Why apply for a Canada Visit Visa?

Canada attracts worldwide tourists due to its varied geography, secure urban centres, and rich cultural encounters. The Canada Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) enables international travelers to legally enter the country for a range of purposes from visiting relatives and exploring the Rockies to attending events and experiencing local festivals.

With its scenic landscapes, multicultural cities, and warm hospitality, Canada remains a top choice for tourists seeking both adventure and relaxation. Whether you're planning a short family trip or a cross-country tour, the Canada visit visa offers the flexibility and ease needed for a memorable travel experience.

• Over 1 lakh international arrivals were recorded in Canada in 2024.
• Around 834,010 visa applications were approved in 2025.
• The visa permits multiple entries for up to 10 years with each stay limited to 6 months.
• Get your visitor visa approved in 15-20 days
• Currently, improved digital infrastructure and application support are making the Canada Visit Visa process smoother and more efficient for applicants from the UAE and beyond.

TRV vs eTA: What’s the Difference?

The differences between TRV and eTA for Canada Tourist Visa are given in details below:

Feature	TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)	eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Who needs it	Citizens of visa-required countries	Citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling by air
Document type	Visa sticker in passport (single/multiple entry)	Digital authorization linked to passport (no sticker)
Typical cost	CAD 100 application fee; CAD 85 biometrics (if required)	CAD 7 online fee; no biometrics
Processing time	Usually weeks (varies by country/season)	Minutes to days (occasionally longer if flagged)
Biometrics	Often required (fingerprints + photo)	Not required
Validity	Valid to expiry date on visa; each stay up to 6 months unless otherwise stated	Up to 5 years or until passport expires; each stay up to 6 months unless otherwise stated

What is a Canada Visit Visa?

A Canada Visit Visa, or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document that allows foreign people to enter Canada for a short time. People usually get this visa for tourism, seeing family, or business meetings. Most visit visas let you stay for up to six months and can be either single-entry or multiple-entry, depending on your plans. You can't work in Canada with this visa, and you need to prove that you'll go back home after your visit.

*Looking for guidance with Canada Tourist Visa? Sign up with Y-Axis for end-to-end dupport with the process.

Types of Canadian Tourist Visa

Canada provides travellers with two main visa categories which are the:

• Single Entry Visa
• Multiple Entry Visa

People who hold a Single Entry Visa may visit Canada once while Multiple Entry Visa holders can access the country repeatedly over a period of 10 years with each visit limited to 6 months. Both visa types serve short-term purposes such as tourism or visiting family members or conducting business activities.

Single Entry Visa

The visa permits travelers to enter Canada for a single occasion. For brief visits such as family events or tourism travel this visa is the best option. After you depart Canada you must apply for a new visa to enter the country unless your trip includes travel to the United States or St. Pierre and Miquelon.

Multiple Entry Visa

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada issues this standard document to allow entry into Canada. These travel documents come with a multiple-entry feature that enables their holders to visit Canada repeatedly during the visa period which typically spans ten years or until their passport's expiry. The standard duration for each visit is six months. This type of visa is suitable for individuals who travel often or who plan to visit family regularly while others who seek extended stays abroad can also benefit from this option.

Benefits of a Visit Visa to Canada

The benefits of Canada Visit Visa are given below:

• Canada boasts cities, parks and tourist spots that you can legally visit.
• You can travel across the country to see your friends and family.
• You can participate in different events such as conferences or short courses.
• You can add US side trips to your Canadian travel itinerary when you meet certain requirements.
• The visa provides a 10-year period during which you can travel which boosts your flexibility.

Eligibility to Apply for a Canada Visit Visa from Dubai

To be eligible to apply for a Canada Visit Visa from Dubai, applicants must:

• Possess a valid passport and hold legal residency in the UAE.
• Seek entry for a short-term purpose like tourism, family visits, or business activities.
• Not plan to work or study in Canada.
• Show they have enough funds for their trip.
• Give proof of strong ties to the UAE or their home country (job, family, assets).
• Satisfy Canadian immigration rules for health and character.
• Have a good immigration record with no past visa issues.
• Convince the authorities they will return to the UAE or their home country after their visit.

Canada Visit Visa Requirements

The documents required for a Canada Visit Visa are given below:

• Passport: Must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. Include previous passports if they show travel history.
• IMM 5257 (Application Form for TRV): Completed accurately, validated, and signed as per official requirements.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos that meet Canadian visa photo specifications.
• Proof of Funds: Evidence such as recent bank statements, pay slips, or sponsorship letters to show you can support yourself during your stay.
• Travel Purpose & Itinerary: Documents outlining the reason for your visit—flight bookings, hotel reservations, conference details, or tour confirmations.
• Letter of Invitation (if applicable): From a family member, friend, or business contact in Canada confirming details of your visit.
• Proof of Ties to Home Country: Employment letters, property ownership, lease agreements, or family obligations that demonstrate your intent to return after your visit.
• Biometrics: Proof of biometrics fee payment. You must attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and a photograph, if required.
• Other Supporting Documents: Items requested specifically by IRCC, such as parental consent letters for minors, police certificates, or medical exams.

Step‑by‑Step guide for a Canada Visitor Visa (from UAE) 

Step 1 — Check eligibility & set up your IRCC account
Confirm you need a visitor visa (TRV) and that you meet temporary resident requirements; create/sign in to your IRCC online account.

Step 2 — Gather documents
Prepare passport, photos, completed forms, travel plan, proof of funds, UAE residence permit, and purpose‑specific evidence (e.g., invitation letter or conference details).

Step 3 — Complete the online application & pay fees
Fill in the application in your IRCC account and pay the visa fee (CAD 100 per person; family cap CAD 500) and, if required, the biometrics fee (CAD 85 per person; family cap CAD 170).

Step 4 — Receive your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) & book VAC
When the BIL arrives in your account, book a biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Step 5 — Give biometrics at the VAC
Attend your appointment to provide fingerprints and photo. If you gave biometrics for Canada in the last 10 years, they’re usually still valid and may be reused.

Step 6 — Wait for IRCC processing
Track your file in your IRCC account. Processing times vary by volume and season; respond promptly to any additional document requests.

Step 7 — Send in your passport when requested
If IRCC issues a passport request, submit your passport to the VAC (in person or via their passport transmission service, if available).

Step 8 — Receive decision & collect passport
Collect your passport (or arrange courier). Check your visa counterfoil details (name, passport number, validity, and entries) before travel.

Canada Tourist Visa Processing Time

Detailed information about the processing time of Canada Visit Visa is given below:

Visa Type / Application	Processing Time
Visitor Visa (from UAE)	~ 35 days
Single-entry vs Multiple-entry	~ 35 days

Canada Visitor Visa Fees (from UAE) 

Detailed information about the Canada visit visa fees from Dubai are given in the table below:

Fee Component	Official Amount (CAD)	Indicative AED
Visitor visa — per person	CAD 100	~AED 275
Visitor visa — family cap	CAD 500	~AED 1,375
Biometrics — per person	CAD 85	~AED 234
Biometrics — family cap	CAD 170	~AED 468

Biometrics for Canada Tourist Visa: Process, Timelines, and Locations

Biometrics are a key part of the Canada Tourist Visa (TRV) application process and help confirm your identity for security and processing purposes. Below is everything you need to know:

• Who needs to give biometrics: Most TRV applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must provide biometrics. eTA applicants are generally exempt.
• What happens: You will provide fingerprints (ten-print) and a digital photograph at an official Visa Application Centre (VAC) or a designated collection point.
• When to give: After applying, you’ll receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). You must book and attend your appointment, usually within 30 days.
• How long it takes: The process takes 10–20 minutes; once completed, your application resumes processing.
• Where to go: Biometrics are given at your nearest VAC or, if unavailable locally, at a regional VAC in your country or nearby.

Duration of Stay in Canada & Visitor Record Extensions

Standard Stay Rules

Default stay: Visitors entering Canada on a TRV or eTA can remain for up to 6 months, unless the border officer specifies a shorter or longer period.

Multiple entries: If you hold a valid TRV or eTA, you may leave and re-enter Canada multiple times. However, each stay is typically capped at 6 months unless otherwise stated in your entry stamp or visitor record.

Extending Your Stay (Visitor Record)

• What it is: A Visitor Record is not a new visa but an official document that extends or changes your stay conditions in Canada.
• When to apply: Submit your application before your status expires, ideally 30+ days in advance.
• How to apply: Apply online with a valid reason (tourism, family visit, medical), proof of funds, and evidence of strong ties to your home country.
• Implied status: If you apply on time, you can legally stay in Canada while waiting for a decision under the same conditions.
• Outcome: If approved, the Visitor Record specifies your new expiry date. If refused, you must leave Canada immediately.

TRV vs. Other Canadian Entry Documents

Canada requires foreign nationals to have the correct entry document before traveling. Whether you need a TRV (visitor visa) or another document depends on your nationality and travel purpose. Here’s how they differ:

Document Type	Who Needs It	Purpose	Validity & Notes
TRV (Temporary Resident Visa / Visitor Visa)	Nationals from countries that are visa-required	Allows entry to Canada for short stays such as tourism, family visits, or business. Does not authorize work or study (unless exempt activities).	Placed in your passport; validity may be single-entry or multiple-entry.
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)	Visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air (except U.S. citizens)	Electronic pre-screening to fly to Canada. For short visits similar to a TRV (tourism, family, business).	Linked to your passport; valid up to 5 years or until passport expiry.
Study Permit	International students accepted at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)	Authorizes study in Canada for programs longer than 6 months. Some travelers may also need a TRV or eTA depending on nationality.	Valid for the duration of the study program plus possible extensions.
Work Permit	Foreign nationals with a job offer or authorization to work in Canada	Allows legal employment in Canada. Some workers also need a TRV or eTA to enter.	Valid for the length of the employment contract; renewable in some cases.
Permanent Resident Visa/Confirmation of PR	Approved immigrants moving to Canada permanently	Grants the right to live, work, and study in Canada as a permanent resident.	One-time entry document issued after PR approval.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Applying for a Canadian TRV requires careful preparation and attention to detail. Below are the official steps to complete the process:

Step 1 — Confirm if you need a TRV
Determine whether you require a Temporary Resident Visa or if you are eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This depends on your nationality and mode of travel.

Step 2 — Create an online account
Most applicants must apply online through the IRCC Portal or IRCC secure account. Paper applications are only accepted in limited circumstances.

Step 3 — Complete the application form (IMM 5257)
Fill out the form with accurate details, including personal information, travel history, purpose of visit, and proof of financial capacity. Ensure all mandatory fields are complete.

Step 4 — Upload documents and pay fees
Submit required documents (passport, photos, proof of funds, travel plans, etc.) and pay the application fee. The standard TRV fee is $100 CAD per person, with a family cap of $500 CAD for five or more applicants. If biometrics are required, an additional $85 CAD per person (or $170 CAD family cap) applies.

Step 5 — Provide biometrics
Most applicants must attend a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give fingerprints and a photo. Bring proof that your biometrics fee has been paid.

Step 6 — Track your application and submit your passport when requested
Monitor application progress through your online account. If approved in principle, you may be asked to submit your passport for the visa counterfoil to be affixed.

Step 7 — Receive a decision
If approved, your TRV will be stamped in your passport. You must travel to Canada within the validity period specified on the visa.

Common Reasons for Refusal — and How to Reduce Risk

Why Applications Are Refused 

Canadian visa officers may refuse an application if:

• They are not satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
• You are inadmissible for reasons such as medical concerns, security, or criminality.
• Your application is incomplete or inconsistent, with missing documents or unclear travel purpose.

How to Strengthen Your File

To reduce the risk of refusal, ensure you:

• Submit a complete and accurate application with all required forms and supporting documents.
• Provide recent financial proof such as bank statements, salary slips, and tax records.
• Include employment letters, leave approvals, and a clear travel itinerary consistent with your stated purpose.
• Demonstrate strong ties to the UAE (employment, family, residence, property ownership).

If Your Application Is Refused

• You will receive a refusal letter outlining the reasons.
• You can reapply only if your situation has changed or if you can provide stronger evidence.
• In some cases, you may have the option to appeal, but this depends on the refusal grounds.

Recent Policy Updates for Canadian Visitor Visa 

Canada has introduced several updates to the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) process to improve efficiency and strengthen screening. Below are the latest changes applicants should be aware of:

 

• Online-First Applications
  All applicants are now expected to apply online through the IRCC Portal or IRCC Secure Account. Paper applications are accepted only in limited circumstances.

 

• Mandatory Biometrics
  Most TRV applicants must provide fingerprints and a photograph at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Biometrics must be completed before an application can be finalized.

 

• Updated Fees
  The TRV processing fee remains $100 CAD per applicant, with a $500 CAD cap for families of five or more applying together. Biometrics fees are $85 CAD per person, capped at $170 CAD per family.

 

• Processing Time Transparency
  Applicants must check IRCC’s official Processing Times tool for up-to-date timelines. Processing varies by country of residence and season.
• Faster Processing for Certain Family Cases

Spouses and partners being sponsored for permanent residence, who also apply for a TRV, may benefit from prioritized processing to reunite families more quickly.

• No Appeals for Refusals
  If a TRV application is refused, applicants cannot appeal but may reapply with stronger evidence addressing the refusal reasons.

How can Y‑Axis help you?

Y-Axis provides professional help to people residing in the UAE who want to obtain a Canadian Tourist Visa. Our company takes care of every stage of the visa process from document preparation to the final approval through our service.

We provide the following services to our clients:

• FREE and instant Y-Axis Canada Immigration Points Calculator
• Guide clients to complete their online IRCC application.
• We provide individualized document checklists with detailed reviews.
• Our service schedules biometric appointments for clients at VFS Global.
• We provide clients with regular updates regarding their application status.