Do I require a visa to visit Canada? The visitor class is the most straightforward of the temporary resident classes. It includes tourists, travelers, vacationers. Also, it includes people who are visiting family and friends for short periods of time. visitors contribute to the Canadian economy. It is important to welcome visitors with a minimum of procedures while insuring the safety and security of Canadians.
A Candidate applying for temporary residence must satisfy the officer that he will comply with all the restrictions imposed by the visitor visa. Visitors are not generally allowed to study and work in Canada unless they are authorized to do so under the IRPR . Foreign nationals should apply for TRV at least one month before their intended arrival date.
There are four types of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)s:
1.Multiple-entry Visa(MEV)
Multiple entry visitor visas permit the holder to travel to Canada. It is for six months at a time as many times as they want, as long as the visa remains valid. They can be valid for up to 10 years. But the exact validity period is at the discretion of the visa officer issuing it.
2. Single-entry visa(SEV)
A single entry visa allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for one-time only. This entry is for the purpose of participating in a one-time event.
3. Transit Visa
A transit visa is generally needed for travel trough Canada to another country by anyone who would need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada.
4. Super visa
A Super Visa is a multiple-entry visitor visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada. A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for up to 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years. When you enter Canada, a border services officer will confirm how long you can stay. Super visa can also be extended for up to one additional year while they are in Canada. This visa does not allow them to work in Canada, it only allows them to visit.
In many cases, a letter of invitation will be needed for satisfying the officer that the foreign national intends only to visit temporarily. A letter of invitation is always required for super visa applicants.