Bringing your parents to Canada for a visit is a wonderful way to share your life abroad with them. Whether you want to show them your new home, celebrate special occasions together, or simply spend quality time, understanding how to apply Canada Visitor Visa for Parents is the first crucial step.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Canada parent visitor visa process, requirements, and tips to increase your chances of approval.
Understanding the Canada Visa for Parents Visiting
The Canada tourist visa for parents, officially known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows your parents to visit you in Canada for up to 6 months. This visitor visa for Canada for parents is typically valid for multiple entries over a period of up to 10 years, though the validity period is at the discretion of immigration officers.
Who Needs a Visitor Visa?
Your parents will need a Canada visa for parents visiting if they’re citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply Canada Visitor Visa for Parents
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before you start the parent tourist visa Canada application, ensure your parents have these essential documents:
For Your Parents:
- Valid passport (should be valid for at least 6 months beyond their planned stay)
- Completed application forms (IMM 5257 and IMM 5645)
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial support (bank statements for the last 6 months)
- Travel history (previous visas, stamps, travel documents)
- The purpose of the letter explaining the reason for traveling to Canada
- Travel itinerary and return tickets (if already booked)
From You (as the host in Canada):
- Letter of invitation stating your relationship, their visit duration, and where they’ll stay
- Proof of your status in Canada (work permit, study permit, or PR card)
- Proof of your financial ability to support their visit (pay stubs, employment letter, bank statements)
- Copy of your passport or Canadian citizenship documents
Step 2: Complete the Application Forms
When applying for a parents tourist visa Canada, accuracy is crucial. Fill out the forms completely:
- IMM 5257 – Application for Visitor Visa (one for each parent)
- IMM 5645 – Family Information form
- Use the IMM 5484 document checklist to ensure you haven’t missed anything
Step 3: Pay the Application Fee
The current visa application fee is CAD $100 per person, plus a biometrics fee of CAD $85 per person (or CAD $170 for a couple). Online payment via the IRCC portal is required.
Step 4: Submit Biometrics
After submitting the application to apply for a Canada visitor visa for parents, your parents will receive a biometrics instruction letter. They must visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) within 30 days to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing times for the Canada parent visitor visa vary by country, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months.The IRCC website provides current processing times.
Tips to Strengthen Your Canada Tourist Visa for Parents Application
- Demonstrate Strong Ties to Home Country Immigration officers want assurance that your parents will return home. Include evidence of:
- Property ownership
- Employment or pension income
- Family ties in their home country
- Regular financial obligations
- Provide Complete Financial Documentation Show that your parents can afford the trip, or that you can support them during their visit. Include:
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Your employment letter and income proof
- Tax returns (both yours and your parents’)
- Write a Detailed Letter of Invitation Your invitation letter should clearly explain:
- Your relationship with your parents
- Why you’re inviting them
- How long they’ll stay
- Where they’ll live during their visit
- Who will cover the expenses
- Show Intent to Return The key concern for visa officers is whether applicants will overstay. Your parents should demonstrate clear reasons to return home, such as:
- Ongoing employment or business
- Property and assets in their home country
- Other family members who depend on them
- Return flight bookings
Typical Causes of Visa Rejection and How to Prevent Them
When you apply parents visitor visa Canada, be aware of common pitfalls:
Insufficient Financial Proof: Always provide comprehensive bank statements and income documents.
Weak Ties to Home Country: Strengthen your application with property deeds, employment letters, and family documentation.
Incomplete Application: Use the official checklist and double-check everything before submission.
Inadequate Purpose of Visit: Be specific about the visit purpose and provide a realistic itinerary.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times for the parent tourist visa Canada vary significantly by country of application. Generally:
- Online applications: 15-60 days
- Paper applications: Longer processing times
Check the IRCC website for your parents’ country-specific processing times before planning their visit.
Multiple Entry vs. Single Entry Visa
Most Canada visas for parents visiting applications result in multiple-entry visas, allowing your parents to enter Canada multiple times during the visa’s validity period (up to 10 years). But each visit usually lasts little more than six months.
After the Visa is Approved
Once your parents receive their visitor visa for Canada for parents:
- Check the visa validity dates carefully
- Ensure their passport remains valid throughout their intended stay
- Book flights and accommodation
- Consider purchasing visitor health insurance (highly recommended)
- Prepare for border entry by carrying invitation letters and supporting documents
Can Parents Extend Their Stay?
Yes! If your parents want to stay longer, they can apply to extend their visitor status at least 30 days before their current status expires. The extension application must be submitted online through the IRCC portal.
Conclusion
Applying for a Canada tourist visa for parents doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this guide, gathering complete documentation, and demonstrating strong ties to their home country, you can significantly improve your chances of a successful application.
Remember, when you apply Canada visitor visa for parents, honesty and completeness are paramount. Provide genuine information, adequate financial proof, and clear documentation of the visit purpose.
Start your application early to account for processing times, and don’t hesitate to seek help from immigration consultants if needed. Soon, you’ll be welcoming your parents to Canada and creating wonderful memories together!