China to Canada tourist visa
Complete Canada Visitor Visa requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for Chinese citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- Canada Visitor Visa
- Fee
- C$100
- Processing time
- 4 to 8 weeks
- Length of stay
- Up to 6 months
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your current passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Canada
- Online Application (IMM 5257) — Complete the online visa application through IRCC’s secure portal
- Digital Photograph — Recent passport-sized digital photograph meeting IRCC specifications
- Bank Statements — Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your trip and support yourself during your stay
- Employment Evidence — Documentation proving your employment status and income
- Travel Itinerary — Detailed plan of your activities and accommodation in Canada
- Ties to Home Country — Evidence demonstrating your strong reasons to return to China after your visit
- Biometrics Appointment — Fingerprints and photograph taken at a VFS Global visa application centre in China
How to apply
- Intent to leave — Strong evidence you will return to China after your visit 2
- Sufficient funds — Financial resources to support yourself without working in Canada 2
- Genuine purpose — A clear, legitimate reason for visiting Canada 2
- Good health — You may need a medical exam in certain circumstances 2
- No inadmissibility — No criminal record, security concerns, or previous immigration violations 2
- Additional security screening is required — Additional security screening is required
Common questions
- How long can I stay in Canada on a visitor visa?
- A Canada Visitor Visa allows you to stay for up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration may be determined by the border services officer upon entry. You cannot live in Canada through repeated visits or work during your stay.
- Can I work on a Canada visitor visa?
- No, the Visitor Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in Canada. This includes remote work for non-Canadian employers while you are in the country. If you need to work, you must apply for a separate work permit.
- How long does Canada visa processing take from China?
- Current processing times for Chinese applicants range from 4 to 8 weeks, though this can vary based on application volume, completeness of your documents, and whether additional security screening is required. Apply well in advance of your planned travel.
- What is the Canada visitor visa fee for Chinese citizens in 2025?
- The Visitor Visa application fee is CAD $100 per person. Biometrics cost an additional CAD $85. For families of 5 or more applying together, the maximum fee is CAD $500 for the application plus CAD $170 for biometrics. VFS Global also charges a service fee of approximately 179 CNY.
- Do I need to book flights before applying?
- No, you do not need to book flights before applying. In fact, it is advisable to make only refundable bookings until your visa is approved, given the processing times and possibility of refusal.
- Can I extend my Canada visitor visa?
- Yes, you can apply to extend your stay as a visitor from within Canada. You should apply at least 30 days before your current status expires. The extension fee is CAD $100. However, extensions are not guaranteed and depend on your circumstances.