How to Get a Canada Visitor Visa in 2025—Documents, Fees & Timeline

Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa in 2025 can feel confusing at first, but if you follow each step in order, it becomes much easier. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, family, or business, the key is to prepare the right documents, follow the official visa process, and allow enough time for processing. Below is a step-by-step expansion of the main stages so you know exactly what to do.

Understanding the Canada Visitor Visa in 2025

A Canada Visitor Visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) is a permit that allows people from visa-required countries to enter Canada for a short stay, typically for tourism, family visits, or short business. In 2025, the application system is mostly online, and IRCC has made the workflow smoother, but the rules and document checks remain strict.

Important things to know—

• A visitor visa does not let you work or study in Canada (you need a separate permit for that).
• Most visitor visas allow stays up to six months per visit—the exact period is decided by the border officer.
• Citizens of visa-exempt countries use an eTA instead of a visitor visa. If you’re unsure which applies to you, check the official IRCC site or consult the best immigration consultants in Delhi.
• You can request an extension of your visitor status from inside Canada, but you should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires.

Canada Visitor Visa—Full Application Process

Below is a detailed, practical walkthrough of each step you’ll take in the visa application.

Step 1—Check Eligibility

Before you start, confirm you meet the basic requirements—

• Valid passport for the duration of stay.
• Clean criminal record or valid police certificates if required.
• Ability to show you will leave Canada after your visit (strong ties—job, property, family).
• Enough funds to cover your trip.
• Clear purpose of visit (tourism, family, business).

Step 2—Gather Required Documents (Detailed Checklist)

Collect the originals and good-quality scanned copies. Any document not in English/French must be translated and certified.

Essential documents—

• Valid passport (scan of bio page).
• Recent passport-style photos (follow IRCC specs).
• Completed application form (online IMM form for visitor visa).
• Proof of funds (last 6 months’ bank statements, salary slips).
• Travel itinerary (flight reservations, hotel bookings).
• Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends) with the host’s ID and address.
• Employment letter/leave approval (if employed).
• Business registration/client letters (for business visitors).
• Proof of ties at home (property papers, family documents).
• Travel insurance (recommended—sometimes asked at the border).
• Previous passports/visas (show travel history).
• Police clearance or medical exam reports (if IRCC requests).

Step 3—Create Your Online IRCC Account & Fill the Form

• Create a GCKey or sign in with a partner account on the IRCC portal.
• Choose Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) and complete the online application carefully. (The main visitor form is commonly referred to as IMM 5257 —but follow the IRCC flow.)
• Fill all fields accurately—name spellings, passport numbers, and dates must match your documents exactly.
• Save frequently and review before final submission.
• If applying with family, add dependent details as requested.
• Keep scanned PDF copies handy for upload.
• Prepare a short cover letter explaining your visit (purpose, duration, and funding).

Step 4—Pay Fees

• The visitor visa application fee is typically CAD 100 per person.
• Biometrics fee is CAD 85 per person (if required).
• Pay online through the IRCC payment portal.
• Save the receipts—you must upload or present them later.

Step 5—Biometrics Appointment

• After fee payment, you may receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter.
• Book your appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
• At the VAC, you’ll give fingerprints and a photo.
• Biometrics are valid for 10 years for most applicants, so you may not need to resubmit if done recently.
• Bring your passport and the instruction letter.

Step 6—Submit & Track Your Visa Application

• Submit your application online and upload all required documents.
• IRCC may ask for additional documents—respond quickly through your IRCC account.
• Use the tracking feature on the VAC/IRCC portal to monitor status.
• Don’t buy non-refundable travel tickets until your visa is approved.

Step 7—Passport Submission (If Approved)

• If IRCC approves your visa, you’ll receive instructions to submit your passport to the VAC for stamping.
• Send or visit the VAC, submit your passport, and wait for it to be returned with the visa sticker.
• Check the visa details (name, passport number, validity) as soon as you receive it.

Step 8—At the Port of Entry

• Carry your passport with the visa, invitation letter, proof of funds, and travel itinerary.
• The border officer will confirm your purpose and may stamp the allowed duration (usually up to 6 months).

Step 9—Extensions & Visitor Status in Canada

• If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension at least 30 days before your status expires.
• Submit proof explaining why you need more time.
• Overstaying without applying is a serious immigration violation.

Useful Timeline Table

Common Reasons Applications Get Refused (Short)

• Incomplete or inconsistent documents.
• Insufficient proof of funds.
• Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to the home country.
• Past immigration violations or criminal record.
• Photos or forms that don’t meet specifications.

Practical Tips (Final Quick Checklist)

• Start at least 3 months before your planned travel.
• Keep translations and certified copies ready.
• Use a clear, short cover letter explaining your visit.
• Keep financial records for 6 months.
• Don’t hide past refusals—disclose them with an explanation.
• If unsure, reach out to experienced consultants for the visa process and form checks.

Documents Required for Canada Visitor Visa 2025

Here is a detailed table of documents you’ll need for your Canada Visitor Visa—

Canada Visitor Visa Fees in 2025

Processing Time for Canada Visitor Visa

Pro Tips to Get Your Canada Visitor Visa Approved

• Submit clear and complete documents to avoid delays.
• Use the best immigration consultants in Delhi for faster and error-free applications.
• Apply at least 3 months before your travel date.
• Be honest and transparent in your visa application.

Why Choose GlobesWay Immigration for Your Canada Visitor Visa?

GlobesWay Immigration is known as one of the best immigration consultants in Delhi, offering personalized support for the Canada Visitor Visa process.

Here’s why applicants choose GlobesWay:—

• 8+ years of expertise in visa applications
• 99% success rate for Canada Visitor Visa approvals
• End-to-end support from document collection to final approval
• Transparent pricing and no hidden charges