Passport rule
Passport or travel document must be valid and accepted for travel to Canada. For visa-required travellers, keep at least 1 free page.
IRCC passport and travel document guidanceVisa requirement workflow
Canada family visit visa checklist
Prepare Canada family visit visa documents with invitation letter, host status, relationship proof, funds, travel history, passport, forms, and ties.
Last verified
2026-04-29. Rules can change, so always check the official source before final submission.
Scenario notes
A Canada family visit case should explain who the applicant will visit, where they will stay, who pays, and why they will return.
Host status and invitation details are useful when visiting family or staying with a host.
Applicant ties, funds, travel history, and forms still need review.
Application steps
Check whether the applicant needs a visitor visa or eTA.
Choose the correct reason for travel in the IRCC visitor visa flow.
Prepare identity, form, family information, purpose, funds, ties, and travel-history documents.
Apply online through the IRCC Portal or secure account and pay fees.
Give biometrics if requested and respond to any additional document requests.
Document checklist
Passport or accepted travel document
IRCC asks for a clear copy of the valid passport or travel document used to travel to Canada, including identity and marked pages.
Visitor visa application form
Applicants submit the visitor visa application online through IRCC.
Family information form
IRCC lists the Family Information form for applicants 18 years or older in common visitor visa flows.
Digital photo
IRCC applications commonly require a digital photo that matches the application instructions.
Letter of invitation
IRCC says a letter of invitation may be requested for visitor visas and can confirm the purpose of visiting family or hosts in Canada.
Applies when: Purpose of visit is family visit, friend visit, compassionate visit, or applicant will stay with a host.
Host status proof
IRCC invitation guidance asks the inviter to include whether they are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, registered under the Indian Act, or temporary resident, with supporting proof where applicable.
Applies when: Applicant is visiting family, relatives, friends, or staying with a host.
Travel history
IRCC recommends previous passports, visas, entry/exit stamps, and permits to show past travel where relevant.
Applies when: Applicant has prior international travel or previous visas.
Itinerary or stay plan
IRCC recommended documents can include what the applicant plans to do and how long they plan to stay.
Applies when: Applicant is visiting Canada temporarily for tourism, family visit, or another non-work reason.
Funds or income proof
IRCC eligibility requires enough money for the stay; the amount depends on length of stay and accommodation with hotel, friends, or relatives.
Applies when: Applicant pays personally or partly pays for the trip.
Sponsor or host support proof
If another person will pay for the visit, their support and ability to support should be documented.
Applies when: Another person will cover some or all trip costs.
Home country ties proof
IRCC requires applicants to convince an officer they have ties such as job, home, financial assets, or family that will take them back home.
Applies when: Applicant wants to show ties to home or residence country.
Minor travel consent and custody documents
IRCC says minor children may need authorization letters and other documents depending on who they travel with.
Applies when: Applicant or accompanying traveller is under 18.
Official sources
IRCC visitor visaOfficial visitor visa overview, fees, processing, and application route.IRCC how to apply for a visitor visaOfficial document guidance by reason for travel.IRCC invitation letter guidanceOfficial guidance for invitation letter contents and no-guarantee statement.IRCC visitor visa eligibilityOfficial eligibility, ties, funds, and inadmissibility overview.