Backgrounder - Canada’s visa policy

Under Canada’s immigration law, all visitors to Canada require a Temporary Resident Visa, except citizens of countries for which an exemption has been granted under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.

Canada’s visa policy decisions are made on a country-by-country basis and seek to ensure there is a balance between welcoming visitors to Canada while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians. These decisions are based on a number of criteria including social and economic conditions in the country such as the unemployment rate and economic growth; immigration issues such as refugee claims and illegal migration to Canada; the security and issuance process for the country’s travel documents; health, safety and security issues; how that country manages and patrols its borders; human rights; and bilateral relations.

A visa requirement is Canada’s first line of defence in controlling the flow of people into the country and ensuring Canada’s immigration and refugee programs are not abused.

A Temporary Resident Visa will generally allow an individual to travel to Canada to visit for up to six months. However, the final decision on whether an individual is admissible and how long they can stay in Canada is the responsibility of an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency at a port of entry. Individuals from any country who wish to work or study temporarily in Canada should consult Citizenship and Immigration Canada’s website to find out whether they require a work or study permit or whether an exemption applies.

Visa-exempt countries are aware that if they do not satisfy the conditions of Canada’s exemption, a visa may be required.

Travellers from many countries currently require a visa to visit Canada.