Dreaming of exploring the majestic Canadian Rockies, experiencing the vibrant city life, or reconnecting with loved ones in Canada? If so, pay close attention! Canada has recently updated its visitor visa policy, effective June 2025 onwards, and it’s crucial for international travelers to understand these changes before making any travel arrangements.
As of May 7, 2025, Canadian authorities are urging everyone planning a trip to Canada to verify whether they require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This update impacts tourists, individuals attending short educational programs, business travelers, and even those simply passing through Canadian airports.
Canada Will Issue Visitor Visas (TRVs) for Various Travel Purposes
The Canadian government has reaffirmed that the majority of international travelers will still need a Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) to enter the country. This typically applies to passport holders intending to:
- Travel for tourism or to visit family and friends.
- Attend short-term courses or conferences.
- Transit through Canada en route to another destination.
What Exactly is a Visitor Visa?
Think of a Visitor Visa as an official stamp or document placed in your passport. It signifies that you meet Canada’s entry requirements. Immigration officers may grant either a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. These visas can be valid for up to 10 years, or until your passport or biometric data expires – whichever comes first.
How Long Can You Stay in Canada on a TRV After May 2025?
Generally, if you enter Canada on a Visitor Visa, you are permitted to stay for up to six months from the date of your entry. However, a border services officer at the port of entry has the discretion to authorize a longer or shorter period. This will usually be noted in your passport or on a separate document called a Visitor Record.
Important Note: If you don’t receive a stamp in your passport, you are generally allowed to stay for six months from your arrival date or until the earliest expiry date of your passport or biometrics.
There’s an exception for Super Visa holders who entered Canada after June 22, 2023; they are allowed a longer stay of up to five years per entry.
Crucial Step: Determine if You Need an eTA or a Visitor Visa!
Before you start your visa application, it’s vital to determine which travel document you actually need. Canada emphasizes that the requirement for an eTA or a full Visitor Visa depends on several factors, including:
- Your nationality.
- The type of travel document you hold (e.g., regular passport, diplomatic passport).
- The country that issued your passport.
- Your mode of travel (whether you are arriving by air, land, or sea).
It’s important to note that some travelers are only required to obtain an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) when arriving in Canada by air. Others, however, must apply for a full Visitor Visa, even if their intention is simply to transit through a Canadian airport.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard!
With these policy updates coming into effect for June 2025 onwards, it’s more important than ever to do your research.
For more detailed information, please refer to the official website: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/about-visitor-visa.html
Planning your Canadian adventure should be exciting, not stressful. Take the time to understand these updated visa regulations to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey in 2025.
