On this page
- Your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
- Processing your super visa application
- When you arrive in Canada
- You enter Canada
Find out what happens after you apply for a super visa.
Processing your super visa application
We’ll check your application to make sure you have all the documents you need.
If it’s incomplete, your application may be refused.
We may also ask you to
- go to an interview with one of our officials
- send more information
- get amedical exam
- get apolice certificate
We’ll tell you what to do if you need to do any of these.
We process most applications in a few months or less.Processing timesdepend on the visa office and on whether you need to take any extra steps (listed above).
If your application is approved, you will receive a letter with instructions to submit your passport to receive a visa. If you’re from avisa-exempt country, we’ll issue you a letter to give to a border services officer when you arrive in Canada.
If your application is refused, we’ll send you an explanation.
When you arrive in Canada
Identity check
When you arrive, we’ll check your identity to make sure that you’re the same person who was approved to travel to Canada.
- If you enter Canada at one of 10 major Canadian airports
- Your fingerprints will be checked automatically at a primary inspection kiosk.
- The system will check your identity against the information collected when your application was submitted.
- If you enter Canada at smaller airports and all land ports of entry
- Your fingerprints may be checked if we refer you to a secondary inspection, where a border services officer will use a fingerprint verification device to check your fingerprints.
Have your documents ready
When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by an officer from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents. You should also bring the documents you used for your super visa application (opens in a new tab). Make sure these documents aren’t packed in your luggage.
A valid super visa and travel document (passport, titre de voyage or Certificate of Identity) does not guarantee that you can enter Canada.
Accompanying minor children
Children under 18 must travel with the right documents and meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents depending on whether the child is travelling alone or with someone. Find out about the specific requirements for minor children.
You enter Canada
If you pass the identity check and meet the entry requirements, the border services officer will stamp your passport, allowing you to stay in Canada for 5 years.
Basic entry requirements
To visit Canada, you will need to meet some basic requirements, such as:
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport,
- be in good health,
- have no criminal or immigration-related convictions,
- convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country,
- convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and
- have enough money for your stay. (The amount of money you will need can vary. It depends on things such as how long you will stay, and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.)
Inadmissibility
Some people are inadmissible—they are not allowed to come to Canada. Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime.
You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons. Find out more about inadmissibility.
You won’t be allowed into Canada if you give false or incomplete information. You must convince the officer that
- you’re eligible for entry into Canada
- you’ll leave Canada at the end of your approved stay
It’s important to make sure that your passport is valid during your stay in Canada.
Living in Canada
Canada may be very different from your home country, which means there’s a lot to learn about it before you arrive. Get to know Canada, including its climate, people, government and way of life.
Work or study in Canada
A super visa doesn’t authorize you to work or study in Canada. Most visitors to Canada need a permit to work or study in Canada.
