A visitor visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an immigration document that allows foreign nationals to travel to and enter Canada. Unless you are from a visa-exempt country, you will need a visitor visa to enter Canada, whether you are coming as a student, temporary worker, or simply to visit.

There are two types of Canadian visitor visas: single-entry and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa allows foreigners to enter Canada only once. A multiple-entry visa allows holders to enter and leave Canada as often as they like, as long as the visa remains valid. You do not need to choose the type of application—applicants are automatically considered for multiple-entry visas and are issued single-entry visas only in rare circumstances.

A multiple-entry visitor visa allows the holder to travel to Canada and stay for up to six months per entry, provided the visa remains valid. The visa can be valid for up to 10 years, but the exact validity period is at the discretion of the issuing visa officer. If you have another status document in Canada, such as a study or work permit, and are not visa-exempt, you will automatically receive a visitor visa allowing you to enter Canada to obtain your permit. This is usually a multiple-entry visa. If you temporarily leave Canada during your studies or temporary work, you do not need to apply for a new visitor visa to re-enter Canada, as long as your permit and visa are still valid.