Temporary Residency Visa Requirements

A temporary residency visa (visitor visa) to enter Canada is required of foreign nationals of certain economies whether the purpose is business or pleasure.  A temporary residency visa does not allow a foreign national to enter the Canadian labour market. Visitors (including business persons) of the following APEC economies require a temporary residency visa for admission to Canada:

. Chile
. People’s Republic of China
. Hong Kong, China (Certificate of Identity holders)
. Indonesia
. Malaysia
. Peru
. Republic of the Philippines
. Russia
. Chinese Taipei
. Thailand
. Vietnam

Visitors (including business persons) of the following APEC economies do not require a temporary residency visa for admission to Canada:

. Australia
. Brunei Darussalam
. Hong Kong, China (HK SAR and HK BNO passport holders)
. Japan
. Republic of Korea 
. Mexico
. New Zealand
. Papua New Guinea
. Singapore
. United States

For a complete world list please visit: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html
For general information on visiting Canada, please refer to: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.html

- A valid and subsisting passport for travel to Canada, except a visitor who is a citizen of the United States
- Visa application forms:  http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/visa.html
- Introductory or sponsorship letters from associated companies, business representatives, government agencies or other authority
- 2 photographs
- Visitors must be in possession of or have satisfactory evidence of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Canada and to effect departure

An application may be lodged by post to a Canadian diplomatic mission: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/offices/missions.html

Applicants are not required to lodge their visa applications personally.  An interview may be required.

A multiple entry visa may be issued which is valid for up to 5 years, although a visa cannot be issued which is valid longer than the passport. Single entry visas may be granted for a stay of up to 6 months.

The duration of stay may be extended once the person is in Canada. For an extension, the applicant must fill in an application form and return it with the documentation (see above) to a case processing center (CPC) in Canada.  An application for a visa extension should be lodged at least 3 weeks before visa expiry.

Processing fees are universal. The fee for a single entry visa is C$75 and for a multiple entry visa C$150.  The family rate is C$400.

Payment is generally accepted in local or Canadian currencies, except in economies with non-convertible currencies, where payment in U.S. currency is also accepted. Forms of payment vary among missions.

Family members are permitted to accompany a person to whom a business visa has been issued when they qualify for a visa and obtain it.

A medical examination may be required depending on the visa officer's assessment. A police certificate may be required based upon answers in the application form.