application

To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

  • a valid email address;
  • access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and
  • a credit card or Canadian debit card.

Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

  • Go to Online Payment
  • Follow the online instructions.
  • At the end, click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
  • Attach a copy of this receipt to your completed application.
  • Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

Do not exit without printing the receipt! The printed receipt is your proof of payment!

The only acceptable form of payment is online payment. If you send any other form of payment, IRCC will return your application.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
Most travellers need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to, or transit through, a Canadian airport.

What you need depends on:

  • the type of travel document you will travel with;
  • the country that issued your travel document;
  • your nationality; and
  • how you will travel to Canada.

If you do not have the proper documents, such as an eTA or visa, you may be delayed or prevented from boarding your flight to Canada.

What is the difference between a single and a multiple entry visa?
The main difference between these two visa types is that a single entry visa allows entry to Canada for one-time only and a multiple entry visa allows entry many times.
Which type of visa to get
You don’t need to choose. A multiple entry visa is what all visa applicants are automatically considered for. We will review your application and issue you a visa depending on your situation.
Multiple entry visa
While valid, a multiple entry visa will let you travel to Canada for six months at a time as many times as you want. It will be valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever is shorter. You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa.
Single entry visa
A single entry visa lets you travel to Canada only one time. For instance, you may only be eligible for a single entry visa if:

  • you are eligible for a fee-exemption and the purpose of your entry to Canada is limited (such as, for an official visit by a foreign national)
  • you are taking part in a one-time special event in Canada
  • there are approved country-specific procedures or guidelines in place

In most cases, once you have left Canada, you will need a new visa to enter Canada again.

You won’t need a new visitor visa to return to Canada if you are travelling directly to the United States (including its Territories and Possessions) or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Why was I issued a single entry visa instead of a multiple entry visa?
All applicants who are eligible for a multiple entry visa will be issued one. However, not all applicants will be eligible for a multiple entry visa. This remains at the discretion of a visa officer. A single entry visa may be issued in cases where, for example:

  • An applicant is eligible for a fee-exemption and where the purpose of entry to Canada is limited (e.g., for an official visit by a foreign national)
  • An applicant is participating in a one-time special event in Canada (e.g., Pan-American Games); and/or
  • Country-specific procedures or guidelines are in place and approved by IRCC.

How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document.

If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border officer after you finish at the kiosk.

If you want to stay longer than your authorized stay, you should apply for an extension at least 30 days before the authorized end of your stay.

I have an eTA or a visa. What can I expect when I arrive in Canada?

When you arrive at the point of entry in Canada, a border services officer will make sure you meet the requirements to
enter Canada.

The officer will authorize your stay by stamping your passport and/or issuing another document.

If there is no stamp, handwritten date or document in your passport, your temporary resident status will expire six
months from the day you arrived in Canada.

If you received a visitor record, student or work permit, the expiry date is marked on it.

Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa
and an eTA?

No. If you plan to travel to Canada, you need a valid visitor visa OR a valid eTA.

The one you need depends on:

  • the type of travel document you will travel with
  • the country that issued your travel document.
  • your nationality; and
  • how you will travel to Canada.

I am in Canada on a temporary resident visa. I plan to take a cruise. Do I need a new visa to come back to Canada?

If you are on a cruise ship that departs from Canada or the continental United States and enters international waters
and you are not in possession of a valid multiple-entry visa, you will need to obtain a new temporary resident visa in
order to re-enter Canada.

Do I need a visa if I’m just travelling through Canada on my way to another country?

The document you need to transit through Canada depends on a few factors, including if you plan to visit Canada.

You can answer a few questions to find the document you need to transit through Canada.

Visa-required travellers

You’re considered a visa-required traveller if you’re from a visa-required country.

You need a visitor visa if:

  • you visit Canada (even if you’re travelling by air and it’s for less than 48 hours)
  • stay in Canada more than 48 hours while transiting, or
  • you’re crossing the border by:bus
    car
    train
    boat
    cruise ship

You need a transit visa if:

  • your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country
  • you’ll be connecting between 2 international flights at a Canadian airport
  • you’ll transit through Canada in 48 hours or less, and
  • you don’t have a valid visitor visa

Visa-exempt travellers

You’re considered a visa-exempt traveller if you’re from an eTA-required country.

You need an eTA to transit through Canada by air if you’re from an eTA-required country.

You don’t need an eTA if you’re transiting through Canada and you enter by train, bus, boat or cruise ship. You do need
to bring the right travel documents.

How do I get a transit visa?

You can apply for a transit visa by filling out the application for a Temporary Resident Visa and selecting transit visa
from the list of options on the form.

You may not need a transit visa if you are travelling to or from the United States. The Transit Without Visa program
(TWOV) and the China Transit Program (CTP) allow certain foreign nationals to transit through Canada on their way to and
from the United States without a Canadian transit visa, if they meet certain requirements.

How do I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?

Anyone who plans to visit Canada must apply from outside of Canada before they travel.

What your friend or family member needs depends on:

  • the type of travel document they will travel with;
  • the country that issued their travel document;
  • their nationality; and
  • how they will travel to Canada.

Before applying, find out what document(s) they need.

If they need a visitor visa, you may provide your family member or friend with a letter of invitation in support of
their visa application. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person will get a visa.

How do I get help if my visa application is refused?

There is no formal appeal process if your application for a temporary resident visa is refused.

Should you wish to re-apply, you should do so only if your situation has changed substantively or you have significant
new information to submit.

If I get sick or have an accident while visiting Canada, will the Government of Canada pay for my medical treatment?

Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.

Can I fill out one visa application for my whole family if we are travelling together?

No. Each person must complete and sign the Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257), as well as any other
forms needed. Each applicant aged 18 or over must also complete the Family Information form (IMM 5645).

You can submit all family member applications in the same envelope with one payment receipt for the total fee for all of your applications.

Parents or guardians can help children fill out their forms. Parents or guardians must sign the forms for any children under the age of 18.

I have U.S. residency (Green Card). Do I need a visa or an eTA to visit Canada or can I use my Green Card?

As a U.S. Green Card holder, you do not need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. However, you are expected to have an eTA if you plan to fly to or transit through Canada.

When flying to Canada, you will need to present:

  • proof of status in the U.S. (such as a valid Green Card), and
  • your valid passport that you used to apply for your eTA.

The border services officer will verify your eTA when you arrive in Canada.

When travelling by land or sea directly from the U.S., you will only need to provide proof of your U.S. lawful permanent resident status (such as your Green Card).

Is there a different application form for CAN+?

No. Simply apply for a visitor visa online or on paper.

For paper applications, check the document checklist for full details of what you need to submit with your application.

Please note:

  • Visa application centres
    are not involved in the visa decision-making process and can’t provide advice to applicants.
  • All decisions on applications are made by visa officers at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada visa
    offices.
  • Applications that meet the criteria will also be processed faster.

How do I know that my application can be processed under CAN+? What supporting documents should I submit?

Visa application centres will screen all applications for CAN+ eligibility. Applications that show that the applicant travelled to Canada in the last 10 years or holds a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa will be sent to the visa office for expedited processing.

Check the document checklist for full details of what you need to submit with your application.

My application for a visitor visa was refused. Should I apply again?

No. If your application was refused, applying again with the same information, even with an immigration or travel agent,
will not change this decision.

Your application may be refused because:

  • the official deciding your case has reason to believe you’ll stay in Canada beyond your authorized stay
  • you’re inadmissible to Canada

Applying a second time will not change this decision. It will only cost you more money and increase processing times for
other applicants. However, if your situation changes, you may apply again with your new information.

Examples of your situation changing include:

Hiring an immigration representative doesn’t increase your chances of being accepted

Hiring an immigration representative also won’t change any previous decision on your application.

If anyone tells you you’ll have a better chance on your second application because they’re representing you, they’re not
being truthful and are likely looking to take your money.

I am currently living in or visiting a country that I am not a citizen of. Can I apply for a visitor visa at the local visa office?

If you are applying on paper we recommend that you apply for a visa from your home country. However, if you are legally
admitted to the country you are currently in, you can apply at your nearest visa application centre (VAC). The VAC can
help make sure your application is complete and that all proper documentation is included. You must state clearly on
your application why you have not applied in your normal country of residence.
What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?

A visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) is an official document citizens from visa-required countries need to get to travel to and enter Canada as a visitor for up to 6 months.

  • We stick the visitor visa in your passport.
  • It shows that you meet the requirements to enter Canada.
  • It includes the date by which you must arrive in Canada.
  • The date is not an expiry date for your stay in Canada.
  • If you apply for a study or work permit for the first time, you’ll automatically get a visitor visa when we approve your application.

A visitor record is a document that a border services officer may issue to you to extend or restrict your stay in Canada. If you want to stay in Canada for more than 6 months, you have to tell the border services officer.

You may also get a visitor record after we approve your application to extend your stay or restore your status. A visitor record is issued either by the Canada Border Services Agency or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

  • You need to apply for a visitor record when.
  • you first arrive at the port of entry and you know you want to stay longer than 6 months; or
  • you’re in Canada and decide you want to stay longer
  • You must apply at least 30 days before your authorized stay in Canada expires.
  • It’s an independent document (not placed in your passport)
  • It includes an expiry date for your stay in Canada.
  • That’s the date by which you must leave Canada.

My application for a permanent resident visa is currently being processed at the Embassy. Can I go to Canada as a tourist and wait for my visa there?

You may travel to Canada as a tourist before you get your permanent resident visa. However, we strongly advise against making any definitive arrangements for your stay in Canada until you have received your permanent resident visa.

You will need to apply for a visitor visa to travel to Canada as a tourist.

Please note that having a valid visitor visa does not guarantee your entry into Canada. A border services officer will decide if you can enter Canada and how long you can stay

I hold a diplomatic or special/service passport. Do I need a visitor visa?

Holders of diplomatic, official and service passports from visa-required countries do need a visa to visit Canada. However, they may be exempt from paying the processing fee if they are travelling on official business.
Do I need a Canadian visa if I have a United States visa?

Yes, most travellers need a visitor visa or an eTA to travel to, or transit through, Canada.

What you need depends on:

  • the type of travel document you will travel with;
  • the country that issued your travel document;
  • your nationality; and
  • how you will travel to Canada.

How does the parent and grandparent super visa differ from a multiple entry visa?

Currently, most visitors to Canada may visit for up to six months when they first enter Canada. Visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for an extension, and pay a new fee.

With the parent and grandparent super visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status.

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years. The key difference is that the Super Visa allows an individual to stay for up to two years at a time in Canada, while a 10-year multiple entry visa would only have a status period for each entry of six months only.

Is the parent and grandparent super visa a multi-entry visa?

Yes, the super visa is a multi-entry visa. It allows multiple entries for up to 10 years
What’s the difference between the parent and grandparent super visa and the 10-year multiple entry visa?

The key difference is that the super visa allows multiple entry periods lasting up to 2 years. Those travelling on a 10-year multiple-entry visa can only stay for up to six months per entry.

single-entry super visa is also available. This remains at the discretion of a visa officer

Who’s eligible for a parent and grandparent super visa?

To be eligible for a super visa, you must:

Your dependants are not eligible for a super visa. They can still apply to visit Canada for up to 6 months with the right travel document. Find out what kind of travel document they need.

I need to calculate family size when applying for the parent and grandparent super visa. Whom should I include?

When you apply for a parent and grandparent super visa, include the following people when calculating family size:

  • the child or grandchild inviting you;
  • the spouse of the child or grandchild inviting you;
  • the dependants of the child or grandchild inviting you;
  • any dependants travelling with you;
  • any other person whom the child or grandchild inviting you is currently sponsoring or co-signing and yourself;

Here are some examples.

  • The child or grandchild in Canada that is inviting you is not married and has no children. He or she has invited one parent to visit Canada for a two-year stay. The family size is two.
  • The family in Canada inviting you is a family of four (the inviting child or grandchild, the spouse and two dependent children). They plan to host two visiting parents. The family size is six.
  • The family in Canada inviting you is a family of three (child or grandchild who is inviting you, the spouse and one dependent child). The child or grandchild inviting you previously co-signed the sponsorship of the spouse’s parents (two persons). That sponsorship is still in effect. Now, they are inviting you and your spouse for a long-term visit on a parent and grandparent super visa. The family size is seven.

The family in Canada inviting you is a family of three (the inviting child or grandchild, the spouse and one dependent child). They plan to host you and your dependent child. The family size is five.

Can I cancel my sponsorship application and apply for a super visa instead?

Yes, you can withdraw your sponsorship application at any time. You can still apply for a super visa.
My minor child is applying for a visitor visa and will travel alone to Canada. What documents must he/she present with the application?

In addition to the required documents for a visitor visa, you must include the following documents:

  • A copy of the child’s birth certificate
  • A letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, signed by their parent(s) or legal guardian.

The letter of authorization should include:

  • the parents’, or legal guardian’s, address(es) and telephone number(s), and
  • the name, address and telephone number of the custodian (the adult who will be responsible for the child while in Canada).

I am travelling with my minor child without my spouse. What documents must I present?

You must present the following documents:

  • A copy of the child’s birth certificate
  • A letter of authorization signed by the parent who is not travelling, containing their address and telephone number, in English or French if possible, and
  • A photocopy of the non-accompanying parent’s signed passport or national identity card

The letter of authorization should include:

  • the parents’, or legal guardian’s, address(es) and telephone number(s), and
  • the name, address and telephone number of the custodian (the adult who will be responsible for the child while in Canada).

If the parents are separated or divorced, and share custody of the child, the parent travelling with the child should carry copies of the legal custody documents.

If the parents are separated or divorced and one of them has sole custody of the child, the letter of authorization may be signed by that parent only and they should bring a copy of the custody papers.

If one of the child’s parents is deceased, the travelling parent should bring a copy of the death certificate.