How to Get a Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) Approved: Step-by-Step 2025
How to Get a Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) Approved: Step-by-Step 2025
Bottom line: Canada's Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is approved or denied based on three factors: your ability to fund the trip, your likelihood of leaving before your authorized stay expires, and whether you're admissible to Canada. Applicants who document all three factors clearly have significantly higher approval rates.
Who Needs a TRV?
Citizens of most countries outside the EU, US, UK, and Australia require a TRV to visit Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.
Check visa requirements at: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship
Step 1: Apply Online Through IRCC
All TRV applications are submitted through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) at ircc.canada.ca.
Application fee: CAD $100 (non-refundable)
Processing time: 2–28 days (varies by country of application)
Where to submit: Online preferred; VACs (Visa Application Centres) for biometrics
Step 2: Submit Biometrics
Most TRV applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre.
Biometrics fee: CAD $85
Valid for: 10 years across all Canadian applications
Book your biometrics appointment immediately after submitting your online application — wait times vary from 1 day to 3+ weeks depending on your country.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Financial Evidence (Most Important)
Minimum funds guideline: CAD $2,500–$4,000 for a 2-week trip, plus round-trip airfare costs.
Travel Purpose Evidence
Ties to Home Country
Letter of Explanation
This is the document most applicants skip — and the one that most differentiates strong applications.
Write 1–2 pages explaining:
Step 4: Track Your Application
Use the IRCC online tracker with your application number. Status updates include:
Common Refusal Reasons for Canada TRV
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Canada on a TRV?
No. A TRV authorizes tourism only. Working without a work permit violates immigration law and will result in deportation and a ban from future entry.
How long can I stay in Canada on a TRV?
Typically up to 6 months, as determined by the border officer at entry. The length is written in your passport or on a Visitor Record.
Can I extend my stay inside Canada?
Yes. Apply for an extension before your authorized stay expires at ircc.canada.ca. Do not assume automatic extensions.
Is travel insurance required?
Not required but strongly recommended. Canada has no reciprocal healthcare agreements with most countries — medical costs without insurance can be extremely high.
What if my TRV is refused?
You can reapply immediately. Address the specific reason for refusal with stronger documentation. There is no mandatory waiting period.