Visas and immigration in Canada
Visas and immigration in Canada13 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.
Visiting Canada
Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 16, 2026.
- 1 passport visa-free
- 70 passports need an eTA or eVisa
- 178 passports need a visa
Passports that can visit without a visa
- United States
United StatesVisit & tourism2 pathways
Super visa for parents and grandparents
The super visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians visit for up to 5 years at a time. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years. The host child or grandchild must meet a minimum income and invite the applicant. The applicant needs private health insurance and a medical exam.
Temporary onlyLast checked October 16, 2026
View requirementsVisiting Canada: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or Electronic Travel Authorization
Most foreign nationals need either a visitor visa or an eTA to visit Canada for tourism, family or business, depending on citizenship and how they travel. Visa-required nationals need a visa for any mode of travel; visa-exempt nationals need an eTA only when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. A border officer makes the final entry and length-of-stay decision.
Temporary onlyLast checked October 16, 2026
View requirements
Study1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
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Work permits3 pathways
3 more pathways for members
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Skilled migration1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
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Permanent residence1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
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Family1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
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Status in-country2 pathways
2 more pathways for members
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Asylum & protection1 pathway
Citizenship1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
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Visit & tourism2 pathways
Super visa for parents and grandparents
The super visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens, permanent residents or registered Indians visit for up to 5 years at a time. It is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 10 years. The host child or grandchild must meet a minimum income and invite the applicant. The applicant needs private health insurance and a medical exam.
Temporary onlyLast checked October 16, 2026
View requirementsVisiting Canada: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) or Electronic Travel Authorization
Most foreign nationals need either a visitor visa or an eTA to visit Canada for tourism, family or business, depending on citizenship and how they travel. Visa-required nationals need a visa for any mode of travel; visa-exempt nationals need an eTA only when flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport. A border officer makes the final entry and length-of-stay decision.
Temporary onlyLast checked October 16, 2026
View requirements
Study1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
Subscribe to open every country, with full requirements, fees, steps and your score on each pathway.
Get started
Work permits3 pathways
3 more pathways for members
Subscribe to open every country, with full requirements, fees, steps and your score on each pathway.
Get started
Skilled migration1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
Subscribe to open every country, with full requirements, fees, steps and your score on each pathway.
Get started
Permanent residence1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
Subscribe to open every country, with full requirements, fees, steps and your score on each pathway.
Get started
Family1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
Subscribe to open every country, with full requirements, fees, steps and your score on each pathway.
Get started
Status in-country2 pathways
2 more pathways for members
Subscribe to open every country, with full requirements, fees, steps and your score on each pathway.
Get started
Asylum & protection1 pathway
Citizenship1 pathway
1 more pathway for members
Subscribe to open every country, with full requirements, fees, steps and your score on each pathway.
Get started
Official sources
Government pages behind these routes.
- IRCC: Super visa for parents and grandparents (2026-07-06)
- IRCC: Super visa, who can apply (2026-07-06)
- IRCC: Super visa, forms and documents (2026-07-30)
- IRCC: Super visa, proof of financial support (2026-07-06)
- IRCC: Super visa, how long you can stay (2026-07-06)
- IRCC: Super visa, submit your application (2026-08-28)
- IRCC processing times data (updated October 14, 2026)
- Visitor visa: Who can apply
- Visitor visa: How to apply
- Visitor visa: About the document
- Entry requirements by country/territory
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)