🇨🇳China

🇨🇦CanadaCN-CA

China to Canada visa requirements

Q: Will I get a 10-year visa?

Not automatically. A visa officer decides single or multiple entry and the expiry date. A multiple-entry TRV can be valid up to 10 years, but not beyond your passport or biometrics expiry. Each entry is decided at the port of entry, usually up to 6 months.

Q: Do I need biometrics for every trip?

No. Biometrics are valid for 10 years. You only need to give them again after they expire.

Q: Can I work or study on a TRV?

Not formally. The TRV is for visitors. Study programs over 6 months need a study permit; paid work needs a work permit.

Q: How long can I stay each visit?

A border officer decides at entry, usually up to 6 months, recorded on a stamp or noted in your passport.

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 or transit Canada as visitors. Apply online through IRCC, then give biometrics at an official collection location such as a VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in China if instructed. eTA does not apply to PRC ordinary passports: China is listed as visa-required, not eTA-required. A visa officer decides whether to issue a single-entry or multiple-entry TRV, and validity is capped by passport or biometrics expiry.

VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19

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.

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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19

Visa type

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

Maximum stay

Up to 6 months per entry (officer decides)

per entry

Entries

Single or multiple (officer decides)

from issue date

Visa fee

CAD 100

consular fee only

Processing time

About 28 days (IRCC China estimate; variable)

standard track

Validity

Up to 10 years, capped by passport or biometrics expiry

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Apply online with IRCC

Register online and start a visitor visa application. Most applicants apply online; paper applications are only for specific situations.

· online· IRCC 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 if instructed

After receiving a biometric instruction letter, book at a Canada Visa Application Centre operated by VFS in China. Fingerprints and a photo are captured, and biometrics are usually reusable for 10 years.

· 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

13 items

Personalized checklist

China -> Canada · Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

0 / 13 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredChinese passport

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Valid travel document; include a blank page for the TRV sticker

RequiredIRCC account profile

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Verified email and login

RequiredRecent digital photo

Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route

Per IRCC photo specifications

ConditionalFunding evidence

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Bank statements for the past 4-6 months and sponsor letters if applicable

RequiredEmployment or business proof

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Employer leave letter, salary slips, business licence, or social security records

RequiredTravel plan

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Itinerary, hotel, or invitation letter

RequiredHome ties evidence

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Family register, property, or business records

RequiredTravel history

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Old passports, prior US/UK/Schengen visas help build credibility

RequiredFamily information

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Form IMM 5645 family details

OptionalLetter of explanation

Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel

Optional but useful for complex cases

RequiredOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesCanada.ca IRCC — What you need to enter Canada (page details 2026-06-05)Canada.ca IRCC — Visitor visa: About the document (page details 2026-05-26)IRCC — Citizenship and immigration application fees: Fee list (date modified 2026-04-30)

Application link included: Canada.ca IRCC — Visitor visa: About the document (page details 2026-05-26)

Open link

/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 package transmission/service chargeCNY 109Per package; optional courier and add-on services cost extra

Total estimateCAD 185 — CAD 185 + CNY 109+incl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Current IRCC estimate

28 days

Visitor visa from outside Canada, applying from China. IRCC data was last updated 17 June 2026 and includes time to give biometrics; it is not a guarantee.

Peak season and passport logistics

Extra time

Allow buffer for appointment availability, passport submission, courier return, and travel peaks.

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

2026-06-19

Reviewed by Claude Code

Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.

2026-06-19

China to Canada route fact-check refreshed

Confirmed PRC ordinary passports remain visa-required. Updated officer-discretion wording for single vs multiple TRVs, added biometrics-expiry cap on validity, refreshed IRCC China processing estimate to 28 days, and corrected VFS China package transmission/service charge to CNY 109.

2026-05-26

China to Canada route verified

Confirmed CAD 100 TRV fee, CAD 85 biometrics fee, TRV validity can reach 10 years, and online IRCC application path.

/09 — The questions