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Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

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After you apply

On this page

Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)

Book your biometrics collection appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.

Find out how to give biometrics

Processing your visitor visa application

We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the documents you need.

If it's incomplete, your application may be refused.

We may also ask you to

We’ll tell you what to do if you need to do any of these.

We process most applications in a few weeks or less. Processing times depend on the visa office and if you need to do any extra steps (listed above).

Check your application status

Use the application status tracker(opens in a new tab)  to get updates about your application. To create an account you need your:

If we approve your application

If you applied online

You’ll get 2 letters in your IRCC account:

  • a letter with instructions to submit your passport
  • our decision letter

This approval doesn’t mean you can travel to Canada. You need to wait until we put the visa in the passport you submit to us.

If you applied on paper

When your application is approved, any original documents, including your passport with the visa inside, will be returned to you.

If we refuse your application

If you applied online

You’ll get our decision in your IRCC account. This will explain why we refused your application.

If you applied on paper

An explanation of why your application was refused will be sent to you, along with any original documents, including your passport.

Basic entry requirements

To visit Canada, you will need to meet some basic requirements, such as:

  • have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
  • be in good health,
  • have no criminal or immigration-related convictions,
  • convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country,
  • convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and
  • have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.)

Inadmissibility

Some people are inadmissible—they are not allowed to come to Canada. Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime.

You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons. Find out more about inadmissibility.

How long you can stay

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months. If so, they’ll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave by.

If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border officer after you finish at the kiosk.

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