To apply for a visit visa to Canada, certain requirements must be met:

• Have a valid travel document, such as a passport
• Be in good health
• Satisfy an immigration officer of ties to the home country, such as a job, home and family
• Satisfy an immigration officer of intention to Canada at the end of the visit
• Have enough money for the duration of stay. The amount of money needed varies with the circumstances of the visit, length of stay, accommodation etc.

Some may also require a letter of invitation from a Canadian and/or a medical exam.

Visas are available under three different categories:

Single entry – allows a stay for up to six months, entering once only. Can be extended if needed, by application at least 30 days before expiry

Multiple entries – allows the holder to enter and depart Canada on multiple occasions and is valid for up to 6 months, depending on the issuing case officer's decision

Transit –for stopping in Canada for up to 48 hours

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be eligible to apply for the parent and grandparent super visa.
Super Visas are valid for up to 10 years, allowing a Parent or Grandparent a maximum 2-year stay per visit.
A spouse or partner may also be joined in the application, but no other dependants.

Requirements for the applicant

The applicant must:

• be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
• be allowed to enter Canada
• be a genuine visitor, intending to leave at the end of the stay for example
• have ties to the home country
• have a genuine valid purpose
• have an invitation from a Canadian host
• have Canadian health insurance and meet other health requirements
• meet certain other conditions.

Requirements for the child/grandchild

The child/grandchild in Canada must:

• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• meet the minimum income threshold
• provide a written statement that he or she will give the applicant financial support

This visa entitles the successful applicant to visit Canada for up to two years without renewal and can be renewed for up to ten years.

This type of visit visa is for those who go to Canada for international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labour market. Business visitors are able to stay for up to 6 months, but most are granted a shorter period. Business visitors do not require a work permit (unless they intend to stay for more than 6 months).

Requirements for the applicant

• plan to stay for less than six months,
• no plans to enter the Canadian labour market,
• main place of business, and source of income and profits is outside Canada,
• meet Canada's basic entry requirements, health, character, passport