Natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and a welcoming immigration policy are some of Canada’s most admired characteristics. Tourism, family visits, and short-term stays are among the most popular reasons for visiting the country each year. If immigrants have already settled in Canada, inviting relatives and friends for a visit can give them an opportunity to connect emotionally and to exchange cultural perspectives. Visiting Canada for a short period of time requires a temporary resident visa (TRV), also known as the Canada Tourist Visa.
While tourist visas do not typically lead to permanent residence, they are crucial for developing personal ties and gaining first-hand knowledge of Canadian society. While visa sponsorship is not mandatory in a legal sense, it plays an important supporting role. Visitors’ applications can be significantly improved by formal invitations, accommodation, and financial assurances from residents in Canada.
Process of obtaining a tourist visa
Visitors to Canada temporarily for tourism, business meetings, or family visits can apply for a Canada Tourist Visa. Depending on the application and purpose of travel, it can be issued for single or multiple entries and allows stays of up to six months.
Foreign nationals must meet the following requirements to apply:
- Be in possession of a valid passport
- Exhibit a desire to return home
- Financial proof must be provided
- Provide your itinerary and reason for visiting
- Ensure that you meet the requirements for admission (no criminal offenses or immigration violations).
Immigrants, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses applications based on their ties to their home countries, the reason for their visit, and their ability to support themselves financially.
The role of sponsorship in the approval of visas
Despite the fact that a Canadian resident or citizen does not need to sponsor a tourist visa in the same way as a permanent resident or work permit, having someone support the application significantly can strengthen it. Sponsors (often family members or friends) can provide:
- Describe the purpose and relationship of the visit in an invitation letter
- Citizenship or immigration documentation
- Evidence of living arrangements and accommodation
- Pay stubs or bank statements as proof of financial support
The information helps IRCC determine the likelihood of the visitor complying with visa conditions and returning home at the end of their stay. An applicant from a country with a higher refusal rate may find this to be especially important.
Documents Required for Tourist Visas
For applications to be considered, applicants must submit a complete and accurate package. The following are common requirements:
- Passport and two passport-sized photographs
- Application form for visa [IMM 5257] completed
- Evidence of ties to the homeland (employment, family, property)
- Proof of finances (bank statements or employment letter)
- Planned travel itinerary or stay duration
- Canadian resident’s letter of invitation (if applicable)
Based on their nationality and length of stay, some applicants may also need to submit a medical exam or biometric data.
The Canadian Tourist Visa by Numbers
Based on a recent analysis of Canada Tourist Visa application trends, the following table provides insight:
| Year | Applications Submitted | Approval Rate (%) |
| 2019 | 1,752,509 | 82% |
| 2020 | 485,113 (COVID impact) | 59% |
| 2021 | 578,695 | 65% |
| 2022 | 1,131,130 | 70% |
| 2023 | 1,582,400 | 76% |
| 2024 (est.) | 1.7 million+ | Projected 78% |
It is evident from these statistics that there has been a strong recovery from pandemic-related declines and that there has been a consistent demand for visiting Canada, particularly among immigrant relatives.
Extensions and durations of visas
It is possible to stay in Canada for up to six months on a standard tourist visa. On arrival, border officers determine the exact duration, which is usually stamped in the passport. An extension (Form [IMM 5708]) can be applied for at least 30 days before the authorized stay ends if a longer stay is required.
Visas for tourists do not permit:
- Without a study permit, you cannot study in Canada
- Without a work permit, working in Canada
- Transitioning directly into permanent residency with the visa
It is possible for visitors to explore legal pathways for future immigration during their stay, such as study permits and family sponsorships, if they are eligible.
Sponsorship of visitors is open to anyone
Sponsorship is available to any Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or lawful immigrant living in Canada. In order to sponsor, sponsors must:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- Documentation proving their legal status in Canada should be provided
- Providing financial and logistical support to visitors during their stay
Even though sponsors are not legally bound to the visitor’s visa obligations, their support often reassures visa officers.
The best practices for submitting a successful application
Both the applicant and sponsor should follow these steps to improve their chances of getting a visa:
- Create a personalized invitation letter that is clear and concise
- Plan a well-structured itinerary (sightseeing, family events, etc.).
- Evidence of return intent (job letter, dependents, studies in progress)
- Documents that are missing or inconsistencies should be avoided
- Make sure all forms are accurate and signed
For complex cases or applicants with prior refusals, hiring a regulated immigration consultant can also help navigate the process more effectively.
Canada Tourist Visas enable immigrants to reunite with loved ones, share Canadian culture, and strengthen cross-border family ties. When prepared, documented, and supported by a local sponsor, obtaining a tourist visa can be a smooth and successful process.
Canada continues to embrace diversity and international connections, making the tourist visa program an essential tool to connect newcomers to their homes. Planning and mutual trust create opportunities for not only sightseeing-but also meaningful reunions, cultural exchanges, and global understanding.