By Leah Still
Canada welcomes tourists and visitors from around the world to enjoy the country for a set period of time, with or without a visa, depending on your country of citizenship or residence. Visitor visas do not allow for employment or study.
U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents with a green card do not need a visa to visit Canada for up to 180 days.
Exemptions
Citizens of many other Western countries, including Britain, Australia and France, are also exempt from needing a visa to visit Canada. Specific country information can be found on Canada's immigration website, www.cic.gc.ca.
Visa Office
If you do need a visa to visit Canada, you will need to contact the visa office responsible for the country in which you live. A list of offices can be found at www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/offices/apply-where.asp.
Application
If you need a visa to visit Canada, you must obtain an application package, which can be downloaded at www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/apply-how.asp. An interview with a Canadian embassy official and/or a medical examination could be necessary before your visa is granted.
Fee
The fee is non-refundable, even if your application for a visitor visa to Canada is denied. The fee varies depending on whether you are applying for a single-entry, multiple-entry or family visa. Contact the visa office for the country in which you live to pay your fee.
Time Frame
Most visa applications are processed within a month. Most visitor visas to Canada allow you to stay in the country for 6 months. If you want to stay longer, you must submit an application to extend your visa at least 30 days before your visitor visa expires.
Resources
About the Author:
Leah Still has written about travel, fashion and home design since 2003. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including "SKI" magazine, Southernaccents.com and Gusto.com. She has a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and broadens her education with both domestic and international travel.
