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🇨🇦 Canada

IMM 5257 Visitor Visa (Canada)

Canadian Visitor / Tourist Visa

Medium ~30 min Visitor VisaTouristCanadaSuper Visa

/ What is this form?

IMM 5257 is the standard visitor visa application for Canada. It's a fillable PDF that generates a 2D barcode when completed in Adobe Reader. Also used for Super Visa (parents/grandparents, valid up to 10 years). Citizens of visa-exempt countries may need an eTA instead.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Citizens of countries requiring a visa to visit Canada
  • Parents and grandparents applying for Super Visa
  • Anyone visiting for tourism, family visits, or business

/ What you need before you start

Valid passport
Proof of funds
Travel itinerary
Invitation letter (if visiting family)
Ties to home country (employment, property)
For Super Visa: private medical insurance (min $100,000 CAD)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Check if You Need a Visa
Citizens of some countries need a visa; others only need an eTA ($7). Check canada.ca to determine which applies to your passport.
2 Download and Complete IMM 5257
Use Adobe Reader to fill out the form — other PDF readers won't generate the required 2D barcode. Complete all sections in English or French.
3 Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare proof of funds, a travel itinerary, and ties to your home country (employment letter, property, family). For Super Visa: private medical insurance.
4 Submit Application
Apply online through IRCC or submit at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Include the completed IMM 5257 with its barcode page.
5 Attend Biometrics if Required
Most applicants need to provide biometrics at a VAC. You'll receive a biometric instruction letter after applying.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Purpose of visit Tourism, visiting family, business, or medical treatment Must match your supporting documents — inconsistencies cause refusal

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not using Adobe Reader (barcode won't generate in other PDF readers)
Not demonstrating strong ties to home country (main reason for refusal)
Super Visa: forgetting mandatory private medical insurance

/ Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a visitor visa and an eTA?

Visa-exempt nationalities need an eTA ($7 online). Others need a visitor visa (IMM 5257). Check canada.ca to determine which you need based on your passport.

How long can I stay?

Usually up to 6 months. The border officer decides the exact duration when you enter. Super Visa allows up to 5 years per entry.