Canada Visitor Visa 2025: Do You Need a TRV or eTA to Enter?
Updated May 7, 2025 — Important Changes for International Travellers
Canada has officially updated its visitor visa policy as of May 7, 2025, introducing changes that affect tourists, students, business visitors, and transit passengers. If you’re planning to travel to Canada, it’s crucial to know whether you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before booking your trip.
This guide will help you understand:
- Who needs a TRV or eTA
- How long you can stay in Canada
- Which other visa options are available in 2025
Who Needs a Visitor Visa (TRV) to Enter Canada?
According to the revised policy, most international travellers still need a Visitor Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. You’ll likely need a TRV if you plan to:
- Visit Canada for tourism or leisure
- See family or friends
- Attend short-term study programs, events, or conferences
- Transit through Canadian airports on your way to another country
What Is a Visitor Visa (TRV)?
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a sticker or stamp placed in your passport that proves you meet Canada’s entry requirements. It can be:
- Single-entry – allows one-time entry into Canada
- Multiple-entry – valid for several trips, usually up to 10 years or until your passport or biometrics expire
How Long Can You Stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa?
Visitors with a valid TRV can typically stay in Canada for:
- Standard Duration: Up to 6 months per visit
- Custom Stay: Border officers may approve longer or shorter stays, which will be noted in your passport or on a Visitor Record
No Entry Stamp? If your passport doesn’t get stamped on arrival, you are allowed to stay for 6 months from your entry date or until the earlier expiry of your passport or biometric data.
Super Visa Exception
Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents holding a Super Visa can now stay up to 5 years per visit (for entries after June 22, 2023).
Should You Apply for a TRV or an eTA?
Before applying for entry, determine whether you need a TRV or an eTA. This depends on:
- Your citizenship
- Type of passport (regular, official, or diplomatic)
- Country where your passport was issued
- Your mode of travel (air, land, or sea)
Important:
Some travellers are visa-exempt and need only an eTA when arriving by air. However, they may still need a TRV if entering by land or sea.
Other Canadian Visa Options in 2025
Aside from the visitor visa, Canada offers other tailored entry options:
- Super Visa
- For parents and grandparents of Canadians or permanent residents
- Valid up to 10 years
- Allows 5-year stays per visit
- Requires private medical insurance from a Canadian provider
[Canada Super Visa 2025: Eligibility, Documents & How to Apply]
- Study Permits
- Required for programs longer than 6 months
- Short-term studies (under 6 months) may use a TRV or eTA based on eligibility
[7 Must-Have Documents for Canada Student Visa Applications]
- Work Permits
- Needed for foreign workers hired under programs like:
- Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- International Mobility Program (IMP)
[Top Jobs in Canada with Work Permits in 2025]
- Transit Visa
- Mandatory for some travellers passing through Canadian airports, even without entering the country
- Requirements vary by nationality and flight route
[Canada Clarifies Transit Visa Rules for Temporary Residents]
Final Checklist Before You Travel to Canada
To avoid issues at immigration or the airport, confirm the following before departure:
- Do you need a TRV or an eTA?
- What is your maximum stay duration?
- Do you have required supporting documents like biometrics or insurance?
Stay informed. Stay prepared. With Canada’s updated entry rules now in effect, double-checking your visa requirements can help ensure a smooth and stress-free arrival in 2025.
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