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Application for a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

You need to give your biometrics

In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply.

Find out who needs to give biometrics and how the new application process works.


You can apply online or on paper (in specific situations) for:

Apply online

Before you apply, make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada.

You must have both of these to apply online:

  • access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload
  • a valid credit card to pay with

How you apply depends on what you apply for. Select the document you want to apply for to get instructions:

Visitor visa: Option 1 of 3

Apply for a visitor visa

Super visa (for parents and grandparents): Option 2 of 3

Apply for a super visa

Transit visa : Option 3 of 3

Apply for a transit visa

Apply on paper (in specific situations)

Before you apply, make sure you need a visa to enter Canada. Find out what document you need to enter Canada.

Read the instruction guide to get all the details to apply on paper.

Once you have read the guide, you can prepare your application package. You must select the country or territory from which you will apply to get your local visa office instructions.

This application package is for applicants in Switzerland:

Each applicant must fill out and sign their own form, including those travelling as a family. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must sign your form.

Prepare a complete application

To make sure you submit all the pages of form IMM 5257 with your application package, follow these steps:

  1. Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.

    Note: Validating the form before printing makes sure that you have answered all the questions. This will help you to avoid delays in processing your application.

  2. A last page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.
  3. Print, sign and date the form.
  4. For best results:
    • print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper and
    • use a laser printer.
  5. Place the barcode page on top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Find out more about barcode form.

Pay your fees

You must include the fee with your application. Find out how to pay your fees.

Permanent residents of Canada

We do not issue temporary resident visas (TRV) to permanent residents (PR). If you are outside Canada without a valid PR card, you must apply for a permanent resident travel document (PRTD) instead. If you meet the requirements for a PRTD, you can return to Canada as a PR.

If you no longer want to be a PR, or if you know you do not meet the requirements to keep your PR status, you can voluntarily give up (renounce) your PR status to apply for a TRV.

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