Application For a Temporary Resident Visa to Visit Canada
This application includes the following items:
- Document Checklist [IMM 5484] (PDF, 27 KB)
- Application for Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] (PDF, 338 KB)
- Family Information [IMM 5645] (PDF, 59 KB)
- Schedule 1 - Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257 - Schedule 1] (PDF, 61 KB)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 97 KB)
- Visa application photograph specifications
- Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 55 KB)
- Instruction Guide [IMM 5256]
This application is for people who need a temporary resident visa (TRV) to visit Canada for a temporary purpose such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or business trips.
Check the list of countries and territories that require a visa.
NEW: We have introduced a new Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form. It comes with additional forms and an instruction guide. Please read the guide carefully as it contains important information on how to complete the form.
All applicants must complete and sign their own individual form, including persons travelling as a family. Applicants who are under the age of 18 years must have their form signed by a parent or guardian.
Effective January 15, 2011, the only TRV application form that will be accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada is the new Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form. To ensure you have the most recent application form, please use the link to the application form.
Many visa offices have specific local instructions about which documents you must submit with your application. Consult the list of Canadian visa offices to find the office responsible for your country and what requirements and procedures you must follow when you apply.
Help:
The Application for a Temporary Resident Visa Made Outside of Canada [IMM 5257] form is only supported by Adobe Reader 8.1 or higher, and can be completed and saved on a computer.
Completing the form electronically is easier and reduces the risk of errors that can slow down the application process.
To ensure you submit all the pages of the form [IMM 5257] with your application package:
- Click on the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.
- A fifth page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.
- Print, sign and date the form.
- Place the barcode page (page 5 of 5) on the top of each individual package.
Find out more about the barcode form.
Printing Tips
- Print on white, bond-quality and non-glossy paper
- Use of a laser printer is recommended
Studying or working in Canada
Most visitors to Canada are not allowed to work or study in Canada without a permit.
If you require a study permit or a work permit, you must apply for it before coming to Canada. If you are visiting Canada and you want to apply to work or study, you must leave Canada and apply from your home country. In some cases, working or studying without a permit is allowed. For more information, see the following links: