Major updates to the Canadian Visitor Visa, Effective May 2025

Canada introduces significant changes to its visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV) policy as of May 7, 2025.

These updates affect who needs a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and clarify the permitted purposes for which a visitor visa will be issued.

These updates may affect you if you are a tourist, short-term student, business visitor, or transiting through Canadian airports.

The Canadian government now issues visitor visas for three main purposes:

1. Tourism and Family Visits

• Individuals travelling for leisure, sightseeing,
• To visit family and friends in Canada
• They must obtain a visitor visa unless they are from a visa-exempt country and eligible for an eTA.

2. Short-Term Study or Business Activities

• Those attending short-term courses, training sessions, or conferences (less than six months) require a visitor visa.
• Business visitors attending meetings, conferences, or brief assignments also fall under this category.

3. Transit Through Canada

• Travelers transiting through Canadian airports en route to another destination may need a visitor visa, depending on their nationality and travel circumstances.

What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A Visitor Visa, officially called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a formal permission to enter Canada for a temporary stay.

TRV is a sticker or stamp placed inside your passport by Canadian immigration authorities confirming your eligibility to enter Canada. It comes with specific conditions on how long you can stay and how often you can enter the country.

Types of TRV

Single-entry visa:

You can enter Canada once with this visa; as the name suggests, it is for a single entry purpose. You need a new visa to return once you exit.

Multiple-entry visa

This visa allows you to come and go as often as you want. It is usually valid for up to 10 years or until your passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.

Is the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) a Guarantee?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) shows airlines and Canadian border officers that you can travel to Canada. However, it does not guarantee entry. A border services officer will make the final decision at the time of your entry.

What will be your Stay period with a TRV?

• A border officer can grant a shorter or longer stay, which will be noted in your passport or on a Visitor Record.
• The standard stay allowed is up to six months per entry.
• If you don't get a stamp in your passport, you're generally allowed to stay for six months from your arrival date or until your passport/biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
• As a special case, Super Visa holders (parents/grandparents of Canadians) have exemptions and can stay up to five years per entry.

How to Know If You Need a Visitor Visa or an eTA for Canada?

You may consider the following factors to determine if you require a Visitor Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada:

• Check your eligibility and requirements for a TRV or eTA before booking travel:
• If you are from a visa-required country, you need a Visitor Visa to enter Canada.
• If you are from a visa-exempt country and traveling to Canada by air, you need an eTA.
• If you are flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport and are eligible, you may use an eTA.
• If you are entering Canada by car, bus, train, or boat (including cruise ships), you need a Visitor Visa.
• If you apply for a study or work permit, you will automatically be issued either a visa or an eTA based on your eligibility.

You may require a TRV or eTA based on your nationality, travel document, and mode of travel.

For more information, you may visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/about-visitor-visa.html .

Feel free to contact us for your queries.