CANADA

Visitor Visa for Friends, Relatives, and Tourists

Canada

Canada Visitor Visa for Friends, Relatives, and Tourists – Complete Guide

Canada is one of the most visited countries in the world, known for its beautiful landscapes, modern cities, safety, and multicultural environment. Every year, thousands of people travel to Canada to visit their loved ones, meet friends, or explore the country as tourists.

To travel to Canada for a short stay, most foreign nationals need a Canada Visitor Visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Although it sounds simple, many applications are refused due to improper documentation or weak explanations.

In this detailed guide, Globexa Immigration explains how the Canada Visitor Visa works, who can apply, and how to improve your chances of approval.

1. What is a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV)?

A Canada Visitor Visa is an official document placed in your passport that allows you to travel to Canada temporarily. It is issued to people who want to enter Canada for short-term purposes such as:

  • Visiting family members

  • Meeting relatives

  • Seeing friends

  • Tourism and vacation

  • Attending events or family functions

This visa does not allow you to work in Canada. It is strictly for temporary visits.

2. Types of Visitor Purposes

1. Visiting Family or Relatives

Many applicants travel to Canada to spend time with family members such as:

  • Parents visiting children

  • Children visiting parents

  • Brothers and sisters meeting family

  • Relatives attending weddings or special events

In such cases, a strong invitation letter from the family member in Canada is very important.


2. Visiting Friends

If you have close friends living in Canada and wish to visit them, you can apply under this category. The friend in Canada may provide an invitation letter along with proof of status.


3. Tourism

Tourists travel to Canada to explore attractions such as:

  • Niagara Falls

  • Banff National Park

  • Vancouver and Toronto cities

  • Canadian cultural festivals

Tourism-based applications must show a clear travel plan.

3. How Long Can You Stay in Canada?

Most visitors are allowed to stay up to 6 months per visit. However, the final duration is decided by the border officer when you enter Canada.

4. Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be approved for a visitor visa, you must prove to the visa officer that:

✔ You will leave Canada after your visit
✔ You have enough money to cover your trip
✔ You have strong ties to your home country
✔ Your purpose of visit is genuine
✔ You do not plan to work illegally

5. Documents Required for Visitor Visa

A strong application includes proper documentation.

Applicant Documents
  • Valid passport

  • Photographs

  • Bank statements

  • Employment letter or business documents

  • Salary slips or income proof

  • Travel history

  • Property documents (if available)

  • Family information


If Visiting Family or Friends
  • Invitation letter

  • Host’s PR card or Canadian passport copy

  • Host’s employment or financial documents

  • Proof of relationship

6. What Are “Ties to Home Country”?

This is one of the most important factors in approval. It proves you will return home after your visit.

Examples include:

  • Job or business

  • Property ownership

  • Family responsibilities

  • Financial commitments

7. Common Reasons for Visitor Visa Refusal

Visitor visa refusals are very common. Reasons may include:

1. Weak financial proof
2. Lack of travel history
3. No strong ties to home country
4. Poor explanation of travel purpose
5. Incomplete documentation
6. Doubts about returning home

Even small mistakes can lead to refusal.

How Globexa Immigration Helps

At Globexa Immigration, we understand how visa officers assess applications. We help you prepare a professional and convincing file.

Our services include:

✔ Complete eligibility check
✔ Customized document checklist
✔ Strong cover letter drafting
✔ Financial proof guidance
✔ Proper file organization
✔ Refusal risk reduction

We focus on building a strong case, not just submitting forms.