Visitor visa (TRV)
A visitor visa — formally a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — lets a foreign national from a visa-required country visit Canada temporarily for tourism, to see family or for business. Applicants generally show the purpose of the visit, sufficient funds and ties to their home country.
Who it's for
Foreign nationals from visa-required countries visiting Canada temporarily.
Key points
- ✓For tourism, family visits or business
- ✓Shows purpose, funds and ties to home country
- ✓Single- or multiple-entry
- ✓Visa-exempt travellers may instead need an eTA by air
How it works
- 1Confirm whether you need a visa or an eTA
- 2Gather proof of purpose, funds and ties
- 3Complete and submit the visitor visa application
- 4Provide biometrics if required
IRCC forms often used
How Lexova helps
Lexova gives the licensed professional one workspace to run the whole file — a bilingual client intake that autofills the IRCC forms this pathway uses, AI cover letters and document sorting, and shared client/employer portals with live progress. Less re-typing, fewer mismatches, nothing missed.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a visitor visa and an eTA?+
A visitor visa is for travellers from visa-required countries; an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is for many visa-exempt travellers arriving by air. Confirm which applies to you.
Where can I confirm the current requirements?+
Visitor-visa and eTA requirements are on Canada.ca (IRCC); confirm what applies to your nationality there.
Related pathways
This page is general information about Canadian immigration programs and is not legal or immigration advice. Rules, thresholds and timelines change often; always verify the current requirements on Canada.ca (IRCC / ESDC) or with a licensed professional (RCIC or lawyer). Lexova is not affiliated with the Government of Canada.