How long does a Canadian visitor visa take in 2026?
As of 2026, visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa / TRV) applications from outside Canada take approximately 4–8 weeks. Visitor status extensions from inside Canada take 16–20 weeks.
Who needs a visitor visa to enter Canada?
Citizens of countries that do not have a visa-exempt agreement with Canada require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Citizens of visa-exempt countries (including the US) require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.
How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months. A border services officer will set the authorized period of stay when you enter. You can apply to extend your stay from inside Canada.
Can I apply for a visitor visa extension from inside Canada?
Yes. You can apply to extend your visitor status from inside Canada before your current authorized stay expires. Extensions currently take 16–20 weeks to process.