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🇨🇳CHINA
🇨🇦CANADACN-CA

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit Canada?

Yes, Chinese citizens need a Canadian visitor visa (TRV) — eTA does not apply to Chinese passports. Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada as a visitor. Apply online through the IRCC Secure Account, then attend a VFS Global centre in China to give biometrics. The eTA is only for visa-exempt nationals, so Chinese passport holders cannot use it.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Maximum stay
Up to 6 months per entry (officer decides)
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple (multi default)
from issue date
Visa fee
CAD 100
consular fee only
Processing time
Days to weeks (highly variable)
standard track
Validity
Up to 10 years or passport expiry, whichever is sooner
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Create an IRCC Secure Account
Register online and start a Visitor Visa application (form IMM 5257). Most Chinese applicants apply online.
· online· IRCC Secure Account
/02
Pay government fees
Pay CAD 100 visa fee and CAD 85 biometrics fee online by credit card.
· CAD 100 + CAD 85· card payment
/03
Give biometrics at VFS
Book at the Canada Visa Application Centre operated by VFS in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hong Kong, or other Chinese cities. Fingerprints and a photo are captured.
· VFS Global· 10-year reuse
/04
Wait for decision
Monitor your account. If approved, you'll receive a letter and a passport request to send your passport for visa stamping via VFS.
· passport request· courier
/05
Receive passport with visa
VFS returns your passport with the TRV vignette. Carry the visa at all times when entering Canada.
· TRV vignette· courier return
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

10 items
Personalized checklist
0 / 10 complete
Chinese passport
Valid at least 6 months and 1 blank page
IRCC Secure Account profile
Verified email and login
Recent digital photo
Per IRCC photo specifications
Funding evidence
Bank statements for the past 4-6 months and sponsor letters if applicable
Employment or business proof
Employer leave letter, salary slips, business licence, or social security records
Travel plan
Itinerary, hotel, or invitation letter
Home ties evidence
Family register, property, or business records
Travel history
Old passports, prior US/UK/Schengen visas help build credibility
Family information
Form IMM 5645 family details
Letter of explanation
Optional but useful for complex cases
Track your progress · save & email a copy
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
TRV application feeCAD 100Per person
Family rateCAD 500Family of 5+ applying together
Biometrics feeCAD 85Per individual (CAD 170 family)
VFS service feeAround CNY 290Set by VFS Global China
Total estimateCAD 185+ — CAD 250+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Standard processing
Variable
Check current IRCC published times for China. Tourism visas have ranged from days to many weeks.
Peak season
Several weeks
Apply 6-8 weeks before travel during peak demand.
Background checks
Weeks to months
Some cases trigger extended security or eligibility review.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Insufficient or unstable funding
Bank balance, income, or sponsor evidence not credible for the trip.
High
/02
Weak ties to China
Employment, family, or property evidence too thin to demonstrate return.
High
/03
Purpose of visit unclear
Vague itinerary, weak host details, or inconsistent statements.
Medium
/04
Application inconsistencies
Form details conflict with documents or prior records.
Medium
/05
Adverse immigration history
Past refusals, overstays, or breaches anywhere weigh against the applicant.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-26
China to Canada route verified
Confirmed CAD 100 TRV fee, CAD 85 biometrics fee, 10-year multi-entry default, and IRCC Secure Account application path.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Can Chinese citizens use the eTA?—
No. eTA is for visa-exempt nationals (such as US, EU, UK passport holders). Chinese passport holders need a TRV.
Will I get a 10-year visa?+
Do I need biometrics for every trip?+
Can I work or study on a TRV?+
How long can I stay each visit?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

🇨🇳⇄
Compare the China passport
Stack it up against another passport→
🇨🇳◐
China visa-free map
See where this passport goes visa-free→
🇨🇳▤
China passport power
Global rank and destination breakdown→
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