Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Required for foreign nationals who transit through Canada on their way to a third country if they are not eligible for a visa exemption (for example, under the eTA program). It allows them to stay in Canada for no more than 48 hours to catch their connecting flight. The application is available online using the IRCC Portal. Once the application is submitted, the visa office may request an interview.
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
from 1 month to 1 year
Validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
The transit visa is generally valid from 1 month up to 1 year, depending on the purpose of travel. The expiry date on the visa indicates the last day it can be used to seek entry into Canada; if the visa is not used by that date, it becomes invalid. This expiry date does not determine the length of stay in Canada. Upon arrival, border officers decide how long a foreigner is authorized to remain in the country.
to 2 days
Length of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
The Border Services Officer examining a foreign national upon entry determines the authorized duration of the visit. Typically, this type of visa allows travellers to stay in Canada for up to 48 hours. It may be less than 48 hours, depending on the travel route or flight schedule.
Not applicable
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
A transit visa is intended only for a short layover; it cannot be used to extend the stay in Canada.
single-entry
The possibility of entering the country only once during the visa's validity period. After departure from the country with such a visa, re-entry is not possible, even if the visa's validity period has not yet expired.
Double-entry
The ability to enter the country only twice during the visa's validity period. This is typically used for transit visas and when multiple entries are required within a short timeframe, such as during travel to multiple countries.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
It may be valid for one or two entries, depending on the travel plans.
from 14 days to 1 month
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
The processing time for a Canadian transit visa depends on the applicant’s country of residence, the completeness of the submitted documents, seasonal demand, and any additional requirements such as biometrics or an interview. The process usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months, with an average of 2–4 weeks, although official processing can take up to 55 days.
Free of charge
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
This type of a visa is free of fees.
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
Should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of travel to Canada, with at least 2 blank pages.
Visa application form
Completely filled out.
Photograph
Must be taken within the last 6 months, have a plain white or light background, and be clear, with no shadows or retouching. The standard size is 35×45 mm (or 50×70 mm for certain application categories). The face must be fully visible, with a neutral expression and eyes looking directly at the camera. Only medical or religious head coverings that do not obscure the face are permitted; eyeglasses are allowed as long as there are no glare and the eyes are clearly visible. The photo must meet IRCC requirements for quality, lighting, and facial proportions.
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Confirmation of entry into the destination country
Flight reservation, ticket or itinerary to the final destination country.
Permission to enter the destination country
Valid visa, residence permit or passport to enter the destination country.
Proof of financial means
Must demonstrate sufficient funds to support oneself for the entire stay in Canada and for return expenses (bank statement, pay stubs, or proof of employment).
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate or other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree; original letter of notarized consent for the minor to travel abroad from parents/legal guardian.
Proof of accommodation
A copy of hotel reservation, rental contract, or letter from friends/family in Canada.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate or other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree; original letter of notarized consent for the minor to travel abroad from parents / legal guardian.
Current immigration or residence status
National passport or ID card; visa, residence permit or other supporting document confirming resident status if the country of residence is different from that listed in applicant's passport.
Letter of proof of employment
Confirming the position and work status hand-signed by the authorized HR Department or Manager. Or a letter explaining and confirming sufficient funds for unemployed.
Receipt of fee payment
Confirmation of the visa application processing fee.
Certificate of criminal record
Confirming no criminal record in the applicant’s home or residence country.
Medical exam results
Proof that applicant has a medical exam with a panel physician approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. If applicable.
Education history
Information about the applicant’s formal education, including schools, colleges, universities, professional courses, and any degrees or certificates obtained.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Transit visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Transit visa
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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terranusuppor@outlook.comEligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Passenger, traveler
Last updated 2025-11-27