Visitor Visa / Visitor Record

The visitor visa for family visits depends on the conditions of both parties. If the inviter has strong qualifications, they can help offset any shortcomings in the applicant’s qualifications. The visitor visa can be submitted via mail or in person at a visa center, or applied for online. If applying online, the document checklist may differ slightly from the one provided below.

If the inviter is a student, the focus will be on their academic status. If the inviter is working in Canada or has already immigrated, their monthly income is considered, usually based on the Low Income Measure (LICO).

Parents visiting their permanent resident or citizen children in Canada may qualify for a Super Visa, which allows for a stay of up to 2 years at a time.

清单

  • Application form for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257).
  • Family Information Form (IMM 5707).
  • Education and Employment Details Form.
  • Two photos that meet the specified requirements. Each photo must have the name and date of birth written on the back.
  • A valid passport. The passport must have at least one blank page (not counting the last page) and be valid for at least six months before the planned trip.
  • A copy of the applicant’s Chinese ID (photo page).
  • For applicants under 18 years of age, a consent letter from the non-traveling parent(s) allowing their travel, which should include the travel dates and the parents’ contact information.
  • If visiting children in Canada without applying for a Super Visa, the applicant also needs to provide:
  • Proof of relationship with the inviter in Canada (e.g., a copy of the birth certificate, household registration).
  • If visiting a spouse, common-law partner, or other immediate relatives, the applicant needs to provide:
  • If employed, an original leave letter printed on company letterhead and signed by the employer, which includes:
    • The applicant’s name, position, current income, and start date; and
    • The employer’s full name and address, along with phone and fax numbers, in Chinese.
    • If retired, proof of pension retirement.
    • If the applicant is a student traveling during non-school holidays, an original letter from the school confirming their enrollment and good standing, along with consent for absence.
  • Original bank documents showing financial history from the past several months (e.g., deposit certificates, passbooks).
  • Proof of assets in China (e.g., original property certificates, vehicle registration).
  • Proof of relationship with the inviter (e.g., copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, correspondence proof).

The Inviter Needs To Provide

  • An invitation letter explaining the purpose and duration of the visit.
  • A detailed list of the people residing at the inviter’s address.
  • A copy of the inviter’s citizenship or immigration status documents (e.g., permanent resident card—please copy both sides, study permit, work permit, etc.).
  • Proof of the inviter’s income and financial situation, which must come from independent third-party sources in Canada, and should be reliable and easily verifiable. This includes but is not limited to: tax documents issued by the Canada Revenue Agency (NOA), employment verification letters showing income, pay stubs, bank statements, or compensation statements or financial reports from a licensed professional. If the inviter is studying in Canada, please provide the acceptance letter from the educational institution.