Understanding the Visitor Visa (TRV)
A Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a temporary stay. This visa is typically for tourism, visiting family, or conducting business.
Parents of international students and working professionals often seek a visitor visa to visit their children in Canada.
Duration of Stay and Validity Period:
Visitors can typically stay in Canada for up to six months. The actual duration is determined by the border services officer upon entry.
The validity period of the visa itself can vary, with single-entry visas allowing one entry and multiple-entry visas allowing multiple entries over a specified period (up to 10 years or until the passport expires).
Eligibility Criteria
General Requirements:
Valid travel document (passport).
Good health.
No criminal or immigration-related convictions.
Sufficient ties to the home country (e.g., job, home, financial assets).
Sufficient funds to support the stay in Canada.
Intent to leave Canada at the end of the visit.
Not intending to seek work or study in Canada.
Specific Considerations for Visitor Visa for Parents:
Proof of relationship with the child in Canada (e.g., birth certificate).
Evidence of the child's legal status in Canada (study permit, work permit).
Purpose of Visit
When applying for a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV) for parents of international students and working professionals in Canada, specific considerations must be addressed to ensure a successful application. These include providing proof of the parental relationship, evidence of the child's legal status in Canada, and a clear purpose for the visit. Below are detailed explanations and examples for each consideration:
1. Proof of Relationship with the Child in Canada
Requirement: The application must include documentation proving the relationship between the parent(s) and the child who is either studying or working in Canada.
Examples of Acceptable Documents:
Birth Certificate: A birth certificate showing the names of the parents and the child. This is the most straightforward and commonly used document.
Family Registry Documents: In some countries, a family registry or similar document may be used to prove the relationship.
Affidavits: In cases where birth certificates or family registries are not available, a notarized affidavit from a legal authority or community leader attesting to the relationship can be provided.
Example:
Scenario: Mr. and Mrs. Smith want to visit their daughter, Emily, who is studying at the University of Toronto.
Documentation: They submit a copy of Emily’s birth certificate, which lists Mr. and Mrs. Smith as her parents. Additionally, they include a family registry document from their home country confirming the family relationship.
2. Evidence of the Child's Legal Status in Canada
Requirement: Parents must provide proof that their child is legally residing in Canada as an international student or a working professional.
Examples of Acceptable Documents:
Study Permit: A copy of the child’s valid study permit, which allows them to study in Canada.
Work Permit: A copy of the child’s valid work permit, which allows them to work in Canada.
Enrollment Confirmation: For students, a letter from the educational institution confirming the child's enrollment.
Employment Confirmation: For working professionals, a letter from the employer confirming the child’s employment status.
Example:
Scenario: Mrs. Chen wants to visit her son, Li Wei, who is working in Canada on a post-graduation work permit.
Documentation: Mrs. Chen submits a copy of Li Wei’s work permit along with a letter from his employer stating that he is currently employed as a software engineer in Vancouver.
3. Purpose of Visit
Requirement: Clearly stating the purpose of the visit and providing supporting documents to demonstrate the intent and duration of the stay.
Examples of Acceptable Purposes:
Attending Graduation: A parent visiting to attend their child’s graduation ceremony.
Family Visit: A parent visiting their child for family reunification and support.
Tourism: A parent visiting Canada for sightseeing and to experience Canadian culture while staying with their child.
Supporting Documents:
Invitation Letter: A detailed invitation letter from the child outlining the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and assurance of financial support if applicable.
Travel Itinerary: A planned itinerary detailing travel dates, places to visit, and accommodation arrangements.
Financial Support Documents: Bank statements or sponsorship letters demonstrating sufficient funds to cover the visit.
Example:
Scenario: Mr. Patel wants to visit his daughter, Asha, who is studying at McGill University, to attend her graduation ceremony.
Documentation: Mr. Patel includes an invitation letter from Asha, a copy of her study permit, a letter from McGill University confirming her graduation date, and Mr. Patel’s bank statements showing he has sufficient funds for the trip.
Comprehensive Example Scenario
Scenario: Mrs. Lee wants to visit her son, Jason, who is studying in Canada and working part-time.
Documentation:
Proof of Relationship:
Birth Certificate: Mrs. Lee submits Jason’s birth certificate listing her as his mother.
Family Registry: A family registry document from their home country.
Evidence of Jason's Legal Status:
Study Permit: A copy of Jason’s valid study permit.
Enrollment Confirmation: A letter from the University of British Columbia confirming Jason’s enrollment.
Work Permit: A copy of Jason’s part-time work permit.
Purpose of Visit:
Invitation Letter: Jason writes a detailed invitation letter explaining that his mother is coming to visit for three months to support him during his exams and to explore Canada.
Travel Itinerary: Mrs. Lee includes a planned itinerary showing her travel dates, places they plan to visit, and accommodation arrangements.
Financial Support: Jason’s bank statements and a sponsorship letter stating he will cover his mother’s expenses during her stay.
By providing comprehensive and accurate documentation addressing these specific considerations, parents of international students and working professionals can strengthen their visitor visa applications and increase their chances of approval.