Canada Visa Requirements
Handled by VisaHQ. Government fees are set by the destination country.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I apply for my Canada e-visa?
Apply as early as you can once your travel dates are set. Processing times can vary, especially around holidays or peak travel seasons, so leaving it until the last few days before your flight is risky — an e-visa that's still pending when you're due to board can mean being denied boarding.
What happens if my Canada e-visa application is rejected?
Rejections do happen, and the reason isn't always given in detail. If yours is rejected, check that every field matched your passport exactly, that your passport has enough remaining validity, and that any required photo or document met the stated format — then reapply or, if time is short, contact Canada's official visa portal or nearest consulate directly rather than guessing.
Can I extend my stay in Canada once I'm there?
Yes. You can apply from inside Canada to stay longer, and you must do it before your current permission runs out. The official fee is CAD $100. Usually up to a further 6 months from the decision date. You may not work or study on a Visitor Record. CAD $100 per person, plus CAD $85 for biometrics if you have not given them in the last 10 years. Non-refundable. Apply online for a Visitor Record (form IMM 5708) at least 30 days before your current status expires. A Visitor Record is not a visa and will not get you back into Canada if you leave. IRCC processing has stretched to roughly 10 months — longer than the stay being extended. Filing before your status expires grants maintained status, letting you remain lawfully throughout. If your status has already lapsed you have 90 days to apply for restoration, at CAD $246.25 on top of the fee.
Is the information on this page guaranteed to be accurate?
We check what we publish against official sources where we can, and clearly flag anything still pending verification. Even so, visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice — so please treat this page as a strong starting point, not a final word, and confirm directly with the official source linked above before you book or fly.
Before you travel — checklist
- Check your passport has enough remaining validity for your trip to Canada — many countries require at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, even for visa-free entry.
- Start your e-visa/authorisation process well before your travel date — don't leave this until the last few days.
- Note this specific requirement for Canada: Passport with National ID number issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs required. On arrival from land or overseas eTA required when arriving by air..
- Check whether Canada requires proof of onward or return travel — some border officers ask for this even when it isn't formally listed as a requirement.
- Consider travel insurance that covers your trip to Canada, particularly if any medical or emergency evacuation coverage is required or advisable for the region.
- This page's details for Canada are still pending full verification — confirm everything directly with an official government source before finalising your plans.
Visa rules change — sometimes with very little notice. This page reflects our best information as of 2026, but if you're reading this later than that, treat it as a starting point rather than the final word, and always confirm with the official source above before you travel.