Canadian Visa

Who Can Apply for a Canadian Visa in 2025

Foreign nationals from countries not listed as visa-exempt must obtain a valid Canada visa before travelling to Canada.
Citizens of visa-exempt nations entering by air must instead apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is electronically linked to their passport.

All travellers must meet the general entry and admissibility requirements established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Visa-Required Nationals

Applicants from visa-required countries, such as India, China, Nigeria, Ghana, Pakistan, the Philippines, and most African, Asian, and Middle Eastern nations, must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel.
This visa is required for tourism, family visits, business trips, or transit through a Canadian airport.

Applicants must demonstrate that they:

• Intend to visit temporarily and will leave Canada before the visa expiry date.
• Have sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
• Have no criminal record or previous immigration violations.
• Are in good health (a medical exam may be required for long stays).
• Have strong ties to their home country, such as employment, family, property, or education commitments.

Visa-Exempt Nationals

Citizens of countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, most EU member states, and select Caribbean and Pacific nations are visa-exempt for short-term visits (typically up to six months).
However, travellers entering by air must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before boarding their flight.

The eTA is:

• Linked electronically to the traveller’s passport.
• Valid for five years or until the passport expires (whichever comes first).
• Required even for transit through Canadian airports.

Travellers entering by land or sea (e.g., from the United States) do not require an eTA, but they must still satisfy Canadian entry conditions upon arrival.

Special Visa Categories

In addition to standard visitor and eTA categories, certain individuals may apply under specific visa types:

• Business Visitors: For meetings, conferences, or trade events without engaging in local employment.
• Study and Work Permit Holders: For students or employees with valid Canadian authorisation.
• Transit Visa Applicants: For visa-required nationals transiting through Canada en route to another destination.
• Family Visitors: Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or residents may apply for a Super Visa, allowing extended stays of up to two years per visit.

General Entry Requirements for All Travellers

Regardless of visa type or nationality, all travellers entering Canada must:

• Hold a valid passport with sufficient validity for the duration of their stay.
• Be admissible under Canadian law (no serious criminality or medical inadmissibility).
• Convince a border services officer of their intent to visit temporarily and return home after the visit.
• Provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints) if required.

Additional supporting documents may include:

• Proof of accommodation and a confirmed travel itinerary.
• Evidence of employment, education, or business ownership in the home country.
• Return or onward flight booking confirmation.

Meeting these eligibility and documentation standards helps ensure a smooth visa application and successful entry into Canada.

What Is the Canadian Visa?

The Canadian Visa authorises short-term entry for approved purposes, including:

• Tourism or holiday visits.
• Business meetings, conferences, or trade events.
• Short-term study (less than six months).
• Attending global sports events such as the World Cup 2025.
• Visiting family or friends.

Canadian Visa Fees (2025)

As of 2025, the standard Canada visa fee is CAD $100 per applicant, plus CAD $85 for biometrics (if required).
Additional fees may apply for courier services or medical checks.