Who needs a temporary resident visa (visitor visa)
A visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) is an official document that foreign nationals need to travel to and enter Canada as a visitor for up to 6 months. Unless you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need a visitor visa to enter Canada whether you are coming to study, work, or visit.
There are two types of Canadian visitor visas: single entry visas and multiple entry visas. A single-entry visa allows foreign nationals to enter Canada one-time only. A multiple entry visa allows the holder to enter for six months at a time as many times as they want, if the visa remains valid. You don’t get to choose the type of visitor visa. Applicants are automatically considered for multiple entry visas and are only issued single-entry visas under unique circumstances.
Extending a visitor status
Whether single entry or multiple entries, visitor visas allow foreign nationals to legally live in Canada for up to six months at a time. At the end of this period, their legal status will expire, and they must leave Canada. Foreign nationals who would like to extend their stay beyond six months must apply to do so while their temporary resident status is still valid. They should apply for an extension at least 30 days before their status will expire. If their current visa expires while the extension application is still being processed, they may remain in Canada while waiting for a decision to be made. This is called implied status. They can also apply for permanent resident status if they are eligible for one of Canada’s immigration programs.
Need help to apply for a visitor visa to come to Canada?
Shawar Law specializes in immigration services for all types of immigration cases, including, but not limited to, applications for permanent residence, applications for temporary residence, other visa applications and citizenship applications.
Mon – Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: 10AM -3PM
Sunday: Closed
