Eligibility for the Canadian Tourist Visa

Every year more than 20 million visitors come to Canada. In order to be eligible for a Canadian Tourist Visa, you must:

• have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
• be in good health,
• 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 like how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives)

You may also need a:

• temporary resident (visitor) visa, depending on your citizenship,
• a medical exam, and
• a Letter of Invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

Medical Exams for Visitors

If you plan to visit for six months or less:

You generally do not require a medical exam, unless you plan to work in certain occupations (see below).

If you plan to visit for more than six months:

You will need a medical exam if you:

• have lived temporarily for six or more consecutive months
  • in one or more of certain countries or territories
  • in the one year immediately before the date you want to enter Canada. (This applies even if you are a citizen of a country that does not need a visa to enter Canada.) or
• will come to Canada to work in an occupation in which public health must be protected. See below for jobs for which you need a medical exam.
• apply for a Parent and Grandparent Super Visa.

Travel documents

Transport companies, such as airlines, must make sure you have proper, valid travel documents when you enter Canada. If you do not have the proper documents, you may be delayed or unable to board the plane.

The following travel documents are not considered reliable. You cannot use them to enter Canada:

• passports supposedly issued by Somalia,
• non-machine readable passports issued by the Czech Republic,
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa and
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela.

This list can change. Check it regularly for up-to-date information.

Visas and exemptions

You might need a temporary resident (visitor) visa to visit Canada, depending on your citizenship. Even if you do not need a visa, read the following. It includes important information you need to know before you plan your trip.

Carry proper travel documents and identification

While you may not need a visa to visit or transit Canada, you still need to:

• Show an immigration officer that you satisfy all other requirements to enter Canada. For instance, you may need a medical exam before arriving. If you do not meet all the requirements, you may not be allowed to enter.
• Carry proper travel documents and identification for yourself and any children traveling with you.

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.

Please Contact Us for more information on this program.