Canada Family Visit Visa Guide (2026) — How Parents & Relatives Can Get Approved (Ultimate Guide)
Quick summary: This step-by-step guide explains eligibility, required documents, invitation letter templates, proof of funds, tips to improve approval chances, common mistakes to avoid, and a final checklist for Canada family visit visas (TRV) — including parents and relatives.
Overview: TRV (Visitor Visa) vs Super Visa
There are two common routes for family visits to Canada:
- Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / Visitor Visa): Standard visitor visa for short stays (usually up to 6 months per entry). Required for citizens of visa-required countries.
- Super Visa (for parents & grandparents): Special multi-entry visa allowing longer stays (up to 5 years per entry for certain nationals) but with additional requirements such as minimum medical insurance and stronger proof of family relationship and financial support.
Note: This guide focuses on the standard family visit (TRV) but highlights Super Visa differences where relevant. Always confirm the correct category on the official IRCC site: IRCC.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
Generally, applicants must:
- Hold a valid passport from a visa-required country (check IRCC list).
- Prove they will leave Canada at the end of their visit.
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves for the duration of the stay (or show the host will support them).
- Not have criminal or immigration-related inadmissibility.
- Meet any health requirements (medical exams may be requested).
Required Documents — Complete List
Collect these documents before you begin your application. Depending on your case, you may not need every item below, but stronger documentation improves approval chances.
Identity & Travel Documents
- Valid passport (with at least one blank page and 6+ months validity recommended).
- Passport-size photos that meet IRCC specifications.
- Copy of previous Canadian visas (if any).
Application Forms
- Completed application form (IMM 5257 or online equivalent).
- Family Information Form (IMM 5645) if required.
- Use the online IRCC checklist for country-specific forms.
Proof of Relationship & Purpose
- Invitation letter from host in Canada (see template below).
- Proof of relationship: birth certificates, marriage certificates, family registry, photos together, communication records.
- Detailed travel itinerary and intended dates of stay.
Proof of Financial Support
- Bank statements (last 6 months) for applicant and/or sponsor.
- Host’s employment letter, pay slips, Notice of Assessment (NOA), or proof of income.
- If sponsor is supporting: sponsor’s bank letter and recent pay stubs, or proof of savings/investments.
Supporting Documents
- Employment letter and approved leave of absence (if employed).
- Property ownership or rental agreement (to show ties to home country).
- Income tax returns (last 2–3 years).
- Medical exam results (if requested by IRCC).
- Police clearance certificate (if requested).
Invitation Letter: Template & Tips
An invitation letter from the Canadian host is important but not sufficient alone. It should be clear, signed, and include supporting documents from the host.
Invitation Letter Template (copy & adapt)
[Date]
[Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada]
Dear Visa Officer,
I, [Full name of host], residing at [Full Canadian address], am writing to invite my [relationship — e.g., mother, father, sister], [Full name of visitor], passport number [passport number], to visit me in Canada from [start date] to [end date] for the purpose of family visit/tourism.
I am a [Canadian citizen / permanent resident] (copy attached). I will provide accommodation and financial support for the duration of their stay (if applicable). My employment details are: [employer name, job title, annual income].
Attached documents:
1. Copy of my Canadian passport / PR card
2. Proof of address (rental agreement / utility bill)
3. Recent pay slips and Notice of Assessment (NOA)
Sincerely,
[Host signature]
[Host full name]
[Phone number] — [Email address]
Tips: Include supporting host documents (ID, proof of income, tenancy/ownership proof, and a clear statement whether you will cover travel or medical expenses).
Proof of Funds & Financial Support
IRCC wants assurance the visitor will be financially supported and not work illegally. Demonstrate stable funds and explain any large deposits.
- Applicant’s bank statements: last 6 months (12 if available).
- Host’s financial proof: pay slips, bank statements, Notice of Assessment.
- Formal sponsorship declaration: if host is funding the trip, include a signed statement.
- Travel insurance: for Super Visa applicants, private medical insurance from a Canadian insurer is required.
Avoid sudden large deposits shortly before applying. If there are such deposits, include supporting documents (sale receipts, gift deeds, loan discharge letters).
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check eligibility on IRCC and whether you need a TRV or Super Visa.
- Create an IRCC account (or VAC online account) and complete the required forms.
- Gather supporting documents (see checklist above).
- Pay fees (application fee, biometrics if required) via the official IRCC portal.
- Submit application online or via Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Provide biometrics at the local VAC (if required) after receiving a Biometric Instruction Letter.
- Wait for decision — processing times vary. Respond promptly if IRCC requests additional documents.
- If approved: submit passport for visa stamping (if required) and prepare for travel.
Top Tips to Increase Approval Odds
- Show strong ties to home country: employment letter with approved leave, property ownership, dependent family members.
- Provide a clear travel plan: itinerary, hotel bookings (or host address), return flight reservation (do not buy refundable tickets until visa is granted).
- Explain any past immigration history: previous refusals, overstays in any country — provide a clear explanation and supporting documents.
- Keep bank accounts clean: avoid multiple unexplained cash flows; explain large deposits.
- Consistent information: ensure names, dates, and figures match across all documents.
- Use certified translations for any non-English/French documents.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Providing vague invitation letters: include specific dates, relationship, and host support details.
- Submitting only current balance certificates: include transaction history for at least 6 months.
- Inconsistent statements: employment income declared but not reflected in bank statements — reconcile and explain.
- Missing proof of ties: no evidence applicant will return home — show stable employment, family responsibilities, or assets.
- Ignoring past refusals: never omit previous visa refusals; explain circumstances honestly.
Final Checklist (Printable)
- Completed application form (IMM 5257 or online equivalent)
- Valid passport + passport photos
- Invitation letter from host with supporting documents
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- Host’s proof of income (pay slips, NOA)
- Employment letter & leave approval
- Property/rental documents or proof of ties
- Travel itinerary & flight reservation (recommended)
- Medical exam / travel insurance (if Super Visa)
- Translations and notarizations (if required)
Printable tip: Save all documents as PDFs with clear file names (e.g., passport_name.pdf, invitation_hostname.pdf) to streamline online upload.
FAQ — Family Visit Visa to Canada
Q: Can parents apply for a longer stay?
A: Parents may apply for a Super Visa which has additional requirements (longer validity and mandatory medical insurance). Otherwise, standard TRV visits are usually up to 6 months per entry.
Q: Should the host financially sponsor the visitor?
A: Sponsorship is not mandatory for a standard TRV but a signed letter of invitation and proof of the host’s ability to support the visitor improves chances. For the Super Visa, clear financial support and private medical insurance are mandatory.
Q: Is travel insurance required?
A: Not required for standard TRV, but strongly recommended. For Super Visa, private medical insurance from a Canadian insurer is required.
Q: Can I apply online from my home country?
A: Yes. Online applications are faster and more secure. Paper-based options are available in some countries via VACs — follow IRCC instructions for your region.
