What is a Visitor Visa (TRV) for Canada?

A Canadian Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is a document issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office outside Canada. It demonstrates that the holder has met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident. This visa is essential for individuals from countries that require a visa to visit Canada, i.e. citizens of countries that are not visa-exempt and, therefore, do not qualify for an eTA.

The TRV may be for single or multiple entries and is typically granted for a period of six months for tourists, with varying durations for temporary foreign workers and international students.

Readers should note that possession of a TRV does not guarantee entry into Canada – they will still have to demonstrate the temporary nature of their visit at the port of entry. Certain applicants may also have to undergo a medical examination, and factors such as criminality and financial support are also considered for entry.

The TRV is different from an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), with citizens of most countries requiring either one or the other for entry into Canada (but not both).

What are the requirements for obtaining a Canadian TRV or visitor visa?

To obtain a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV), an applicant has to meet certain specific requirements outlined by the Canadian government. Below are the most important ones:

Eligibility criteria

– Have a valid travel document, for example a passport.
– Have no immigration-related or criminal convictions and be in good health.
– Show ties to his or her home country that will help to ensure them returning there after the visit.
– Convince immigration officers of the intention to leave Canada at the end of the visit.
– Have sufficient money to last for the duration of their visit.
– Not be inadmissible to Canada for security, financial, or health reasons.

Supporting documents

– Valid passport or travel document.
– Completed forms like Family Information (IMM 5645) and Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) if applicable.
– Documents for minor children who are traveling with you.
– Optional documents like travel history, itinerary, bank account statement, and employer information.

Additional requirements

– Provide proof of paid Canada visa fees.
– Submit a clean criminal record and undergo a medical exam to prove good health.
– Include photographs meeting Canada visa requirements.
– Show proof of financial means and the intention to return to your home country after the visa expires.
– Submit a cover letter explaining the purpose of your visit and any invitations or support letters.

These requirements are there to make sure that all the applicants meet the necessary criteria to be granted a Canadian Visitor Visa, allowing them to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, business activities, or other temporary purposes.

What is the normal processing time for a Canadian visitor visa application?

How long it takes to process your Canadian Visitor Visa application can vary depending on several factors such as the type of visa, your country of residence, and the completeness of your application. The following factors will also play a role:

– Completeness and accuracy of your application.
– Your response time to any possible requests for additional information.
– The volume of applications being processed by immigration authorities at the time.
– The type of visa being applied for (e.g., Visitor Visa, Work Permit).
– Any specific requirements related to the application, such as medical examinations or biometrics. If biometrics are required, it will take at least 8 weeks to process your application.

It is very important to be aware of all the factors that can play a role and to make sure that the application is complete and accurate to potentially speed up the processing time. Apart from that, prompt responses to any possible requests for additional documents or information can also help a lot.

Where and how can I check the status of my Canadian TRV (visitor visa) application?

You have several options available if you want to check the status of your Canadian Visitor Visa application:

Online application status check

– Visit the official Canadian immigration website.
– Find your way to the section for tracking visa applications.
– Enter your current passport number in the correct field.
– Submit the online form and then wait for your visa status to update.

Using your passport number

– Visit the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website.
– Look for the application tracking section.
– Enter your passport number and other relevant information to check your application status.

IRCC account

– If you applied online, log in to your IRCC account.
– You will receive updates on your application status, including approval or refusal letters in your account.

By following the above steps, you can easily track the progress of your Canadian Visitor Visa application and stay informed about its current status.

What can I do if my Canadian TRV visa application is rejected?

If your Canadian TRV Visitor Visa application is unsuccessful, there are several steps you can take to try and resolve the issue. Below are a few alternatives.

If the reason for your TRV application being rejected is of such a nature that there is no reasonable hope that the authorities will change their minds, your best option is probably to explore alternative plans such as looking into different travel destinations or reevaluating your whole trip.

You can also use the refusal as an opportunity to strengthen your application and address any weaknesses.

Appeal the decision

If you believe that the immigration officer made a mistake in refusing your visa, you are allowed to file an appeal. The appeal process involves submitting your case to the Federal Court of Canada via the judicial review process.

Request reconsideration based on new information

You can request the immigration department to reconsider your application by providing additional information or clarifying any issue or misunderstanding. Make sure that you submit all supporting documentation and relevant information in your response.

Submit a totally new application

If your situation has, for example, changed drastically you may consider reapplying. Just make sure that your new application includes all the necessary documentation and addresses the reasons for the previous refusal.

Seek legal assistance

Consulting with an experienced immigration lawyer can help you to better understand the reasons for the refusal and determine the best strategy going forward. A highly skilled lawyer will be able to help you with preparing a strong response or submitting a new application. This route will obviously cost money and should only be considered if you feel you have a very strong case and/or the reason for your planned visit to Canada is very important to you.

What are the most common reasons for a Canadian TRV application being rejected?

Some of the most common reasons for a Canadian Visitor Visa application not being approved include the following:

Lack of ties to your home country

If the visa officer believes you do not have strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property, they may be concerned about your intention to return after visiting Canada. That always serves as a red light for visa officers.

Purpose of your visit

Providing insufficient details on the purpose of your visit can also lead to a refusal. Clear documentation supporting the reason for your visit is very important to avoid this from happening.

Insufficient funds

The inability to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover the reasonable costs of your travel expenses, including the return trip, can result in a visa application being rejected. It is, therefore, essential to show that you have enough available funds to support your stay in Canada.

Your previous travel history

Lack of travel history or a pattern of overstaying visas in other countries can raise concerns about your intention to leave Canada. Establishing a clear history of returning to your home country will always play an important role next time you apply for a visa.

Misrepresentation of facts

Providing false or misleading information, whether intentional or unintentional, can lead to an unsuccessful visa application. It is vital to make sure that all information you provide is accurate and can be supported by appropriate documentation.

What are the consequences of a Canadian TRV visitor visa application being rejected?

An unsuccessful Canadian Visitor Visa application can have various negative implications for the applicant. These could, for example, include:

Inability to visit Canada

A rejected visa application in the first place means that the individual will not be able to visit Canada for the intended purpose, whether that is for tourism, visiting family or friends, or conducting business. From a personal point of view this can be a huge disappointment.

Possible financial losses

In the first place, the fees paid for the visa application are typically non-refundable in the case of your application being rejected. Any other costs linked to the planned trip to Canada which you have already incurred will also be forfeited.

The impact on future applications

Reapplying with the same information after a rejection is unlikely to change the outcome. Only if there are significant changes in the applicant’s circumstances, such as criminal rehabilitation or eligibility for deemed rehabilitation, a new application may be successful.

The negative impact on your travel plans

A visa refusal will disrupt your travel plans and force you to make alternative arrangements. It may also require a reevaluation of your future travel destinations.

Legal implications

If the rejection is due to inadmissibility reasons such as criminal or medical issues, seeking advice from a qualified immigration lawyer might be necessary to help you understand the potential legal implications and plan your next steps.

What alternatives are there to applying for a Canadian TRV or Visitor Visa?

If your country is on the list of countries whose citizens can travel to Canada visa-free, you can save yourself a lot of hassle by simply applying for an eTA. It’s cheaper, quicker, and a lot easier.