Canada Revamps Visitor Visa Rules for 2025
Starting May 7, 2025, Canada has introduced significant changes to its visitor visa policy, impacting tourists, students, business travelers, and transit passengers alike. Whether you’re planning a vacation, attending a short course, or simply passing through, it’s crucial to understand whether you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before booking your trip.
Who Needs a TRV vs. an eTA?
The majority of international visitors still require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. This applies to those visiting for tourism, family visits, short-term studies, or transiting through Canadian airports. A TRV is a physical stamp or sticker in your passport and can be either single-entry or multiple-entry, valid up to 10 years or until your passport expires.
In contrast, certain travelers from visa-exempt countries only need an eTA, which is an electronic authorization linked to their passport, primarily required for air travel. However, if arriving by land or sea, some of these travelers may still need a TRV.
How Long Can You Stay on a Visitor Visa?
Typically, visitors with a TRV can stay in Canada for up to six months per entry. Border officers have the discretion to shorten or extend this period, which will be noted in your passport or a Visitor Record document. Notably, holders of the Super Visa-for parents and grandparents of Canadians-can stay up to five years per visit, a recent extension effective from June 2023.
Other Canadian Visa Options to Consider
Besides the TRV and eTA, Canada offers various other visas tailored to different needs:
- Super Visa: Extended stays for parents and grandparents with private medical insurance.
- Study Permits: Required for programs longer than six months; shorter courses may only need a TRV or eTA.
- Work Permits: For foreign nationals employed by Canadian companies, including temporary and mobility programs.
- Transit Visas: Needed by some travelers passing through Canadian airports without entering the country.
What Travelers Should Know Before Applying
Canada now grants immigration officers more discretion in issuing single-entry or multiple-entry visas based on factors like purpose of visit, financial stability, medical conditions, and ties to the home country. Applicants are encouraged to provide detailed documentation to improve their chances of approval.
Final Tips: Prepare Before You Fly
With these 2025 updates, double-check your visa requirements well in advance to avoid surprises at the border. Confirm whether you need a TRV or eTA, understand your allowed length of stay, and gather all necessary documents, including biometrics and insurance if applicable.
Insight:
Canada’s updated visitor visa policies reflect a more tailored approach to entry, balancing security with traveler convenience. Staying informed is key to a smooth journey.
