Visitor
Visitor Visa
A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document citizens from visa-required countries need to get to travel to and enter Canada as a visitor for up to 6 months.
eTA
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new eTA.
With a valid eTA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally for up to six months at a time). You do not need an eTA for travel within Canada.
An eTA doesn’t guarantee entry to Canada. When you arrive, a border services officer will ask to see your passport and other documents.
Visitor Record
A visitor record is a document that a border services officer may issue to you to extend or restrict your stay in Canada.
If you want to stay in Canada for more than 6 months, you have to tell the border services officer.
You may also get a visitor record after your application is approved to extend your stay or restore your status.
A visitor record is issued either by the Canada Border Services Agency or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Do you want to come to Canada?
Find out what immigration programs you can apply for: