Visitor visa and super visa: convince the officer you'll go home.

Visitor visa or eTA: what do you need?

It depends on your citizenship and how you travel:

• Visa-required countries: a valid visitor visa and a valid passport are required to visit or transit through Canada.
• Visa-exempt countries: an electronic travel authorization (eTA) is required to fly to Canada or transit through a Canadian airport. It costs CAN$7. By land or sea, an eTA isn't required, but a passport is.
• Special cases: citizens of certain countries that normally require a visa may, under conditions, apply for an eTA instead. U.S. citizens need neither a visa nor an eTA.

Requirements for a visitor visa

• Have a valid travel document, such as a passport
• Be in good health
• Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
• Convince the officer you have ties that will take you back home: a job, a home, financial assets, family
• Convince the officer you'll leave Canada at the end of your visit
• Have enough money for your stay

Depending on the case, a medical exam or a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada may be required.

The documents that make a difference

• Passport: it should be valid for at least 6 months after your planned travel date.
• Financial proof: bank statements covering at least 6 months, with balances.
• Letter of invitation: from a person or business in Canada, to confirm the purpose of the visit.
• Employer letter: on official letterhead, dated less than 3 months before you apply.

You apply online. After you submit, you receive a letter asking you to give your biometrics: book your appointment quickly to avoid delays.

The super visa for parents and grandparents

The super visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, with multiple entries for a period of up to 10 years.

• The person hosting you must be your child or grandchild, biological or adopted, and meet a minimum income
• The application must be submitted from outside Canada
• Medical insurance valid for at least 1 year from your entry into Canada is required, from a Canadian insurance company or an approved foreign company
• An immigration medical exam is mandatory
• Dependants can't be included in the application

What we do for you

• Check whether you need a visa, an eTA or a super visa
• Build a consistent file: purpose of travel, ties to your country, financial proof
• Prepare the letter of invitation and your host's documents
• After a refusal, fix exactly what the officer objected to

Frequently asked questions

My visitor visa was refused. Can I apply again?

Yes, generally at any time, unless your letter says otherwise. But a new application must address the reasons for the refusal with new evidence. See our page on visa or permit refusals.

Does a letter of invitation guarantee the visa?

No. It confirms the purpose of the visit, but the officer decides based on the whole file, including your ties to your country and your financial means.

Official sources: IRCC, "Visit Canada: eligibility" and "Apply for a visitor visa" (canada.ca, modified August 28, 2026), "Electronic Travel Authorization" (June 5, 2026), "Entry requirements by country" (July 31, 2026), "Super visa for parents and grandparents" (July 6, 2026) and the notice on managing the Parents and Grandparents Program (July 15, 2026). Consulted September 14, 2026.