The Canadian Transit Visa is a short-term visa designed to facilitate the travel of foreign citizens passing through or transiting Canada. For individuals needing to transit through Canada, obtaining a transit visa may be necessary. This visa is issued and stamped in the person’s passport, allowing them to transit through a Canadian airport for a period of up to 2 days. Depending on the individual’s travel plans, the Canadian Transit Visa can be valid for either 1 or 2 entries. It’s important to utilize the visa before its expiration date to ensure smooth transit through Canada.

Although the expiration date on the TRV may extend beyond six months, individuals are typically authorized to stay in Canada for a maximum of six months on the issued TRV.

Exceptions exist for individuals exempt from the TRV or eTA requirement, with specific regulations governing their entry into Canada.

The TRV, also known as a visitor visa, necessitates an application process outside Canada for individuals intending to travel to Canada. Upon TRV approval, individuals may enter Canada, provided they satisfy immigration officers at the Port of Entry (POE) that they intend to depart Canada after their authorized stay.

Before applying for a transit visa a person needs to check which entry document is required to transit through Canada.

Transit Visa Eligibility and Requirements

A Transit visa is required for individuals from countries that necessitate a visa for entry.

However, travelers meeting specific criteria when traveling to and from the US may be eligible to transit through a Canadian airport without a transit visa.

Certain passport holders from select countries (such as China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan) may not require a transit visa if they meet specific country requirements. It’s crucial to note that individuals associated with criminal activities, organized crime, and/or human rights violations are deemed inadmissible to Canada. Additionally, admissibility may be assessed for reasons including security, medical concerns, and/or financial circumstances.

Both adults and minors traveling to Canada must possess a valid passport.

Transit Visa Process

When applying for a transit visa, it is advisable to complete an online application, as it is promptly received by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) without delays. Online applications are processed efficiently, eliminating the need for postage expenses. Moreover, communication is expedited, with updates directly accessible through an online account.

To initiate the transit visa application, individuals are required to fill out a form and select the transit visa option from the provided dropdown menu.

Additionally, applicants may be required to provide biometrics as part of the transit visa processing.

It is important to carefully follow the provided instructions and submit all necessary documents required for the application process.

Before proceeding with the application, it is advisable to check the processing time for a transit visa, as it may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin.