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Canada visitor visa application 2026
IMM 5257 (TRV) IMM 5476 (Super Visa)

Visit Canada.
We'll get you
approved.

Whether you're visiting family in Toronto, exploring Canada for the first time, or bringing your parents for an extended stay - GetNorthPath helps you build a strong Visitor Visa or Super Visa application. AI validates documents. Free DIY tools and platform features keep visiting Canada accessible under AI for All.

🇮🇳 India 🇳🇬 Nigeria 🇵🇭 Philippines 🇵🇰 Pakistan 🇧🇩 Bangladesh 🇨🇳 China + more
Book a walkthrough The #1 reason for refusal
Which visa type do you need?
Visitor Visa (TRV) - IMM 5257
Tourism, family visits, business trips. Up to 6 months per entry.
Most common
Super Visa - IMM 5476
For parents & grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs. Up to 5 years per entry, valid 10 years.
Long stay
eTA - Electronic Travel Authorisation
For visa-exempt countries (UK, Australia, France, etc.). $7 CAD, minutes to process.
Visa-exempt
IMM 5257 auto-filled by AI
AI validates all documents
Free tools reviews ties package
India, Nigeria, Philippines, Country guides
free complete service
Three ways to visit Canada

TRV, Super Visa, or eTA - which do you need?

The type of authorisation you need to enter Canada depends on your citizenship. GetNorthPath handles TRV and Super Visa applications. If you're from a visa-exempt country, you likely just need an eTA - processed automatically in most cases.

Visitor Visa (TRV)
IMM 5257
Most common

Required for citizens of countries not exempt from the Canadian visa requirement. Covers tourism, visiting family and friends, short business trips, and attending events. Most people from India, Nigeria, Philippines, Pakistan, China, and Bangladesh need this.

Maximum stay per entry6 months
Typical validityUp to 10 years (multiple entry)
IRCC feeCAD $100 per person
Processing time3–20 weeks
FormIMM 5257
See required documents
Super Visa
For parents & grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs
Long stay

A special long-stay visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Unlike the regular TRV (6 months max), the Super Visa allows stays of up to 5 years per entry - making it ideal for extended family visits or helping with grandchildren.

Maximum stay per entryUp to 5 years
Validity10 years (multiple entry)
IRCC feeCAD $100 per person
Processing time4–12 weeks
Health insuranceCAD $100,000 min required
Super Visa requirements
eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation)
Visa-exempt countries flying to Canada
Auto-processed

Citizens of visa-exempt countries (UK, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and most EU countries) don't need a Visitor Visa - but must have an eTA to fly to Canada. An eTA costs CAD $7 and is typically approved within minutes. GetNorthPath doesn't handle eTAs as they're essentially automatic.

Maximum stay6 months per entry
Validity5 years or passport expiry
IRCC feeCAD $7
Processing timeMinutes (usually)
FormOnline - no IMM form
Apply at canada.ca/eta directly
Do you need a TRV?

Citizens of these countries need a Visitor Visa to enter Canada.

Whether you need a full Visitor Visa (TRV) or just an eTA depends entirely on your citizenship. Here are the most common nationalities GetNorthPath serves - and what they need.

🇮🇳IndiaTRV needed
🇳🇬NigeriaTRV needed
🇵🇭PhilippinesTRV needed
🇵🇰PakistanTRV needed
🇧🇩BangladeshTRV needed
🇨🇳ChinaTRV needed
🇬🇭GhanaTRV needed
🇰🇪KenyaTRV needed
🇱🇰Sri LankaTRV needed
🇧🇷BrazilTRV needed
🇬🇧United KingdomeTA only
🇦🇺AustraliaeTA only
🇫🇷FranceeTA only
🇺🇸USANeither needed
The #1 reason for refusal

"Insufficient ties to home country" - and how to prove yours.

The most common reason IRCC refuses Visitor Visa applications is insufficient evidence that the applicant will leave Canada at the end of their authorised stay. IRCC officers look for "ties" - reasons you have to return home. GetNorthPath helps you build the strongest possible ties package.

Stable employment with a letter from your employer confirming your position and return date
Property ownership in your home country (land title, mortgage documents)
Spouse or dependent children remaining in your home country
Significant financial assets (investments, bank accounts) in home country
Prior international travel history - especially previous visits to Canada or other countries where you returned as required
Ongoing business or professional commitments requiring your return
Unemployed or no confirmed employment to return to
No dependents or property in home country
Close family already in Canada (spouse, children, parents)
First international trip with no prior travel history
How GetNorthPath strengthens your ties package
you review your specific situation and advises exactly which ties documents will make the strongest impact for your country profile.
If your ties are genuinely weak, we'll tell you that honestly - and advise on what to add or strengthen before applying, rather than letting you submit a weak application.
Employer letters, financial documents, and property records all validated by AI to ensure they meet IRCC's specific requirements for your nationality.
If you've been refused before, you review the refusal letter and advises on how to address the specific concerns raised in a new application.
We build a coherent narrative for your visit purpose - purpose of visit, your relationship to your Canadian contact, and your reasons for returning home - that's consistent across every document.
Super Visa

Bringing your parents to Canada? The Super Visa is the better option.

If your parents or grandparents want to spend significant time in Canada with you, the Super Visa offers dramatically longer stays than a regular TRV - up to 5 years per entry, valid for 10 years. GetNorthPath handles every Super Visa application at the standard free.

Canadian child or grandchild must be a citizen or PR
The person sponsoring the Super Visa application must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. They must provide proof of their status - Canadian passport or PR card/COPR.
Required
Sponsor meets minimum income (LICO × 1.3)
Your Canadian child or grandchild must meet a minimum income threshold based on family size - Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) plus 30%. For 2 people, approximately CAD $32,000/year. NOA (Notice of Assessment) or employment letter required.
Required
Canadian private health insurance - minimum CAD $100,000
The applicant must have valid Canadian health insurance from a Canadian insurance company for the full duration of their stay. Coverage must be at least CAD $100,000 for emergency medical, hospitalisation, and repatriation. This is separate from OHIP (which requires residency).
Required - most expensive requirement
Standard admissibility requirements
Valid passport, medical exam (from a panel physician), police certificate (if required for your country), and biometrics. Same inadmissibility rules as a regular TRV apply.
Required

Super Visa vs Regular TRV - the key differences

Regular Visitor Visa (TRV)
Super Visa
Stay length
6 months per entry
Up to 5 years per entry
Validity
Typically 1–10 years
10 years (multiple entry)
Who can apply
Anyone from TRV-required country
Only parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or PRs
Income requirement
None for sponsor
Sponsor must meet LICO × 1.3
Health insurance
Not required
Minimum CAD $100,000 required
Medical exam
Usually not required
Required for most applicants
Best for
Short visits (tourism, family)
Extended stays with family in Canada
Required documents

Everything IRCC needs for IMM 5257.

Documents for a Visitor Visa application vary by country and personal situation. These are the core requirements for most applicants. Your GetNorthPath portal generates a personalised checklist the moment you complete onboarding.

AI validates every document you upload
Expiry dates, name consistency, fund balance, bank statement recency - checked in under 10 seconds. Issues flagged immediately with plain-language fix instructions.
Identity
Passport - all pages
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. AI verifies expiry and all travel history pages.
RequiredAI validates
Digital photo - IRCC specifications
Must meet IRCC's strict photo requirements: white background, specific dimensions, no glasses. GetNorthPath advises on spec compliance.
Required
Financial proof
Bank statements (3–6 months)
Must show you have sufficient funds to cover your trip and return. AI checks balance consistency - large sudden deposits raise IRCC flags.
RequiredAI validates
Employment confirmation letter
From your employer confirming your employment status, salary, and the dates of approved leave. Critical for demonstrating ties to home country.
If employedAI validates
Purpose of visit & ties
Invitation letter from your Canadian host
If visiting family or friends - their name, address, Canadian status (citizen/PR/work permit), and relationship to you. Your host should include proof of Canadian status.
If visiting someone
Property ownership documents
Land title, mortgage statement, or property tax bill proving you own property in your home country - one of the strongest ties documents.
If applicable
Travel itinerary or hotel bookings
Flights and accommodation confirmed for your Canadian trip. Shows a clear, planned visit rather than an open-ended stay.
Recommended
Previous travel history
Old passport stamps, prior visa copies, US visa (if applicable). Shows you've travelled before and returned home as required - a strong signal to officers.
If applicable
IMM 5257 E Application for Temporary Resident Visa - Current version
AI Auto-Filling
Section A - Personal details
Family name
SAMPLEAI
Given name(s)
the applicantAI
Date of birth
1988-03-22AI
Country of citizenship
INDIAAI
Passport number
N●●●●●●AI
Section B - Travel details
Purpose of visit
Visit family in TorontoAI
Intended arrival
2026-07-15AI
Duration of stay
30 daysAI
+ 18 more fields...
AI
72% complete - AI filling
How GetNorthPath handles your application

From free tools to visa decision - 6 steps.

1
free tools
the GetNorthPath team assesses your situation - your country, visit purpose, financial standing, and ties. They advise on the strongest application strategy for your specific profile.
Human-led
2
Personalised document checklist
Using the program guides, you receive a tailored list of exactly which documents to gather - specific to your country, employment status, and visit purpose.
Guided
3
AI validates all documents
Every document checked in under 10 seconds: passport expiry, bank statement consistency, employer letter fields, travel history completeness. Issues flagged immediately.
AI-powered
4
IMM 5257 auto-filled
AI completes every field on IMM 5257 from your validated documents and your notes. Current version always used. No manual data entry errors.
AI form-fill
5
You prepare a ties package
you review the complete application - all documents and the completed IMM 5257. They verify the ties narrative is coherent and consistent, then you submit yourself.
file check
6
One-click IRCC submission via Chrome Extension
Chrome Extension loads your entire approved application into the IRCC portal in one click. Review it, confirm everything looks right, and click Submit. Your Visitor Visa application is in IRCC's hands.
Chrome extension
Processing times 2026

How long does a Visitor Visa take from your country?

IRCC processing times vary significantly by country of citizenship. These are current estimates - always check IRCC's website for the latest published times.

🇮🇳
India
8–16
weeks
Longer wait
🇳🇬
Nigeria
10–20
weeks
Longer wait
🇵🇭
Philippines
5–12
weeks
Medium
🇵🇰
Pakistan
8–20
weeks
Longer wait
🇧🇩
Bangladesh
6–16
weeks
Longer wait
🇨🇳
China
4–10
weeks
Medium
🇬🇭
Ghana
6–14
weeks
Medium
🇱🇰
Sri Lanka
5–12
weeks
Medium
Processing times are IRCC government estimates and can change without notice. Apply as early as possible - especially for countries with longer processing windows. A complete, error-free application (like those GetNorthPath submits) avoids the delays caused by IRCC requests for additional information.
Why applications get refused - and how we prevent it

The 6 most common Visitor Visa refusal reasons.

1
Insufficient ties to home country
The most common refusal - IRCC officer not satisfied you'll leave Canada. No employment, no dependents, no property, no financial assets in home country.
You review your ties profile and advises exactly which documents to include. We build the strongest possible ties narrative for your situation.
2
Insufficient funds to cover the visit
Bank statements that don't show enough money for flights, accommodation, and living expenses during the trip - or a large sudden deposit that looks suspicious.
AI checks balance consistency over 3–6 months. If funds appear suddenly deposited, we flag this and advise how to address it with an explanation letter.
3
Vague or inconsistent purpose of visit
Application says "tourism" but there's no itinerary, hotel bookings, or explanation. Or the stated purpose doesn't match the documents (e.g., "tourism" but the only document is an invitation letter from family).
You review the coherence of your visit narrative across all documents before submission.
4
Previous visa refusals not disclosed
IMM 5257 asks whether you've ever been refused a Canadian visa. Failing to disclose a prior refusal - or a refusal from another country - is considered misrepresentation and can result in a ban.
Guides ensures all prior refusals are properly disclosed and addressed with explanation letters. Honesty handled strategically.
5
Passport expiry too close to travel dates
IRCC requires your passport to be valid for your entire stay - ideally with a margin beyond your return date. Passports expiring during or shortly after your planned visit create problems.
AI checks passport expiry vs your stated travel dates immediately on upload. You'll know within seconds if you need to renew.
6
Close family in Canada with no ties at home
If your spouse, children, or parents are already in Canada as PRs or citizens, and you have minimal ties at home, officers may conclude you intend to stay permanently.
GetNorthPath builds a strategy around your family situation - documenting your own substantial ties, your life at home, and why you're visiting rather than immigrating.
Success stories

Approved Visitor Visas with GetNorthPath.

"I'd been refused twice before - 'insufficient ties to home country' both times. GetNorthPath completely rebuilt my application. They added my property documents, a stronger employer letter, and a clear itinerary. Approved on the third attempt in 9 weeks."

AK
GetNorthPath user
India Toronto visit · 2nd attempt with GetNorthPath
Visitor Visa - India

"My mother is in her 70s and wanted to stay with me in Mississauga for a year. The Super Visa was the perfect solution - 5 years per entry. GetNorthPath handled all the health insurance requirements and the income verification for me. Check official IRCC processing times."

NP
GetNorthPath user
Parents applying from India · Super Visa approved
Super Visa

"I was applying for a visitor visa from Nigeria to see my brother who is a PR in Toronto. GetNorthPath flagged that my bank statement didn't show consistent funds - I had deposited money the week before. Fixed and resubmitted. Approved 11 weeks later."

CE
GetNorthPath user
Nigeria Toronto family visit · Approved
Visitor Visa - Nigeria
Frequently asked questions

Visitor Visa & Super Visa - your questions answered.

Yes. If you want to stay in Canada longer than your authorised period (typically 6 months, or as stamped by the border officer), you can apply to extend your visitor record from inside Canada using IMM 5708 - before your current authorised stay expires. Applying gives you implied status to remain in Canada while IRCC processes your extension. Contact GetNorthPath if you need to extend your stay - we handle visitor record extensions at the standard free.
Yes - a refusal doesn't permanently bar you, but you should understand exactly why you were refused before reapplying with the same documents. Reapplying without addressing the refusal reasons will almost certainly result in another refusal. IRCC's refusal letter cites specific grounds - usually insufficient ties, insufficient funds, or misrepresentation concerns. GetNorthPath reviews refusal letters and builds a reapplication strategy that directly addresses each concern raised.
The standard authorised stay is 6 months per entry - but the border officer can grant a shorter or longer period when you arrive. Your visa validity (e.g., 10 years, multiple entry) is different from your authorised stay per entry. A 10-year multiple-entry TRV still only allows 6-month stays per visit. The Super Visa is the exception - it allows stays of up to 5 years per entry specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and PRs.
No. A Visitor Visa (TRV) does not authorise you to work or study in Canada. Working without authorisation is a serious violation that can result in deportation and future inadmissibility. Short-term courses (6 months or less) may be permitted on some visitor records - check with GetNorthPath. If you want to work or study in Canada, you need a Work Permit or Study Permit, not a Visitor Visa. GetNorthPath handles both.
Super Visa applicants must have private Canadian health insurance from a Canadian insurance provider with minimum coverage of CAD $100,000 for emergency medical care, hospitalisation, and repatriation. The policy must be valid for at least 1 year from entry date and must be from a Canadian insurer (not a foreign policy). Popular providers include Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross, and TuGo. Your Official sources can help you compare on providers - cost typically ranges from CAD $800–$2,500 per year depending on age and coverage.
An invitation letter from a Canadian host strengthens a Visitor Visa application - but is not legally required. For a regular TRV, you can apply to visit Canada without a specific Canadian host (e.g., for tourism). For a Super Visa, your Canadian child or grandchild is specifically named as your sponsor and must meet income requirements - so their role is much more formal. Either way, GetNorthPath helps structure the invitation letter and supporting documents for maximum impact.
Related pathways

Looking for a longer stay or permanent option?

Study Permit
Want to study in Canada? You need a Study Permit, not a Visitor Visa.
Work Permit
Want to work while in Canada? A Work Permit authorises employment - a Visitor Visa does not.
Family Sponsorship (PR)
Sponsor parents for Permanent Residency instead of a temporary Super Visa.
Express Entry (PR)
Want to stay permanently? Explore Canada's primary Permanent Residency pathway.
Canada Visitor Visa & Super Visa · IMM 5257 · AI-powered · file check · free
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