Visiting Canada — Applying for a temporary resident visa outside Canada (IMM 5256)

Overview

This application guide is designed for persons who wish to apply for a visa to visit Canada for a temporary period of time. It provides all of the necessary information, instructions and application forms to complete and submit.

Entry to Canada is a privilege not a right. If you want to visit Canada you must meet the necessary requirements and you may need a temporary resident visa.

You must obtain a temporary resident visa (TRV) before your departure; you cannot obtain it upon arrival in Canada.

This application guide does not provide general information about extending your stay in Canada. Refer to the guide Applying to Change Conditions or Extend Your Stay in Canada as a Visitor (IMM 5551).

Before you apply

• Read all the instructions carefully before you begin to complete the application forms.
• Gather all of the necessary documents.
• Photocopy the blank forms and use one as a working copy. Keep the working copy for your records.
• Fill in the forms carefully and completely. Use a typewriter or print clearly, in black ink.
• Add appropriate characters for languages that do not use the Latin alphabet (for example, Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic, Japanese, Hebrew, etc.).
• Sign and date your application forms.
• Verify acceptable methods of payment with the office where you submit your application.

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