Canada
Visitors need either a temporary resident visa or an eTA, depending on nationality. Biometrics are required for most visa applicants.
Where you apply
Online, with biometrics at a visa application centre
Biometrics
Required, valid 10 years
Medical exam
Only for longer stays or certain countries
Visa length
Often issued to the passport expiry date
Transit
A visa is needed even to change planes in Canada
Good to know
- The visa is usually issued for up to ten years. The length of each stay is set at the border, normally six months.
- A single application covers a family; each member still needs their own forms and biometrics.
- Transit through a Canadian airport requires a visa or eTA, unlike many other countries.
- Previous refusals must be declared. An undeclared one is treated as misrepresentation.
Requirements vary by nationality
We do not publish an automated eligibility check — the rules change too often for that to be honest. A consultant confirms your exact checklist in writing before any work starts.
Get my checklistAvailable visa types
Visitor visa (temporary resident visa)
VisaFor tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. Applied for online, with biometrics at a visa application centre.
Validity — Often up to 10 years, multiple entry, capped at the passport expiry
Stay — Usually up to 6 months per entry
Processing — Varies widely by country of residence; several weeks to several months (estimate)
Stampwise service feefrom USD 119
Government / visa centre feeUSD 75 visa fee plus USD 63 biometrics (estimate)
Paid at cost, subject to change.
eTA guidance
GuidanceVisa-exempt travellers flying to Canada need an electronic travel authorisation. We confirm eligibility and prepare the application.
Validity — Five years, or until the passport expires
Stay — Usually up to 6 months per entry
Processing — Often minutes, but can take several days (estimate)
Stampwise service feefrom USD 39
Government / visa centre feeUSD 6 (estimate)
Paid at cost, subject to change.