Oh Canada?! Here I come!

For many persons, Canada in one of the Big Three countries that they wish to visit in their lifetime. Every year, thousands of Jamaicans apply for Canadian visas to work, study and visit loved ones. In this article, I will focus on the Canadian Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

What Is a Canadian Visitor Visa?

A Canadian Visitor Visa is a document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada temporarily. As with the U. S. visas, it’s always best to identify the type of visiting visa that you want to apply for before you even start the application process. For the most part, visits usually fall into one of the following three categories.

Tourism: For sightseeing or vacations.
Family Visits: To visit relatives or friends.
Business: To attend meetings, conferences, or trade shows.

Another similarity with the U.S. visa is that a TRV generally allows a stay of up to six months per visit. Notwithstanding, the final decision on the length of stay is made by the immigration officer at the port of entry.

Who Needs a TRV?

Like many countries, Canada has a list of countries whose residents are exempt from applying for a visa. For example, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago are Caribbean nations that are exempt and enjoy visa free travel to Canada. Even though nationals from these countries do not need a visa, they must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if arriving by air. Unfortunately, Jamaicans still need a visa to travel to Canada.

Types of Canadian Visitor Visas

Up until November 2024, the IRCC had a policy that allowed officers to automatically issue ten-year multiple entry visas once applicants were approved. Another practice was to grant applicants a visa that was valid until their passports expired.

Since November, Canada has updated the guidelines for officers to decide whether to issue single- or multiple-entry visas. A Single-Entry Visa allows you to enter Canada once. After you leave, you’ll need a new visa to return unless traveling to the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon and returning within the authorized period. On the other hand, a Multiple-Entry Visa allows you to enter and exit Canada multiple times. It is valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).

What documents do I need to Apply for a TRV?

1. Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. Ensure that it has enough blank pages for visa stamping.

2. Proof of Financial Support

You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay. This may include:

Bank statements for the last 3–6 months.
Proof of employment or business ownership.
Sponsorship letters (if someone in Canada is funding your trip).

3. Ties to Your Home Country

To prove your intent to return home, you’ll need to show strong ties to your home country, such as:

Property ownership.
Family responsibilities.
Employment or educational commitments.

4. Travel Itinerary/Invitation Letter

If you do not have specific plans to visit family or friends, you’ll need a detailed plan of your trip, including flight reservations and/or hotel bookings. If you plan to visit family or friends, a signed invitation letter from your host must accompany your application.

Medical Examination

In some cases, you may be required to undergo a medical exam, especially if you plan to stay for an extended period or come from a country with higher health risks.

Biometrics

Applicants are required to provide fingerprints and a photo as part of the application process. All applicants must attend a Visa centre to provide their biometrics before their application can be processed.

Final Thoughts

The TRV application process includes a multitude of forms and can be quite intimidating. My view is that it becomes less intimidating if you have all the relevant information before you begin your application.

If you’re unsure about any step of the process, consulting an immigration professional can provide clarity and guidance.