The Canadian government issues various types of visas for parents and grandparents to enter the country. Canada visitor visas are a type of Canada tourist visa issued to the parents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents for a temporary period to visit Canada on a TRV. Canada visitor visas, also known as Canada tourist visas, allow travelers to explore the country for leisure, tourism, or visiting family and friends. The visa is typically granted for a short stay, usually for a period of up to six months at a time.
Visitor Visa in Canada
A visitor visa is also called a Temporary Resident Visa. The visa allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a short stay, usually up to six months. It is mainly issued for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending business meetings. Applicants for the visa must prove that their ties to their home country are good, they are financially stable, and intend to leave Canada once their purpose of visit is over. The required documents include valid passports, recent photographs, and proof of funds. In some cases, a medical exam or biometrics may be necessary. A Visitor Visa does not permit work or study unless specifically authorized.
Eligibility Criteria
Parents of foreign nationals having citizenship status in Canada or temporary residents who are living in Canada can apply for a visitor visa. The eligibility criteria for parents or grandparents to visit in the Canadian area are mentioned below:
- Valid Passport: Parents’ passports must be valid for the duration they want to stay.
- Good Health: Parents or grandparents should go under medical examination to prove themselves as healthy.
- Proof of Financial Support: They should be able to support themselves financially in Canada.
- Strong Ties to Home Country: The Canadian government should have good relations with the country from which parents are arriving.
- Invitation Letter: Carry the invitation letter from your child living in Canada.
- Clear Background: Parents or grandparents who are going to visit Canada should not have any criminal records.
- Purpose of Visit: You should clearly explain your purpose of visit to Canada.
- Biometrics & Visa Fee: You must provide your biometric verification at the embassy. You must pay your Visa fees to avoid visa rejection in Canada.
Purpose of visit
There are two different types of Canada visa for parents and grandparents of foreign immigrants who are citizens or permanent residents in Canada. According to your reason for visit, you can choose a Canada Super Visa or a Visitor’s Visa. Your purpose of visit is a crucial aspect for your visa processing. Canada visa processing time also depends on the gravity of your purpose of visiting Canada. Your purpose of visit may include family reunion, tourism, special occasions, support, and care. Your purpose may also include attending festivals or cultural events, a short-term stay, and leisure or relaxation in Canada.
Required Documents: Checklist for Parents
Different documents that are required by parents to be submitted while applying for a visitor’s visa in Canada are mentioned below:
- Valid passport: You must have a 6-month valid passport to apply for the visitor’s visa.
- Completed visa: You must apply with a fully completed application form.
- Recent passport-sized photographs: You must submit passport-sized pictures that have been taken recently.
- Proof of Relationship: The documented proof of relationship with your child or grandchild.
- Invitation letter: Carry the invitation letter from your child living in Canada.
- Copy of PR Card: Copy of the Canadian PR card of the child living in Canada.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Proof of your financial stability, which is essential to bear your expenses.
- Travel itinerary: Your travel plan in Canada.
- Ties to home country: Your parents’ home country should have good relations with Canada.
- Visa Fee: Pay your visa fee with the application form.
How to Apply
Before applying for the Canada visitor visa, you need to check your eligibility criteria. If you are eligible for the visa, you need to collect all the required documents and apply online through your embassy or Rayna Tours. Once approved and stamped, you are ready to visit Canada.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Some of the common reasons for rejection are given below
- Improper documentation
- Invalid passport
- Passport-sized photographs are blurry
- Financial stability of the person
- Biometric verification was not done
- Accommodation in the country is not mentioned properly
- The purpose of the visit is not clear
- Your travel itinerary is not explained
- The cover letter is not drafted properly
- The dimensions of the photograph are inappropriate
- Past travel record
- Criminal background
What Happens After Approval
Once the government approves your visa, the step-by-step process is as follows.
- Stamping: Once your visa is approved, stamping is done on the passport, and the validity dates are mentioned using electronic devices.
- Book Tickets for Arrival: Book your tickets according to the visa date to arrive in Canada.
- Arrival in Canada: Airport authority services may ask you questions related to your visit
- Visitors Record: Parents on a visitor’s visa are generally allowed to stay in Canada for 6 months. However, if they want to extend their stay in the country, they need to apply for a visa extension.
Can You Sponsor Parents Later for PR?
Yes, indeed you can sponsor your parents for a PR visa. To act as a sponsor of your parents and grandparents in Canada, you must be forigen citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Your age must be above 18 years, and you must meet the minimum income requirements. You can apply for sponsorship of your parents or grandparents at the IRCC in Canada.
Tips for a Strong Application
There are awesome tips for making a strong application for a visitor’s visa in Canada
- Show strong home ties
- Provide sufficient financial proof
- Include a clear invitation letter
- Submit a complete application
- Maintain travel history
- Show return intent
- Be honest
- Highlight the purpose of the visit clearly
- Attach proof of the child’s status in Canada
- Organize documents neatly
- Cover letter for parents
- Apply well in advance