How Do I Apply for a Visitor Visa to Visit Canada for the Holidays?
If your family member is from a visa-required country, they apply online for a Canadian visitor visa. The fee is $100 per person ($500 for a family of 5 or more), plus $85 for biometrics ($170 for a family). They'll need a passport valid at least 6 months beyond their travel date, proof of funds, travel plans and, for a family visit, a letter of invitation from you. Because biometrics and processing take time, apply as early as possible for December travel.
Visitor visa or eTA: which one?
| Traveller | What they need |
|---|---|
| Citizen of a visa-required country | A visitor visa (some may qualify for an eTA instead, for air travel only) |
| Citizen of a visa-exempt country flying to Canada | An electronic travel authorization (eTA) |
| Citizen of a visa-exempt country arriving by car, bus, train or boat | Usually just a valid passport |
| U.S. citizen | No eTA or visa; carry proper ID such as a U.S. passport |
| U.S. green card holder | No eTA; a valid passport and proof of U.S. status |
Travellers need one or the other, not both. Check IRCC's "find out what you need" tool for your family member's passport.
What documents do they need?
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the travel date.
- Letter of invitation from you, plus proof of your relationship.
- Proof of funds, such as bank statements, ideally showing at least 6 months of history.
- Travel plans or an itinerary.
- Employer letter confirming their job and approved leave.
- Travel history, such as previous visas and passport stamps.
The goal is to show the officer that the visit is genuine, that they can pay for it, and that they'll return home afterward.
How to write the letter of invitation
| About your visitor | About you (the host) |
|---|---|
| Full name, date of birth, address and phone number | Full name, date of birth, Canadian address and phone number |
| Your relationship to them | Your job title |
| Purpose of the trip | Whether you're a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, with a copy of proof |
| How long they'll stay, and their departure date | Your spouse's and dependants' names and dates of birth |
| Where they'll stay and how they'll pay for the trip |
A letter of invitation doesn't guarantee a visa, and it doesn't make you legally responsible for your visitor. Write it truthfully and only promise what you'll actually do.
Step by step: how to apply
- Confirm what they need: visitor visa or eTA.
- Gather documents, including your invitation letter.
- Apply online through the IRCC Portal or an IRCC secure account. Paper applications are only allowed in specific situations.
- Pay the fees: $100 processing per person (max $500 per family) and $85 for biometrics ($170 per family).
- Give biometrics as soon as the instruction letter arrives. Delays here slow everything down.
- Send the passport when IRCC asks, so the visa can be placed in it.
A visitor visa can be valid for up to 10 years, or until the passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
When should we apply for December travel?
Now. Processing times vary a lot by country, and biometrics appointments can book up before the holidays. Check IRCC's processing times tool for your family member's country before booking flights, and don't buy non-refundable tickets until the visa is approved.
Parents or grandparents staying longer?
If your parents or grandparents want to stay for long periods, the Super Visa may be a better fit. It has extra requirements, including medical insurance and a minimum income for the host. We'll cover it in a coming article.
Common reasons visitor visas are refused
- Weak ties to home. No proof of a job, property or family to return to.
- Unexplained funds. A large recent deposit with no explanation raises questions.
- A vague purpose of travel. Be clear about who they're visiting, why and for how long.
- Inconsistent information between the invitation letter and the application.
Every situation is different. GLC Immigration Consulting can help in three ways:
- Consultation: a one-on-one session with Osaro Ezomo, RCIC, to review your situation and your options.
- Full representation: we prepare and submit your application and act as your authorized representative with IRCC, from start to finish.
- Pre-submission review: you prepare your own application, and we review it for errors, gaps and risks before you submit.
To request full representation or a pre-submission review, or for any other question, email us at hello@gradlifecanada.ca.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Canadian visitor visa cost?
$100 per person, or $500 for a family of 5 or more, plus $85 for biometrics ($170 for a family).
Do I need a letter of invitation for my family to visit?
It's strongly recommended for family visits. IRCC lists it among the documents to include, and it should explain who they are, why they're coming and where they'll stay.
Does a letter of invitation guarantee a visa?
No. The visa officer still decides whether your visitor meets the requirements.
How long is a Canadian visitor visa valid?
Up to 10 years, or until the passport or biometrics expire, whichever comes first.
How early should we apply for a December visit?
As early as possible. Processing times vary by country, so check IRCC's processing times tool and give biometrics promptly.
Fact-checked: Based on IRCC's How to apply for a visitor visa (last modified August 28, 2026), Letter of invitation for visitors to Canada and eTA: Who can apply pages. Verified October 30, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules change often. For advice on your situation, speak with a licensed immigration professional.
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC), licence #R711785. Osaro is the principal consultant at GLC Immigration Consulting in Calgary, Alberta, helping clients with Express Entry, provincial nomination, work and study permits and family sponsorship.
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