A visa is an official document, usually stamped or glued inside a passport, giving permission from foreign authorities to enter a country.

You are responsible for ensuring that your passport contains empty visa pages. If the pages of your passport have become filled with visas or entry and exit stamps, apply for a new passport.

Visas are issued by foreign government offices in Canada. Requirements and processing times vary, depending on the type of visa you need. The most common categories are business, work, student and tourist visas.

Visa Requirements

You will almost certainly need a visa if you plan to remain in a foreign country for a longer period (usually more than 90 days). Before your departure, consult the Travel Reports for country-specific visa information.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for each of their destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Visa Renewals or Change of Status

To extend your stay in a country beyond the period permitted by the visa you currently hold, or to change the status of your visa (for example, from a tourist visa to a work visa), contact the nearest Canadian government office abroad and consular officials will refer you to the proper authorities in that country.

Related Links

• Visas FAQ