Are you planning a trip to Canada? Knowing the validity of your tourist visa is key to making sure you have an enjoyable and smooth experience in the country.
Validity of the Visitor Visa
Canada’s Visitor Visa, also known as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is what will allow foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism reasons. The validity of the visa depends on several factors why you’re visiting, your nationality, and your travel history. Usually, these visas can be valid anywhere from a few months to 10 years.
Something to remember is that the validity of your visa doesn’t necessarily indicate how long you can stay in Canada during each visit. It’s the timeframe you can enter Canada multiple times as long as the visa is valid.
Length of Stay Per Visit
Since the validity of your Visitor Visa isn’t indicative of how long you can stay in Canada, it’s important to know that no matter how long your visa is valid, you can usually stay up to six months at a time.
This will vary depending on your situation and what the immigration officer says at your port of entry. Some officers might stamp your passport with a specific date on which you’re required to leave by. Always check your passport for the date to ensure you’re following the conditions of your Visitor Visa.
Conditions of Stay
When you visit Canada, it’s important to make sure you’re abiding by the conditions of your stay:
- Respect the purpose of your visit, meaning that since you’re on a Visitor Visa, you cannot legally work in Canada.
- Maintain a valid visa and passport throughout the time you’re in the country.
- Follow all Canadian laws
- Be prepared to leave when it’s time.
Renewal and Extension
If you want to stay in Canada for longer than the period you were granted, you have a few options:
- Renew Your Visa: If your Visitor Visa is expiring, you can apply for a new Visitor Visa once you’re no longer in Canada.
- Apply for an Extension: You can apply to extend your stay as a visitor as long as you do so at least 30 days before your visa expires.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stay in Canada after my visa expires?
No, you can’t stay in Canada once the visa expires.
What should I do if I lose my passport with a valid visa?
If you lose your passport with your Canadian Visitor Visa, you’ll need to apply for a new visa once you have your new passport.
Can the validity of my visa be shortened at the port of entry?
Yes, immigration officers can shorten your stay from an average of six months at your port of entry for a few reasons. It’s always best to check and then apply for an extension if you need to.