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Visit Canada: clear guidance for tourism, family visits and events
Get help choosing the right visitor option, preparing a complete application and planning your trip. Start with a free, commitment-free assessment.
- Find out whether you need a visitor visa or an eTA
- Prepare your invitation letter, funds and supporting documents
- Travel with confidence for holidays, family reunions and special events
No cost and no commitment for your initial assessment.
Free visitor assessment
Tell us about your trip. A consultant will contact you about your options and next steps.
Whatever brings you to Canada, start with the right plan
A temporary visit can be a holiday, a reunion or a milestone event. Your purpose shapes the documents you need, so we start there.
Tourism
Holidays, sightseeing and time with friends. Show a clear itinerary and the means to fund your trip.
Family and friends
Visit relatives or friends in Canada, with an invitation letter and host details where they help your case.
Weddings and events
Graduations, weddings, reunions and celebrations. Event details help explain why your trip has a set purpose and dates.
Business visits
Meetings, conferences and trade events. Business visitors do not take up Canadian employment.
Visiting is temporary
Visitor status is for short stays. It does not allow you to work or study long term in Canada without the right permit. If your plans go beyond a visit, we can talk through other pathways.
Support that makes your application easier to understand
Officers decide based on the documents in front of them. We help you present a clear, consistent story.
The right visitor option
Understand whether you need a visitor visa or an eTA, and whether the Super Visa fits your family.
A clear document checklist
Know what to gather for your purpose of travel, funds, ties to your home country and travel history.
A strong explanation of your trip
Present the purpose, dates and plans for your visit in a way that is easy to review.
Timing and planning
Plan your application window around your travel dates, event dates and passport validity.
What you will typically prepare for a visitor application
The exact list depends on your passport and personal circumstances. Here is what most applications include.
Requirements vary by traveller
Your nationality, travel history and purpose of visit can change what you must provide. We confirm current requirements with you before you apply.
- Valid passport that covers your planned stay
- Purpose of travel: itinerary, event details or an invitation letter from your host
- Proof of funds to cover your trip, from your own money or a sponsor
- Ties to your home country, such as work, business, studies, family or property
- Travel history showing past trips and compliance with visa conditions
- Photos and biometrics, and a medical exam if requested
Bringing your parents or grandparents to Canada?
The Super Visa is a long-stay visitor option for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It is well suited to extended family visits.
An invitation from family
Your child or grandchild in Canada typically writes an invitation and commits to support your stay.
Host income
The host generally needs to show enough income for their household size.
Medical insurance
Private medical insurance from a Canadian insurer is typically required, along with a medical exam.
Your path to a well-prepared visit
Free initial assessment
Tell us who is travelling, why, when and who you will visit. We point out what matters most for your case.
Choose your visitor option
Confirm whether you need a visitor visa or an eTA, or whether the Super Visa is the better fit.
Prepare your documents
Gather your funds, invitation letter, itinerary and proof of ties, using a clear checklist.
Submit your application
File a complete, consistent application and complete biometrics if requested.
Travel prepared
Know what to carry and what to expect at the border, including how long you may stay.
Common reasons visitor applications are refused
Most of these can be addressed before you apply.
An unclear purpose of travel
If an officer cannot tell why you are going, for how long and with whom, it weakens your case.
Weak ties to your home country
Show the work, business, studies, family or property that give you reasons to return.
Funds that are unclear or unexplained
Large unexplained deposits or missing sponsor documents raise questions. Organize your finances early.
Incomplete or inconsistent documents
Missing forms and mismatched details can delay or derail an application.
What AOICI clients say
“AOICI helped prepare us on what to expect when we arrived in Canada and made us aware of what steps to take.”
“AOICI has been amazing. They went above and beyond in their efforts to help us start a new life here.”
Testimonials are client experiences published by AOICI. Individual outcomes vary. Read more success stories
Questions about visiting Canada
Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
It depends on your passport. Some travellers need a visitor visa, while others need only an electronic travel authorization (eTA) for air travel. We confirm which applies to you and what to prepare.
How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?
Visitors are commonly allowed to stay for up to six months, but the border officer decides how long you may stay when you arrive. If you need more time, you may be able to apply to extend your stay before your current status expires, so apply early.
Do I need an invitation letter to visit family or friends?
An invitation letter is not always required, but it can help explain the purpose of your trip, who you will stay with and how long you plan to visit. It does not guarantee approval, so your full application still needs to be strong.
How much money do I need to show for a visitor visa?
There is no single amount that fits every trip. Officers look for evidence that you can cover your travel, stay and return costs, either from your own funds or with support from a host. We help you choose and organize clear financial documents.
Can I work or study while visiting Canada?
Visitor status is for temporary stays such as tourism, family visits and events. You generally cannot work or take a long course of study unless you hold the right permit. If you plan to work or study, talk to us about other options.
What is a Super Visa?
The Super Visa is a long-stay visitor option for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It typically involves an invitation from your child or grandchild, proof of their income and private medical insurance from a Canadian insurer. Requirements change, so we confirm current details with you.
What if my visitor visa was refused before?
A refusal does not always mean you cannot try again. Share your refusal letter during your assessment and we will review the reasons and discuss whether to reapply with stronger documents or consider another option.
Is the initial assessment really free?
Yes. AOICI currently offers a free, commitment-free initial assessment so you can understand your options before deciding on next steps.
Talk to a consultant about your visit
Planning a trip or an event date? Reach out early so you have time to prepare a complete application.
- Phone+63 (074) 661-2707
- Emailinfo@aoicivisapathway.com
- Visit usFind the office nearest you on our branches page.