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.