Parents Visitor visa

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The Visitor Visa for Parents is a temporary resident option that allows parents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for short-term stays, typically of up to six months per entry. It is commonly used for family visits, special occasions, or time spent together in Canada when a longer-stay option is not required or not appropriate.

Unlike the Parent and Grandparent Super Visa, a visitor visa does not allow extended stays and does not require minimum income thresholds or mandatory private medical insurance. However, it remains a discretionary temporary resident application. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses each application individually to confirm admissibility, the purpose of travel, and whether the parent will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

Because visitor visa applications rely heavily on demonstrating temporary intent, IRCC carefully reviews factors such as the parent’s ties to their home country, travel history, financial situation, and overall circumstances. Applications may be delayed or refused if documentation is incomplete or if IRCC is not satisfied that the visit is genuinely temporary.

The sections below explain who needs a visitor visa, what eligibility requirements apply, and how the IRCC application process works. You can also compare all available options on our Parents Immigration Programs page. For personalized guidance, you may learn more about our immigration consultants or book a consultation to review your situation. A detailed overview of service options and pricing is available on our fees page.

Who needs parents visitor visa?

A Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) is required for parents from countries that are not visa-exempt to enter Canada for a temporary stay. Parents who are visa-exempt may not need a visitor visa but may still require an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), depending on how they travel and their nationality.

For parents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, a visitor visa is commonly used for short-term family visits, such as spending time with children or grandchildren, attending important family events, or visiting Canada for a limited period when a longer-stay option is not suitable. This pathway is often chosen when the visit is intended to be brief or when parents do not meet the requirements for a Super Visa.

All visitor visa applications are assessed individually. Approval depends on whether IRCC is satisfied that the parent meets temporary resident requirements and will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. A visitor visa can provide a practical and compliant way for parents to visit Canada temporarily, while preserving future options if circumstances change.

Parents visitor visa Canada (TRV): Eligibility & Requirements

Visitor Visa Requirements for Parents

To be approved for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) as a parent or grandparent, the applicant must convince IRCC that they meet Canada’s visitor rules and will stay temporarily (if you want a longer stay, please consider Super Visa instead). Officers assess the full picture (documents, personal history, and credibility), not just one factor. You must meet these core TRV requirements IRCC expects a TRV applicant to show they:

Have a valid travel document (passport).
Are in good health (and complete a medical exam if required).
Are law-abiding with no criminal activity and no serious immigration-related violations.
Are not a security risk to Canada.
Can convince an officer you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, usually by demonstrating strong ties to your home country (such as family responsibilities, employment, property, or ongoing commitments).
Do not intend to work or study in Canada unless you’re legally authorized to do so.
Will provide any additional documents an officer requests to confirm admissibility and purpose of travel.
Can demonstrate you have enough funds for your trip and return travel (details can be addressed separately).

A detail many families miss If the parent/grandparent is actually still a Canadian permanent resident (for example, they previously “landed” years ago), IRCC cannot issue a TRV – they may need a PR Travel Document or to renounce PR status before applying for a TRV. If you’re unsure whether to sponsor your parents, invite them for a longer stay, or bring them for a short visit, explore our guide comparing the main ways parents can come to Canada through the family sponsorship pathway to help you choose the best route.

Visitor Visa Requirements for the Host

For a regular visitor visa (TRV), there are no formal “host eligibility requirements” the way there are for the Parent and Grandparent Sponsorship program. The applicant is the one who must meet TRV requirements, and the host is simply a supporting contact. That said, if IRCC asks for (or you choose to include) a letter of invitation, the person in Canada should be able to provide credible, truthful information and basic proof of their situation in Canada. IRCC also clarifies that an invitation letter doesn’t guarantee approval and doesn’t make the host legally responsible for the visitor. What IRCC expects from a host (practically) In the invitation letter, the host should include:

Visitor details: full name, DOB, address/phone, relationship, purpose of trip, planned length of stay, where they’ll stay, how expenses will be covered, and planned departure date.
Host details: full name, DOB, address/phone in Canada, job title, and whether they are a Canadian citizen or PR.
Status proof (if citizen/PR): IRCC lists examples like Canadian birth certificate, citizenship proof, PR card/IMM1000, or Indian status card.

Bottom line: the host doesn’t “qualify” or “sponsor” for a TRV, but a well-prepared invitation package can strengthen the visitor’s story if it’s consistent and well-documented.

income requirement for parents visitor visa

Unlike Super Visas for Parents and Grandparents, for a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV), there is no fixed minimum income or bank balance published by IRCC. The official requirement is that the applicant must show they have enough money to support themselves (and accompanying family members, if any) during the trip and to return home.

What IRCC considers “enough money”

IRCC states the required amount depends on the length of stay and whether the visitor will stay in a hotel or with friends/relatives.

What you should show (financially)

A strong TRV file typically demonstrates:

Accessible funds available for the visit (not just assets on paper)
A realistic plan to cover transportation, living expenses, and return travel
Financial information that matches the travel plan and the applicant’s background (occupation/retirement, normal income flow, etc.)

Who can pay for the trip?

The applicant can show funds from:

Their own resources (savings, salary, pension, business income, etc.)
A third party (e.g., another family member)
Support from the host in Canada (for example, an adult child or grandchild)

If a host will help pay, the invitation letter should clearly state where the visitor will stay and how expenses will be paid.

For TRVs, “income requirement” really means proof of financial capacity for a temporary visit, assessed case-by-case – not a sponsorship-style income threshold.

Minors Travelling with Parents or Grandparents

If a minor child (under 18) is included in the visit (travelling with a parent/grandparent, alone, or with another relative), the application and entry are typically reviewed more carefully. Canadian border officers are specifically alert to situations involving children who may need protection and may ask additional questions at the port of entry. For a minor applying for a visitor visa (TRV), IRCC instructs applicants to include additional documents beyond the standard TRV checklist, such as:

A copy of the child’s birth certificate
A letter of authorization signed by the parent(s) or legal guardian (preferably in English or French), including the parent/guardian contact details and the details of the adult responsible for the child in Canada (if applicable)

If the child is travelling with only one parent, with someone who isn’t a parent/legal guardian, or alone, it’s strongly recommended to carry a travel consent letter and supporting custody/guardianship documents (where relevant) to avoid delays. Find more information on the IRCC page about minors entering Canada.

How to Extend a Visitor Visa (TRV)

For parents and grandparents who are already in Canada on a Visitor Visa (TRV), extending their stay does not mean extending the visa counterfoil in the passport. A TRV is mainly an entry document. To stay longer inside Canada, they must apply for a visitor record, which extends their visitor status and sets a new “valid until” date. What you are applying for: Visitor Record IRCC’s official process to remain in Canada longer as a visitor is to apply to extend your stay and receive a visitor record. A visitor record is not a visa and does not automatically allow re-entry if the person leaves Canada. When to apply IRCC recommends applying at least 30 days before the current visitor status expires. If the application is submitted before the status expiry date, the visitor can generally remain in Canada while IRCC processes the request (maintained status). What you should include in the application A well-prepared extension request typically includes:

A clear reason for the extended stay (with realistic dates)
Proof of current legal status in Canada (entry stamp or previous visitor record)
Proof they can support themselves during the extended stay and will leave Canada at the end of the visit
Passport pages showing identity details and validity (extensions cannot go beyond passport validity)

Government fee IRCC’s fee to extend visitor status (visitor record) is:

$100 per person

Important travel note A visitor record allows someone to stay longer in Canada, but if they travel outside Canada, they may need a valid TRV (or eTA, depending on citizenship) to return. If the status already expired If the visitor’s status has expired, they generally cannot “extend.” In many cases, they may need to apply to restore their status (typically within 90 days of losing it) and pay restoration fees — approval is not guaranteed. If your parents or grandparents haven’t applied yet and plan to stay in Canada for an extended period, it’s usually better to apply for a Super Visa from the start rather than a regular visitor visa.

IRCC Application Process

Document Checklist Requirements

Applications for a Visitor Visa for Parents must follow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) official requirements. A visitor visa is a temporary resident application, and IRCC carefully reviews each submission to confirm that the applicant meets eligibility requirements and intends to leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay. While requirements may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s country of residence and personal circumstances, a complete visitor visa application for parents generally includes:

Completed visitor visa application forms, including family information forms and a representative form (if applicable)
A valid passport and travel document copies
Identity and civil status documents, such as birth certificates or other records confirming the parent-child relationship
A letter of invitation from the child in Canada outlining the purpose and duration of the visit
Proof of the child’s status in Canada (Canadian citizenship or permanent residence)
Financial documents showing the parent’s ability to support themselves during the visit, or proof of financial support from the child in Canada
Supporting documents demonstrating ties to the home country, such as employment, property, family obligations, or ongoing financial commitments
Travel history documentation, if applicable

Documents that are not in English or French must be accompanied by certified translations. Depending on the applicant’s nationality and travel history, biometrics and additional documents may also be required. IRCC may request further information or clarification during processing. Submitting a complete and well-documented application is essential, as incomplete applications or insufficient evidence of temporary intent can result in delays or refusal. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review IRCC’s official visitor visa requirements before applying to ensure they are using the most current forms and instructions, as requirements may be updated periodically.

IRCC Processing Time

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) publishes regularly updated processing time estimates for visitor visas through its official online processing time tool. These estimates are not guaranteed timelines, but they provide a general indication of how long it may take from the time a complete application is received until a final decision is made. Processing times for Visitor Visa for Parents applications can vary significantly based on several factors, including:

The applicant’s country of residence and local visa office
The overall completeness and quality of the application submitted
Whether biometrics or additional documentation are required
The visa office’s current workload and seasonal volume
Any additional assessments that may be needed based on individual circumstances

Delays commonly occur when applications are incomplete, required documents or certified translations are missing, fees are paid incorrectly, or IRCC requests additional clarification or evidence during processing. Applicants are encouraged to monitor benchmarks using the official IRCC processing time tool and ensure their application is fully prepared and well-documented to help avoid unnecessary delays.

IRCC Application Fees

Applying for a Visitor Visa for Parents involves government fees that must be paid directly to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Paying the correct fees in full is required before IRCC will begin processing the application.

Government Fees (Paid to IRCC)

The following government fees generally apply to a Visitor Visa for Parents:

Visitor visa application fee: CAD $100 per applicant
Biometrics fee: CAD $85 per person (if biometrics are required)

Biometrics are required for many applicants and must be submitted at a designated collection point after receiving IRCC instructions. Fees are set by IRCC and may change. Applicants should confirm the most up-to-date amounts using the official IRCC fee list before submitting their application.

Third-Party or Additional Costs (Not Paid to IRCC)

In addition to government fees, applicants should budget for potential third-party costs that are not paid to IRCC, including:

Biometrics collection service fees, if applicable
Immigration medical examination fees with an IRCC-approved panel physician (if required)
Certified translation costs for documents not in English or French
Courier or postage fees for sending supporting materials to a visa office, when required

These third-party costs vary by country, service provider, and individual circumstances. Confirming these costs in advance helps prevent unexpected expenses that might delay the application process.

Fee Payment and Confirmation

All required government fees must be paid online through the IRCC Portal at the time of submission. Applicants should retain and include proof of payment in their application package when instructed, as missing or incorrect fee payments can result in processing delays or the application being returned.

Application Status Tracker

After submitting a Visitor Visa for Parents application, applicants can track its progress using Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) official online tools. Most updates will be available through the IRCC secure online account used to submit the application. During processing, IRCC may issue updates such as:

Requests for additional documents or clarification
Biometrics instructions and confirmation
Requests for further information related to eligibility or admissibility
Notification of a final decision on the visitor visa application

Applicants can monitor the overall progress of their application using IRCC’s online application status tracker, which provides high-level status updates as the application moves through different stages of review. Status updates may not appear immediately and can change as the application progresses. Depending on how and when the application was submitted, some communications may also be sent by email or provided through IRCC webforms. Applicants are encouraged to check their online account regularly to stay informed and respond promptly to any IRCC requests.