Last Updated:March 4, 2025
What is a Visitor Record?
A visitor record allows you to stay in Canada. It is applied for when extending your stay for purposes such as tourism or business. The duration is until the purpose of the stay is completed, usually up to a maximum of 6 months, but there are exceptions.
Key points of visiting Canada
Japanese nationals are visa-exempt
Japanese nationals do not normally need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) in advance when visiting Canada for tourism or business purposes. However, they do need to go through the eTA registration process.
Visitor record is required for extension of stay.
If you intend to stay in Canada for more than 6 months for tourism or business purposes, or if you intend to remain in Canada after your work or study permit expires, you must apply for a visitor record in Canada before it expires.
Proof of funds
Depending on the length of stay you wish to extend, you will need to provide proof that you have enough money for the duration of your stay.
What is an eTA?
eTA is an electronic travel authorization required of all Japanese nationals entering Canada by air (by plane) and has been mandatory since March 15, 2016. It is important to accurately declare the length of your stay at the time of entry into Canada, and please be careful not to exceed the permitted 6-month period of stay. Providing inaccurate information may result in detailed questions or being directed to a separate room, so please make sure to provide accurate details. You can apply for the eTA at this link: eTA official
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Required Documents | Passport, email address, credit card |
| Application Fee | $7 |
| Validity Period | 5 years or until the expiration date of the passport, whichever is shorter (multiple entries allowed during this period) |
*If your passport expires, you will need to reapply.
*If you have a study permit or work permit issued after applying from outside Canada, an eTA will automatically be attached to the permit issued to you.
What you can do with your eTA during a short-term stay in Canada
Pre-immigration visit to Canada
If you are considering immigrating to Canada, we recommend visiting in advance using an eTA. This allows you to experience the local environment and culture firsthand, helping you make decisions about where to settle and how to prepare for your new life in Canada.
Short-term commercial (business trips, market research, contract signing, etc.)
Entering Canada for short-term business purposes with visitor status is an important means of fulfilling legal requirements and facilitating business activities such as business trips and contract signings. It is also a good way to gain a better understanding of the local market and to establish business relationships. In addition, since Japan and Canada have concluded the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), trade between the two countries is active and business opportunities abound.
Short-term study of less than 6 months
Studying for a period of less than 6 months is possible with just an eTA. This allows you to experience the Canadian educational environment and gain valuable insights for your future studies or career. Short-term study during long vacations, such as school summer break, as Japanese nationals are exempt from needing a visa.
Visiting acquaintances and relatives
Visiting acquaintances and relatives provides a valuable opportunity for face-to-face interaction. The eTA application process is relatively simple, and the length of stay can be adjusted flexibly.
Work is not permitted
Work is not permitted. If you intend to work, you must obtain a work permit. A separate application process is required to obtain a work permit. Volunteer work is also not permitted for some types of work.
Extension of stay in Canada
If you stay with eTA only
The application procedure must be completed prior to the sixth month after the date of entry into Canada.
If you have a study permit
Apply for a visitor record within 90 days of the end of the school or program, or the date the study permit expires, whichever comes first.
If you have a work permit such as a working holiday visa
Please apply for a visitor record by the date your worker status expires.
Points to keep in mind when staying in Canada on visitor status
Illegal stay
If you exceed the expiration date of your visitor status, even by one day, you will be staying in Canada illegally, which may affect your future travel to Canada.
Entering and leaving the country during visa application
If you leave or attempt to enter Canada while your visa application is pending, your application will become invalid, and in the worst case, you could be restricted from entering Canada.
Re-entry and renewal of visitor status
If you leave Canada to visit the U.S. during your stay, your period of stay in Canada will not be reset upon re-entry.
Re-entry precautions
A visitor record grants permission to stay in Canada, not a permit to re-enter the country. Therefore, each time you re-enter, you will undergo an immigration inspection, and in some cases, re-entry may be denied. Upon re-entry, you will need to provide your address, the purpose of your travel, and proof of financial means for your stay.
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