Canada Visitor Visa (TRV) 2026: application, biometrics and processing time
Apply for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa in 2026 — IMM 5257 form, fees, biometric requirements, document checklist and IRCC processing-time expectations.
Canada's Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — also called the visitor visa — is mandatory for nationals of around 150 countries who want to enter Canada for tourism, family visits, business meetings or short studies under six months. In 2026, IRCC has streamlined the entire process onto a single online portal, and most applicants now upload, pay and submit in under an hour. Here is the full walkthrough.
Who needs a TRV?
Visa-required nationals include India, China, the Philippines, Nigeria, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Egypt and most African countries. Visa-exempt travellers (UK, EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, UAE etc.) only need an eTA — a cheaper online authorisation linked to their passport.
Step 1 — Create an IRCC Secure Account
Sign up at canada.ca/ircc-account and start a new visitor visa application. The system generates a personal checklist based on your nationality and purpose of visit.
Step 2 — Complete IMM 5257 and supporting forms
Download the latest IMM 5257E (Application for Temporary Resident Visa) and IMM 5645 (Family Information). Fill them in Adobe Reader — the barcode at the bottom updates automatically. Common forms that trip applicants up:
- IMM 5257: visitor visa main form
- IMM 5645: family information
- IMM 5409: statutory declaration of common-law union (if applicable)
- IMM 5476: use of representative (if applying through a consultant)
Step 3 — Pay the fee
Visitor visa processing fee in 2026:
- Single or multiple entry visitor visa: CAD 100
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person (CAD 170 for a family)
- Maximum family fee: CAD 500
Step 4 — Give biometrics
After payment, IRCC emails a Biometric Instruction Letter. You have 30 days to visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and a digital photo. Biometrics are valid for 10 years across all Canadian immigration applications.
Document checklist
- Passport valid for the full intended stay
- Two recent passport-style photos meeting IRCC specs
- Proof of funds — 6 months of bank statements
- Letter of employment with salary and approved leave
- Income tax returns for the last 2 years
- Invitation letter from a Canadian host (if visiting family)
- Detailed travel itinerary and accommodation bookings
- Property documents and family ties evidence
Processing times in 2026
IRCC publishes live processing times at canada.ca/processing-times. As of mid-2026:
- India (New Delhi, Chandigarh): 38 days
- Philippines (Manila): 23 days
- Nigeria (Lagos): 51 days
- China (Beijing): 17 days
- UAE (Abu Dhabi): 14 days
Apply at least 3 months ahead — and never book non-refundable flights until the passport is back with a stamp.
Common refusal reasons
The most frequent IRCC refusal letters in 2026 cite: weak ties to country of residence, insufficient funds, unclear purpose of visit, and travel history concerns. Each rejection includes GCMS notes you can request via an ATIP application — these are gold for fixing the next attempt.
FAQ
Can I work on a Canadian visitor visa?+
No. The TRV strictly prohibits employment. You must apply for a work permit before taking any paid job in Canada.
How long can I stay in Canada on a TRV?+
The visa can be multiple entry and valid up to 10 years, but each entry is normally limited to 6 months as decided by CBSA at the port of entry.
Do I need a TRV if I have a US visa?+
Yes for visa-required nationals — a US visa does not exempt you from the Canadian TRV requirement, though it can speed up some VFS appointments.