Types of Canadian Visas
There are three types of visas for visitors of Canada, and residents of many countries (including the U.S.) will be glad to know Canada has a long list of territories that are exempt from any visa requirement. Below, the visa types are defined, along with some other documents and permissions that may be required, depending on the nature of your visit to Canada.
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Temporary Resident Visa--Single-Entry
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This temporary resident visa is the best choice for persons planning a single trip to Canada. A single-entry visa will allow you to enter Canada once.
Once you arrive in Canada, you will meet with a representative from the Canada Border Services Agency who will verify you meet the requirements necessary to enter Canada. Once approved, the officer will stamp your passport or issue a document indicating you are authorized to stay. In the event you have no stamp or handwritten date in your passport, or other document, your temporary resident status will automatically expire six months from the date you first arrived in Canada.
With the exception of visits to the U.S. or Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, you will be required to get a new visitor visa to re-enter Canada. When visiting the U.S. or Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, you must be authorized to do so by an immigration officer, where a set time period will be given, or
have a document authorizing re-entry into Canada, such as a work or study permit.
Temporary Resident Visa--Multiple-Entry
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The multiple-entry visa gives the most flexibility, allowing you to enter Canada multiple times so long as your visa is valid. It is necessary to have one if you plan to visit many countries or return to your home country. Multiple-entry visas are typically issued for the lesser of five years (maximum) or just before the expiry date of your passport. To allow the longest visa term possible, your passport should be renewed if it is close to its expiration date. Additionally, you must arrive in Canada on or in the days before the date on your Temporary Resident Visa. Once you get to Canada, the border officer will advise you of when you must leave the country and stamp your passport.
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Transit Visa
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Residents of countries required to obtain visas for travel to Canada will be required to obtain a transit visa when traveling through Canada on flights that stop for under 48 hours. To do so, you must provide a travel itinerary from a transportation company or travel agency at least a month in advance. Travel tickets may be requested as part of proof of your travel arrangements.
Documents Related to Your Visa
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Should you wish to work or study while in Canada, you must apply for permits to do so. More information about applying for a work or study permits can be found on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. If you are given a student or work permit, the date it expires will be marked on the document.
Permanent Residency
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Should you decide you would like to emigrate to Canada, you will need to apply for a permanent resident card, as your visa will no longer be an appropriate document. See the FAQ sheet below for more information.
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