Do I need a medical exam for Canadian visa?

Medical exams required for long-term stay, work, or study permits. Check official guidelines.

What if I was refused a Canadian visa before?

Disclose previous refusals accurately. Provide explanations, updated travel history, proof of funds, and ties to home country.

Are there restricted areas in Canada requiring special permits?

Some regions, especially indigenous lands or protected territories, require additional permits. Check official advisories.

Canada Visa Eligibility — Clear Rules & Practical Guidance

Determining your eligibility is the first step before applying for a Canada visa. This page explains who qualifies, what documents are required, differences between eTA, Visitor, Study, and Work visas, and practical tips to avoid delays or rejections.

Core Eligibility Criteria (Applies to Most Applicants)

Valid Passport

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date.
Include blank pages for stamps if applicable.
Passport information must match your application documents.

Purpose & Intent

Activities in Canada must align with your visa type (tourism, business, study, work, medical, etc.).
No unauthorized employment on visitor/eTA visas.
Changes in purpose must be approved before entry.

Financial Means & Home Ties

Show sufficient funds for your stay, medical needs, and return travel.
Provide proof of ties to your home country (employment, family, assets).
Return or onward travel plan should be clear.

Travel & Compliance History

No previous overstay or immigration violations in Canada or other countries.
Provide accurate travel history and supporting documents.

Health & Security

Medical exams may be required for certain visa categories.
Background checks and biometrics may apply.

Purpose-Based Eligibility

Tourist

Leisure travel, visiting family/friends, sightseeing, short retreats.
No employment, business contracts, or professional assignments allowed.
Evidence: travel itinerary, accommodation, funds, return plan, invitation letters.

Business

Meetings, trade fairs, conferences, training with your foreign employer.
No local payroll or employment.
Evidence: invitation letters, business agenda, proof of employment and ties home.

Study

Full-time studies at recognized Canadian institutions.
Evidence: acceptance letter, tuition proof, financial support, housing plan.

Work / Internship

Work permit or internship authorization required before travel.
Evidence: employer offer letter, LMIA or exemption, contract details.

Medical

Confirmation from recognized hospital/clinic for treatment.
Attendants allowed if directly supporting the patient; up to two immediate family members.
Evidence: hospital letters, treatment plan, funding, appointments.

eTA vs Visitor Visa

eTA

Eligible for visa-exempt nationals traveling by air.
Short stays for tourism, business, or transit.
Apply online; approval electronically linked to passport.

Visitor Visa

Required for nationals not eligible for eTA, or longer/flexible travel.
Submit application online or to Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Biometrics may be required; entry still determined by immigration officer.

Final Decision at Entry

Immigration officer decides duration of stay and admissibility.
Carry all supporting documents for verification.

Additional Tips & Guidance

Ensure all documents are translated to English or French if needed.
Double-check your travel itinerary and financial proofs before submission.
Maintain consistency in names, passport numbers, and date of birth across all documents.
Keep scanned copies of all documents as backup.
Plan your visa application well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete applications without supporting documents.
Providing false or misleading information.
Failing to show proof of sufficient funds or home ties.
Not checking visa category eligibility before applying.
Missing deadlines for biometrics or application submission.

Visa Extensions & Changes

Apply for visa extensions before your current visa expires.
Switching visa type while in Canada requires formal approval.
Unauthorized work or study can result in visa cancellation.
Keep all communications and approval letters safe for future reference.

Health & Insurance Guidance

Medical insurance is recommended for all visa types.
Certain long-term visas require mandatory medical exams.
Keep vaccination records updated if traveling with minors.
Check for any regional health advisories before travel.

Travel Preparation & Safety

Carry copies of important documents separately from originals.
Inform your local embassy or consulate about your travel plans.
Keep emergency contacts and local authorities’ numbers handy.
Follow local laws and customs to avoid legal issues.
Maintain awareness of weather and travel alerts for your destination.

Eligibility — FAQs

No. Tourism and eTA visas are only for leisure, visiting family/friends, or sightseeing. Business meetings require Business Visitor visa or work permit.

Apply under Business Visitor/Conference category. Ensure invitation and registration match your application.

No. Correct visa type required before entry. Unauthorized change may lead to refusal or removal.

Yes. Proof of funds required for stay and return travel.

Visit the official Canadian government portal for eTA eligibility.

Minors under 18 may need parental consent or travel authorization. Additional documents may be required.