If you want to visit Canada, you may need a visa. Canada requires citizens from some countries and territories to get a visa before they can enter Canada. Before you plan your visit, you should find out if you need a visa. For more information, see the Related Links section at the bottom of this page.
Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them.
1. Obtain a Temporary Resident Visa application kit.
You can download the application kit from Find an application form or guide in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.
Outside Canada, contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area to have the application mailed to you.
Read the guide carefully before you complete the application form. The fee for processing your form is not refundable, so make sure you are eligible to get a Temporary Resident Visa before you apply.
3. Complete the application form and attach the necessary documents.
The application form contains instructions. Read the instructions and be sure to provide the required documents. If you do not provide all the requested information or documents, your application may be delayed.
You can use the same application form for your spouse or common-law partner, and for dependent children under 18 if they will be travelling with you.
All required documents must be includeded with your application:
4. Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
The fee per person is $75 for a single entry visa, $150 for a multiple entry visa or $400 for a family (multiple or single entry).
Check the website of the visa office responsible for the country or region where you live for more information on fees, including how to pay them.
5. Mail the application form and necessary documents.
When you have completed the application form, make sure you sign and date it, and that all required documents and fees are included in the envelope. In most countries, application fees must be paid in Canadian dollars. You must send your application to the Canadian visa office in the country or region where you live. Check the guide in your application kit for instructions.
How long it takes to process your application varies depending on the visa office where you applied. You can find out more about application processing times in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.
You may need to go for an interview with a visa officer. See more information about an interview in After Applying on the right-hand side of this page.
You might need a medical examination to be allowed to enter Canada. If you do, a Canadian immigration officer will tell you and will send you instructions about what to do. A medical examination can add more than three months to the processing time of your application. You can find more information on medical examinations in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.
You do not need a representative to help you apply to visit or immigrate to Canada. Whether you use a representative is a personal choice. More information about using a representative is in the Quick Find section on the right-hand side of this page.