Visitor visas & eTAs
Prepare for a Canadian visit by discussing the purpose of travel, supporting evidence and the right application process.
Plan a visit with the evidence in mind.
The travel document or authorisation required depends on your circumstances. The purpose of the visit and the supporting evidence should be considered together.
Discuss the planned trip, the applicant’s situation and any prior immigration history before deciding how to prepare.
Explain the trip as a complete picture.
Purpose, duration, funding and the applicant’s circumstances should fit together. A convincing explanation is specific to the real trip; a borrowed itinerary or generic invitation may leave important questions unanswered. We can discuss the supporting record and any previous refusal before a new application is prepared.
How VSA can assist
Subject to an agreed service scope, VSA can assess the proposed application, help organise the supporting evidence and explain gaps or inconsistencies that need attention. We aim to make the record clear and truthful. Fees, responsibilities and the work included are confirmed in writing before retained services begin.
What to discuss in your consultation
- The reason for the visit and intended travel plans.
- The visitor’s circumstances and how the trip will be supported.
- Previous applications, travel history and any refusal concerns.
Prepare for a useful conversation
Make a brief travel outline and note who will pay for the visit, where you plan to stay and any earlier Canadian applications.
A preparation checklist
- A realistic itinerary and purpose of travel
- Who will fund the trip and where the visitor will stay
- Employment, family or other relevant personal circumstances
- Previous applications and the complete refusal record, if any
This is a discussion checklist, not an application checklist. The records required depend on the route and your circumstances.
Start with a short enquiry. The office will explain consultation arrangements, fees and the appropriate document-sharing process before you send private records.
What the next steps can look like
Clarify the goal
We discuss your circumstances, immigration history and any immediate timing issue.
Review the available evidence
We identify the records and questions needed for a useful assessment.
Agree on the work
Any retained services, professional fees and responsibilities are confirmed in writing.
Prepare and keep the record current
Agreed work follows the relevant process; changes in circumstances must be reported promptly.
Before you decide.
Does an invitation letter guarantee a visa?
No. An invitation is one part of the supporting record. The application must still be assessed against the relevant requirements and the visitor’s circumstances.
How do I find the latest official requirements?
Use the government links below. Check the current programme page and its notices before relying on a summary, a past invitation round or another person’s experience.
What does the consultation cost?
Contact the office to confirm the fee, duration and format before booking. Further representation is a separate decision with a written scope and fee agreement.
Government guidance & latest updates
Open the official website for current instructions, forms and notices. These external sources may change after this guide is reviewed. Government decisions and programme availability are outside VSA’s control.
IRCC: visit Canada ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteIRCC notices: current programme changes ↗www.canada.ca · Opens the official external websiteGuide reviewed 12 November 2026. General information only. Eligibility, availability and requirements must be checked against current official instructions and your circumstances. Linked government websites do not endorse VSA.
Visit the official-updates hub