Visitor visa (TRV): photo and application guide
Short-term entry to Canada for tourism, business meetings, family visits or transit, up to 6 months per visit.
Quick answer
50 × 70 mm photo · CAD $100 per applicant · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared IRCC 50 × 70 mm format. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities; biometrics valid 10 years. Fee CAD $100 per applicant; CAD $500 family cap for 5+ family members. Processing 20-60 days standard; faster for biometrics-already-on-file applicants. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Short-term entry to Canada for tourism, business meetings, family visits or transit, up to 6 months per visit. |
| Application form | IMM 5257 (paper) or online application via IRCC portal |
| Fee | CAD $100 per applicant; CAD $500 family cap for 5+ family members |
| Processing time | 20-60 days standard; faster for biometrics-already-on-file applicants |
| Biometric appointment | Yes for most nationalities — at a Visa Application Centre |
| Official portal | IRCC — Visitor visa (TRV) ↗ |
Photo specification
The Visitor visa (TRV) uses the shared IRCC biometric photo standard. The biometric capture at the VAC takes a fresh photo for the application file.
| Size | 50 × 70 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 31 to 36 mm chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or light grey, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile) |
| Glasses | Not allowed since 2016 |
| Digital file | JPEG, 420 × 540 pixels minimum, 60 KB to 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the Visitor visa (TRV)
TRV is the highest-volume Canadian visa. Most applicants from countries without visa-free access apply through VFS Global. Biometrics fee is separate (CAD $85) and valid for 10 years — reused for subsequent applications without re-capture.
Frequently asked questions about the Visitor visa (TRV)
What size photo do I need for a Visitor visa (TRV)?
50 × 70 mm portrait orientation. The Visitor visa (TRV) uses the standard IRCC biometric photo: head 31 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression. The biometric capture happens at the VAC.
How much does the Visitor visa (TRV) cost?
CAD $100 per applicant; CAD $500 family cap for 5+ family members. The biometrics fee (CAD $85) is shared across categories — applicants who already provided biometrics within the last 10 years pay only the application fee.
How long does the Visitor visa (TRV) take to process?
20-60 days standard; faster for biometrics-already-on-file applicants. Processing time starts after biometrics are submitted, not when the online application is filed.
Is biometric capture mandatory for the Visitor visa (TRV)?
Yes for most nationalities — at a Visa Application Centre. Once captured, your biometrics are reused for any Canadian application within 10 years.
Will the photo be used on my Permanent Resident card later?
If you transition from this category to permanent residence, the biometric photo on file at IRCC will be used on the PR card. Choose a photo at the VAC that will still match your appearance 5+ years from now.
Other Canadian visa categories
Prepare your Visitor visa (TRV) photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the IRCC 50 × 70 mm format and biometric framing automatically.