Overview: Why the Canada Tourist Visa is a Top Choice for Iranians
The Canada Tourist Visa is one of the most sought-after entry pathways for Iranian nationals. Following the introduction of Canada’s public policy for Iranians and the temporary opportunity to convert a visitor visa into a 3-year Open Work Permit, the popularity of this visa type has surged significantly.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Canada’s visitor visa, including eligibility, required documents, associated costs, different visa types, and how to convert a visitor visa into a study or work permit.
Types of Canada Visitor Visas
1. Single-Entry Visa
A Single-Entry Visa allows you to enter Canada once. If you leave Canada, you must apply again for a new visa before re-entry.
- Maximum stay: Up to 6 months (if conditions are met).
2. Multiple-Entry Visa (Visitor Visa)
A Multiple-Entry Visa allows multiple visits to Canada during its validity period, which usually aligns with your passport validity (up to 5 years for Iranians, depending on passport expiry).
Key Points:
- Renew your passport before applying if it is near expiry.
- Each stay allows up to 6 months.
- Ideal for frequent travelers.
Latest IRCC Update on Visitor Visas (as of November 6, 2024)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has changed how long-term visitor visas are issued.
Multiple-entry visas with 10-year validity are no longer issued automatically. Instead, visa officers will assess each applicant’s profile to determine the visa duration.
Important Note: The CBSA border officer at the airport decides the length of stay granted, not the visa officer.
Required Documents for Canada Tourist Visa
Identity Documents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity)
- National ID and birth certificate (official translations)
- Marriage certificate (if applicable, translated)
Application Forms & Biometrics:
- Completed and signed visa forms
- Police clearance certificate (if requested)
- Biometrics (fingerprinting at VAC)
Financial Documents:
- Proof of funds (English bank letter with official stamp)
- 6-month bank statements
- Property ownership documents
Employment Documents:
For Employees:
- Employment verification letter
- Work contract
- Pension slip (if applicable)
- Last 6 payslips
- Social insurance records
- Approved leave of absence (if possible)
For Business Owners:
- Business license or registration
- Articles of incorporation
- Tax payment documents
- Payroll documentation
- Operational license
These documents demonstrate professional stability and ties to your home country.
Additional Supporting Documents:
- Previous travel history (old passports with visas)
- Detailed travel itinerary
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- One recent passport-size photo (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background)
- Travel insurance (optional but recommended)
Tip: All documents must be officially translated into English.
Tourist Visa Fees for Canada
- Visa application fee: $100 CAD per person
Biometric fee: $85 CAD per person
Additional Potential Costs:
- Translation of documents
- VAC appointment travel (e.g., Turkey)
- Courier or visa pickup fees
- Immigration consultant/legal fees
- Travel insurance: ~$5 CAD/day
- Visa extension (inside Canada): $100 CAD
- Visa pickup service: ~1 million IRR (if applicable)
Canada Tourist Visa Processing Time
As of December 1, 2024, the average processing time for Iranian applicants is 43 days.
Timelines may vary; always consult the IRCC website for up-to-date information.
Common Reasons for Tourist Visa Refusal
- Weak ties to the home country
- Lack of travel history
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Unclear purpose of travel
- Low financial resources or mismatched proof of funds
- Criminal or immigration record
- Fake or forged documents
- Collective family applications (may appear as refugee intent)
Important: The most common reason for rejection is the officer’s doubt about your return to your home country. A strong, well-organized application is key.
How to Overcome Tourist Visa Refusals
If your visa is denied:
- Reapply with corrected and updated documents
- Seek judicial review (in limited cases)
- Consult a licensed Canadian immigration consultant or lawyer
Boosting Your Tourist Visa Success Rate
- Get a family invitation from a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, grandparent)
- Show strong ties to your home country (family, employment, property)
- Travel history to Schengen, USA, UK, Japan, or Australia improves credibility
Avoid group applications—individual applications look more credible
Canada Tourist Visa with Invitation Letter
If you have a relative or friend in Canada, they can send an invitation letter that helps strengthen your case.
Required documents from the inviter:
- Proof of Canadian status (PR card, citizenship certificate)
- Proof of employment or education
- Financial documents (pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, proof of assets)
Fake Company Invitations – A Red Flag
Beware: Corporate invitation letters without genuine business reasons have no legal value and are often scams. Do notpay for fake invites—they hurt your chances.
Most Important Part of Your Application: Submission Letter
A professionally written submission letter by a licensed immigration consultant can make or break your application.
This letter:
- Explains your purpose of travel
- Highlights your ties to your home country
- Presents your financial, professional, and personal background
- Connects all supporting documents with clear legal reasoning
Canada Tourist Visa Without an Invitation Letter
You can still apply without an invitation letter by providing:
- Hotel reservations
- Flight bookings (round trip)
- Conference/seminar registrations
- Detailed itinerary with specific dates, cities, and activities
Your supporting documents must prove a clear plan and financial capability for self-funded tourism.
Convert Canada Tourist Visa to Work Permit (Open or Closed)
For Iranians (Special Public Policy Extended to Feb 28, 2025):
Eligible Iranian visitors in Canada may apply for an Open Work Permit under a special policy.
Conditions:
- Must be physically in Canada with a valid visitor visa
- Must apply before February 28, 2025
Benefits:
- No LMIA or job offer required
- Can work for any employer
- Work permit valid up to 3 years (renewable)
Steps to Apply:
- Fill out IRCC work permit forms
- Gather supporting documents
- Submit online or by mail
Convert Visitor Visa to Closed Work Permit
To apply for a Closed Work Permit:
- Receive a job offer
- Employer must obtain LMIA
- Apply for a work permit tied to the specific employer and role
Convert Canada Visitor Visa to Study Permit
You may be eligible if:
- You enroll in a DLI-approved language program
- Your spouse or parent has a valid study/work permit
- You are a minor attending school in Canada
- You’re accepted as a guest student or transfer student at a DLI
Required Documents:
- Letter of acceptance (LOA)
- Language test results (if conditional admission)
- Passport and ID documents
- Proof of funds
- Study Plan / SOP
- Police clearance
- Translated academic records
- Custodian declaration (if underage)
- Updated resume/CV
Canada Tourist Visa FAQs
Is a Canada Tourist Visa guaranteed?
No. Approval depends on complete, convincing documentation.
Can I bring my family on a tourist visa?
Yes, but each member must apply separately. IRCC may assess them jointly.
Does travel history help?
Yes, prior visas to Schengen, USA, UK, Japan, etc. strengthen your case.
Can I study in Canada on a tourist visa?
Yes—if the course is less than 6 months
Can I travel to other countries with a Canadian visa?
Yes. Countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic may accept Canadian visa holders.
Do I need an English test?
No language test is required for a tourist visa.
Will a rejection affect future applications?
Yes. All past decisions are stored in IRCC databases. Improve your file before reapplying.
Does high proof of funds guarantee approval?
No. It helps, but you also need strong ties, clear purpose, and full documentation.
Can I get permanent residency from a tourist visa?
Not directly. You’ll need to transition to other streams (Express Entry, Startup Visa, etc.).
Can I extend my tourist visa from inside Canada?
Yes. You can apply for an Extension of Stay if you’re still in Canada with a valid visa.
Is an invitation letter mandatory?
No—but it helps. The submission letter remains the most crucial component of the file.
📌 Important Note: Every document submitted for Canadian immigration purposes remains on file for up to 10 years. Inconsistencies or false documents can lead to bans. Be accurate, transparent, and consult a trusted immigration professional if needed.
Latest Changes in Canada Tourist Visa Policy (2024–2025)
Canada’s visitor visa system has recently undergone major changes that directly affect how long visas are issued and who qualifies for entry.
No More Automatic 10-Year Multiple-Entry Visas
As of November 6, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has discontinued automatic issuance of 10-year multiple-entry visas. Instead, each application is now assessed individually.
What this means:
- Applicants can no longer assume they will receive a 10-year visa by default.
- Visa duration and type (single-entry or multiple-entry) will now depend on factors such as:
- Travel history
- Financial status
- Purpose of visit
- Ties to the home country
Increased Scrutiny and Higher Rejection Rates
Recent months have seen a notable rise in visitor visa refusals and cases of travelers being denied entry at Canadian borders. Immigration officers are now exercising greater discretion in approving or denying applications.
🇲🇽 Reintroduction of Visa Requirement for Mexican Citizens
As of February 29, 2024, Mexican passport holders must now obtain a visitor visa to enter Canada. The previous visa-exempt status no longer applies.
Expanded eTA Eligibility for Select Countries
Canada’s Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program now includes citizens from 13 additional countries—but only if:
- They held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years, or
- They currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa
This expansion is intended to streamline short-term travel for trusted applicants from eligible nations.
What These Changes Mean for Applicants in 2025
- Visa issuance is no longer standardized – A 10-year visa is no longer guaranteed, even if you’ve had one in the past.
- Strong applications matter more than ever – Solid documentation, financial evidence, and a compelling submission letter are essential.
- Travel history and ties to your home country are under the microscope – The stronger they are, the better your chances.
- Rejections can occur more frequently – Even applicants with good profiles must now pay close attention to every detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – New 2025 Tourist Visa Rules
Will I still get a 10-year multiple-entry visa for Canada?
No. The IRCC has ended automatic issuance of 10-year visas. Now, immigration officers decide the visa duration based on your individual profile.
What factors do visa officers consider in determining the type and length of my visa?
Visa officers evaluate:
- Purpose of your travel
- Your financial situation
- Strength of your home ties (employment, family, assets)
- Previous travel history
- Risk of overstaying
Why are more visitor visa applications being rejected recently?
There’s now increased scrutiny of applications. IRCC and border officers focus on preventing misuse of tourist visas, particularly for overstays or undeclared intentions (like working or studying without authorization).
I’ve traveled to Canada before. Will that help me get a visa again?
Yes. A strong previous travel history, especially if you complied with past visa conditions, can strengthen your new application. However, it’s not a guarantee under the new case-by-case review process.
I’m a Mexican citizen. Do I need a visa to visit Canada now?
Yes. Since February 29, 2024, Mexican citizens are no longer visa-exempt and must apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada.
What is the eTA expansion and who qualifies for it?
If you’re a citizen of one of the 13 newly added countries, you may now qualify for Canada’s eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) if:
- You’ve had a Canadian visa in the past 10 years, or
- You currently hold a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa
eTAs are faster and cheaper to obtain than regular visas.
Does the new case-by-case system apply to all nationalities?
Yes. The new policy applies to all visitor visa applicants, regardless of nationality. However, country-specific risk profiles and travel trends may influence approval outcomes.
How can I improve my chances of getting a visa under the new system?
- Submit complete and truthful documentation
- Include a well-written submission letter prepared by a licensed immigration consultant
- Show clear home ties, such as employment, family, or property
- Avoid inconsistencies or red flags in your travel history or financial records
