Visitor Visa and Visitor Record
If you wish to travel to Canada, you may be required to obtain a visa to gain entry. Canada requires that foreign nationals obtain a visitor’s visa before entry unless they are nationals of a visa-exempt country.
The visa application process, though simple, requires attention to detail and accuracy and is best approached with in-depth knowledge of the process. If denied, you can reapply with new information if your circumstances change.
At Goldman Associates, our knowledgeable and experienced Vancouver immigration lawyer can help you apply for your visitor visa.
Visitor Visa
The visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa, allows foreign nationals who wish to visit, work or study in Canada to enter and remain temporarily. The visa grants each visitor a maximum of six months’ stay, whether or not the passport is officially stamped on entry. Consider the visitor visa your official confirmation that you have met all the requirements to travel to and stay in the country.
Our experienced and knowledgeable Vancouver immigration lawyer understands the ins and outs of the visa application process. We can assist you with your application and ensure that all requirements are met and your application is completed correctly. Note that your passport must be current until you depart from Canada. Immigration officers will not consider applications otherwise.
Foreign nationals wishing to travel through Canada en route to other destinations do not need to apply for a visitor visa; however, they must obtain an electronic travel authorization (eTA). The Vancouver immigration lawyer at Goldman Associates can help you get an eTA, provided you are not from an exempt country.
Visitor Record
You may wish to extend your stay in Canada beyond six months. To do so, you must apply to the Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for a visa extension – also known as a visitor record. A Vancouver immigration lawyer can, with a visitor record, amend your departure date to prolong your stay. Applicants must apply at least 30 days before their authorized stay in Canada expires. Note the visitor record is not a visa.
Basic Requirements for a Visitor Visa
According to the IRCC, applicants must meet several basic requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa, including:
- having a valid passport
- being healthy
- possessing no criminal history or immigration violations
- having sufficient funds to cover their stay in Canada – the amount of money depends on the length of stay and accommodation, among other factors
- convincing immigration personnel that they have compelling reasons to return home and that they intend to return by the departure date
- passing the required medical exam
The IRCC may also require foreign nationals to have an invitation from a Canadian resident.
Documents Required for Visitor Visas
Applicants must convince immigration personnel that they are admissible to Canada and will return home after their short-term stay. Applicants must provide the following documentation:
- A valid passport
- A letter of invitation from a Canadian resident
- Details of the impending trip
- Travel history
- Employment information
- Financial information
How We Can Help
Goldman Associates offers a unique legal approach to solving clients’ immigration matters. Our Vancouver immigration lawyer, Ian Goldman, has over 30 years of experience handling visa applications and other immigration matters. His adept and extensive knowledge of immigration policies and procedures ensures that your visa application is done right.
We value our clients and ensure that you receive the best possible experience. Besides helping with your immigration needs, we can also aid with matters like employment, enrolling your children in school and opening a bank account.
Your Vancouver Immigration Lawyer
The visa application process can be daunting. If you plan to apply for a visa, schedule a consultation with our immigration lawyer to learn how we can make the process simpler. At Goldman Associates, we prioritize client satisfaction.
Call 604-900-3259 or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation.
Immigration lawyer in Vancouver
You are not required to hire a lawyer to represent you in immigration matters, but it would be wise to do so. Hiring an immigration lawyer doesn’t mean your case will get special attention from the immigration authorities, and it doesn’t guarantee success. Still, a lawyer can help you avoid common mistakes that could derail your application.
Do you have questions about your eligibility for business or investor immigration to Canada? We can offer guidance at Goldman Associates.
With over 30 years of experience, our immigration lawyer can advise which immigration program might have the best chance of success based on your unique situation.
We will also prepare your immigration application, be your representative throughout the entire process and help you prepare for your interviews during the application process and at the border entry point.
Call us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your case.