Overview: Canada Visitor Visa in 2026

The Canada visitor visa, or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is required for citizens of visa-required countries to enter Canada for tourism, family visits, or business (excluding work). In 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to enforce strict guidelines, with visa officers having discretion over visa type (single or multiple-entry) and validity. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) determines entry and stay duration at the border, making compliance with rules critical to avoid issues like refusals or overstays.

Note: A TRV allows entry but does not guarantee it. CBSA officers assess your purpose, funds, and admissibility at the port of entry.

Visitor Visa Validity

The validity of a Canada visitor visa in 2026 depends on several factors:

• Maximum Validity: Up to 10 years or until the passport or biometrics expire, whichever is earlier. Visa officers may issue shorter validity periods based on factors like travel history, purpose, or country of origin.
• Single-Entry Visa: Permits one entry to Canada. A new visa is required to re-enter after leaving, unless traveling to the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon with valid status (e.g., study/work permit).
• Multiple-Entry Visa: Allows multiple entries within the validity period, with each stay subject to CBSA approval (typically up to 6 months per entry).
• V-1 Visa: Issued with study or work permits, valid until passport expiry, allowing re-entry for permit holders.
• Super Visa: For parents and grandparents, valid up to 10 years, allowing longer stays per entry (see Stay Duration).

Note: The visa’s expiry date is the last day you can use it to enter Canada, not the duration you can stay. Always check your passport’s validity before applying.

Stay Duration

The duration of your stay in Canada is set by CBSA officers at the port of entry and varies by visa type:

Note: Check your passport for a CBSA stamp or visitor record upon entry. If none is provided, assume a 6-month stay unless you hold a super visa.

Renewal and Extension Rules

In 2026, visitor visas cannot be renewed from within Canada, but you can extend your stay or apply for a new visa under these conditions:

• Visitor Record for Extension: Apply online for a visitor record at least 30 days before your authorized stay expires to extend your stay (e.g., beyond 6 months for TRV or 5 years for super visa). Include a valid reason (e.g., extended family visit, tourism) and supporting documents (e.g., funds, itinerary, host letter).
• Implied Status: If you apply for a visitor record before your status expires, you can remain in Canada legally until IRCC makes a decision, even if your current status lapses.
• New TRV Application: If your TRV expires and you leave Canada, apply for a new visa from outside Canada via the IRCC portal or a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Exceptions apply for travel to the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon with valid status (e.g., study/work permit).
• Overstay Risks: Overstaying without a visitor record can result in deportation, entry bans (1–5 years), or complications with future immigration applications.
• Processing Times: Visitor record processing may take 30–120 days in 2026, depending on application volume and country of origin.

Note: Apply for a visitor record early to benefit from implied status. Include a cover letter explaining the need for an extension and any changes in circumstances.

Application Requirements

To apply for a TRV or visitor record in 2026, ensure you meet these requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay, with one blank page for the visa stamp.
• Application Forms: Complete IMM 5257 (TRV application) or IMM 5708 (visitor record), plus IMM 5645 (Family Information, if required).
• Financial Proof: Provide 6–12 months of bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsor’s financial documents (e.g., Notice of Assessment, employment letter).
• Purpose of Visit: Submit a detailed itinerary, invitation letter (if applicable) with host’s ID, income proof (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns), and address verification.
• Ties to Home Country: Include employment letters, property deeds, rental agreements, or proof of dependent family to demonstrate intent to return.
• Biometrics: Required for most applicants (ages 14–79) from visa-required countries, submitted at a VAC after receiving a Biometric Instruction Letter.
• Admissibility: No criminal records or health issues that burden Canada’s public systems, unless addressed via rehabilitation applications or medical reports.
• Super Visa Specifics: Requires private medical insurance from a Canadian insurer (minimum $100,000 coverage) and proof of relationship to the Canadian host (e.g., birth certificate).

Note: Use IRCC’s country-specific document checklist to ensure all requirements are met. Save documents as PDFs with clear names (e.g., itinerary_name.pdf) for online submission.

Practical Tips for Compliance

• Verify Entry Requirements: Confirm whether your country requires a TRV or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) via the IRCC website.
• Track Stay Duration: Note your authorized stay via passport stamps or visitor records. Set reminders to apply for extensions 30–60 days before expiry.
• Prepare for CBSA Screening: At the border, provide clear answers about your visit purpose, show financial proof (e.g., bank statements), and present return travel plans.
• Avoid Overstays: Apply for a visitor record early to maintain legal status and avoid penalties like deportation or entry bans.
• Online Application: Use the IRCC portal for faster processing and track your application status to respond promptly to additional requests.
• Organize Documents: Submit clear, consistent documents and include a cover letter to clarify your purpose or address potential concerns (e.g., limited travel history).
• Professional Support: For complex cases (e.g., prior refusals, super visa applications), consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or immigration lawyer.
• Plan for Delays: Account for processing times (30–120 days for visitor records, longer for TRVs from high-volume countries) when planning your stay.

FAQ — Canada Visitor Visa Rules in 2026

Q: Can I enter Canada on the last day of my visa’s validity?

A: Yes, you can enter before the visa’s expiry date, but CBSA determines your stay duration at the port of entry.

Q: Can I work or study with a visitor visa?

A: No, a visitor visa prohibits work or study. You must apply for a separate work or study permit.

Q: What’s the difference between a visitor visa and a visitor record?

A: A TRV allows entry to Canada, while a visitor record extends or restricts your stay duration once in Canada.

Q: Can I re-enter Canada without a new TRV?

A: If you have a valid study/work permit and travel only to the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon, you can re-enter without a new TRV. Otherwise, a new visa is required.

Q: How long does it take to process a visitor record in 2026?

A: Processing times vary (30–120 days), depending on application volume and country. Apply early to benefit from implied status.

Q: Can I convert my visitor visa to a work/study permit?

A: No, you must apply for a work or study permit separately, typically from outside Canada, unless eligible for specific in-Canada streams.