Canada Visa: A Complete Guide to Requirements and Application Process

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Thinking of taking a short trip to Canada? Whether you're visiting friends, exploring the country, or attending to work matters, Malaysian passport holders must apply for a visa before travelling.

If you hold a Malaysian passport, you’ll need to submit your visa application online through the official Canadian immigration website. The process isn’t too complicated, but it’s important to prepare all the required documents in advance. Before you depart, make sure you’re aware of how long you’re allowed to stay and which documents you need to bring.

This quick guide will help you plan a smooth, stress-free journey.

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Lihat Semua Penerbangan

Do Malaysians Need a Visa to Visit Canada?

Old Quebec

Yes. Malaysian passport holders need a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) to visit Canada (no eTA option). Apply before you travel; most applicants must give biometrics. This applies whether you arrive by air, land, or sea.

If you’re flying and you see references to an eTA online, that does not apply to Malaysians—only to passport holders from visa-exempt countries.

You can check the official requirement and start your application on IRCC’s site.

Types of Canada Visa

Old Quebec

Temporary Entry (short stays)

  • Visitor Visa (TRV) — tourism, visiting family/friends, short business visits (up to ~6 months per entry).
  • Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents) — multiple entries; stays up to 5 years at a time with private medical insurance.
  • Transit Visa — for airside connections in Canada up to 48 hours (visa-required nationals).
  • eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — for visa-exempt flyers (not applicable to Malaysians, but included for completeness).

Study & Work (not “visas” but commonly required)

  • Study Permit — to pursue full-time studies at a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • Work Permit – Employer-Specific — tied to one employer/position (often LMIA-based).
  • Work Permit – Open — not job-specific (e.g., Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), spousal open work permits).

Business/Investment & Short-Term Business

  • Business Visitor (uses Visitor Visa/TRV) — meetings, conferences, site visits; no entry into Canadian labour market.
  • Start-up Visa (SUV) — permanent residence pathway for qualified entrepreneurs with designated Canadian backers.

Family, Humanitarian & Special Cases

  • Family Sponsorship (PR pathway) — spouse/partner, dependent child, parents/grandparents.
  • Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) — discretionary entry for inadmissible persons in justified cases.

Economic Immigration (Permanent Residence pathways)

  • Express EntryFederal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades.
  • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) — nominations from provinces/territories.
  • Atlantic Immigration, Rural & Northern Immigration Pilot (program availability may vary).
  • Caregivers pathways (when open).

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NO.7
Check inn CA
8.1/1029 reviews
Check inn CA
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Union Hotel
8.6/1095 reviews
Union Hotel
Hotel di Toronto

Canada Visa Requirements (What Malaysians Typically Need)

Old Montreal

Here’s a quick checklist of what Malaysians typically need for a Canada Visitor Visa (TRV):

Requirement

What it is

Notes / When needed

Valid passport

Malaysian passport, valid for your stay, with ≥1 blank page

Make sure it’s not damaged

Online application (TRV)

Complete the Visitor Visa (form IMM 5257) and follow checklist IMM 5484

Apply online via IRCC portal

Photos

2 visa photos meeting IRCC specs (35×45 mm, neutral expression, plain background)

Recent photos only

Biometrics

Fingerprints + photo at a VAC (e.g., VFS Global Kuala Lumpur)

After you receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter

Proof of funds

Recent bank statements, payslips, employment letter, etc.

Enough to cover trip + ties to return

Travel plan / purpose

Itinerary, hotel bookings, event invites, conference tickets

Avoid buying non-refundable tickets before approval

Ties to Malaysia

Employer letter & approved leave, business docs, property, family ties

Shows you’ll return after your visit

Invitation letter (if applicable)

From host in Canada with relationship, purpose, length of stay, address, contact

Needed for family/friends visits or business trips

Fees

Visa fee + biometrics fee (if applicable)

Paid online during application

Medical exam (if required)

Panel physician exam

Required for certain jobs or longer stays / country-of-residence rules

Police certificate (if requested)

Certificate of good conduct

Only if IRCC asks

For minors

Birth certificate, custody docs (if any), parental consent letter if not with both parents

Airline consent forms may also be needed

✅Official IRCC links

Countries and Regions that Enjoy Visa-Free Entry to Canada

Stanley Park

Europe

Andorra; Austria; Belgium; Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Czechia; Denmark; Estonia; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Ireland; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Monaco; Netherlands; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Romania (electronic passports only); San Marino; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain; Sweden; Switzerland; United Kingdom categories (British citizen; British National (Overseas); British overseas citizen re-admissible to the UK; British subjects with right of abode; and British Overseas Territories citizens from Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks & Caicos).

Asia & Pacific

Australia; Brunei; Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR passport); Israel (national Israeli passport); Japan; Republic of Korea; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Samoa; Singapore; Solomon Islands; Taiwan *(ordinary MOFA passport with personal ID number); United Arab Emirates; Vatican City (Vatican passport).

Americas & Caribbean

Bahamas; Barbados; Chile. (U.S. travellers are listed below.)

Special notes (not eTA-required)

  • U.S. citizens: visa- and eTA-exempt; carry a valid U.S. passport.
  • U.S. lawful permanent residents (green card holders): visa- and eTA-exempt; must carry proof of status and a valid passport.

Tip:

Canada also has a limited “eTA expansion” for certain visa-required nationalities (e.g., Philippines, Thailand, etc.) who meet specific conditions (like holding a valid U.S. non-immigrant visa). That’s not full visa-free status, but it can allow flying to Canada with just an eTA—check the rules before you book.

Canada Visa Fees

Banff National Park

Here are the current Canada immigration fees (CAD) most travelers ask about. Amounts below are straight from IRCC.

Category

Fee (CAD)

Notes

Visitor visa (TRV)

$100

Starting from” $100 per person. Super visa uses same base processing fee (insurance extra).

Transit visa

Free

For air transits ≤48 hours; no fee collected.

eTA (visa-exempt air travel)

$7

Required for most visa-exempt flyers (not U.S. citizens/PRs).

Biometrics

$85

Per person; $170 family max (applying together); $255

group of performing artists.

Study permit

$150

New applications and extensions.

Work permit (closed or open)

$155

Processing fee per person.

Open work permit holder fee

+$100

Paid in addition to $155 when applying for an open WP (e.g., PGWP).

Restore status (visitor/worker/student)

$239.75

Often paid with the new application fee (e.g., $239.75 + $150 for study).

Temporary resident permit (TRP)

$239.75

For certain inadmissibility situations.

Heads-up: If you submit at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), service charges may apply on top of IRCC fees.

How to Apply for a Canada Visa

Source from www.canada.ca

Confirm you need a visa (not an eTA)

Malaysia is visa-required for short visits to Canada. You’ll be applying for a Visitor Visa (TRV).

Read the official “How to apply” guide

This page walks you through the process and opens the online application.

Gather documents with the IRCC checklist (IMM 5484)

Use IRCC’s official checklist to prep your passport, photos, funds, travel plan, ties to Malaysia, invitation (if any), etc.

Get visa photos that meet IRCC specs

Photo size and head size are specific (35×45 mm; head 31–36 mm).

Create/Sign in to the IRCC online portal and fill the forms

You’ll complete the TRV application online and upload your documents. (Forms like IMM 5257 are generated in the portal.)

Pay fees (visa + biometrics)

Visitor visa processing fee is CAD $100. Biometrics (if required) are $85 per person ($170 family cap). Pay online.

Give biometrics (fingerprints + photo)

You’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) in your IRCC account. Book an appointment at an official site (e.g., VFS Global Kuala Lumpur) and complete biometrics within the deadline stated on your BIL.

Wait for IRCC updates

IRCC will message you in your account. If approved, you’ll receive passport submission instructions and a decision letter. Follow the instructions exactly; VACs charge a service fee to transmit your passport for visa stamping.

Submit your passport

Use the method IRCC specifies (often via the VAC). After the visa counterfoil is placed in your passport, the VAC returns it to you.

Travel to Canada

Bring your passport (with the visa), supporting documents (e.g., itinerary, proof of funds, invitation if applicable), and your return/onward ticket. IRCC’s “Visitor visa” page explains arrival steps.

How Long Does It Take to Apply for a Canada Visa?

Old Quebec

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Flights from Kuala Lumpur to Canada

  • Pergi Balik
  • Sehala
👉 Tip: Fees may change, so always check the official Canadian immigration website for the latest information before you apply.

Hotels in Canada

5 star

8.3/10Very Good136 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|0.51km dari pusat bandar
This hotel was well worth the splurge!! Great location and the staff are so friendly and accommodating. They were always quick to help and the rooms were super clean. The pool and gym were also very nice.
DariNZD 908
9.4/10Amazing112 Ulasan
Niagara Toronto|3.2km dari pusat bandar
The hotel was swanky, and we loved our stay. The view from the pool was fantastic. The restaurant on site had an incredible service, and the service was great.
DariNZD 681
9.5/10Amazing120 Ulasan
Church and Wellesley Toronto|2.12km dari pusat bandar
Still quite satisfied, lived well, lived for 10 days, the surrounding area was also visited, the restaurant also ate a few times. The spa is also reflected, the overall is not bad. The exterior is being built, the sound is always bad during the day, and there is a fire truck, you can hear a lot of times a day. Toiletries are not provided daily, they need to be explained, and the service attitude is OK. At least the brand is there. I hope I can have a better stay experience next time.
DariNZD 1,085
9.7/10Amazing109 Ulasan
Toronto|2.12km dari pusat bandar
When staying at the hotel, the front desk informed that all non-alcoholic beverages in the mini-bar are free because they have been prepaid. After that, bring some desserts. Someone knocked on the door at night, asking if a turndown service was needed. Before leaving, I was told that there are additional charges: facility charge $12, Neighbourhood Mktg $4.89. This is required upon check-in.
DariNZD 1,183
9.1/10Great102 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.19km dari pusat bandar
Really nice and clean room , the staff was very helpful, will be coming back.
DariNZD 420
9/10Great96 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.84km dari pusat bandar
The breakfast was very rich, the chef was very warm, the restaurant had a classic temperament, and I saw a chic wedding reception in the restaurant. It was really a very good hotel! The location is in the university town, surrounded by high-end residences, Remowa is next to it, the intersection is facing Hermes.... The bottom of the alley can directly enter the Victorian University campus, the living function is super good, from the BAY of Metro Line 2 STATION is also very close and the traffic is very convenient.
DariNZD 694
9.4/10Amazing0 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.77km dari pusat bandar
Discover all that Old Toronto has to offer during your stay at The Parade 1.Parking is available at the property.
DariNZD 234
9.7/10Amazing0 Ulasan
Toronto|5.83km dari pusat bandar

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Business travel

9.2/10Great179 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.28km dari pusat bandar
Facilities: Hilton's quality is top-notch, and the room has a mini-fridge. Cleanliness: Clean and tidy. Environment: The external environment is amazing! It's in the city center, feels like a food street, with all sorts of delicious food right outside. Service: The front desk and restaurant staff provided excellent service.
DariNZD 375
8.3/10Very Good279 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.59km dari pusat bandar
The location is fantastic, right on Yonge Street, making it super easy to walk to attractions or find places to eat. The service was great; they refreshed our water and towels daily during cleaning, and we were even able to store our luggage for free on our departure day. The only minor issue was the soundproofing, which wasn't very good.
DariNZD 399
8.9/10Very Good135 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.35km dari pusat bandar
Nice place for business travel. Located in the downtown. 3mins walk to CN Tower. Perfect breakfast.
DariNZD 677
8.9/10Very Good398 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.42km dari pusat bandar
The room was spacious with a great view and a convenient location, within walking distance to the Eaton Centre and Union Station, surrounded by major corporations like KPMG. The deposit was refunded quickly; the pre-authorization was released instantly upon check-out, unlike other hotels in North America where it can take up to two weeks.
DariNZD 355
9.1/10Great86 Ulasan
Financial District Toronto|0.46km dari pusat bandar
Room was large and beds were comfortable. Thermostat did not work, we could only control temperature by turning it on or off. This caused us to get up several times during the night to regulate our room temperature. Bedrooms tv was disconnected. Shower had poor water pressure. Hot tub area was unclean. Biggest complaint would be the morning breakfast. Clearly the pancakes and the eggs came from packages. The pancakes were dried out and crispy around the edges, and the eggs were premade and processed. Home fries were stale and seemed old. Poor selection of food. Breakfast around the corner at McDonalds would have been of higher quality.
DariNZD 259
8.9/10Very Good123 Ulasan
Toronto|13.08km dari pusat bandar
Everything was quiet and clean EXCEPT the bath and sink drains in the room were extremely slow. Standing in water above my ankles by the end of a shower. Things don't get this way overnight so I expect infrastructure maintenance isn't as timely as it should be.
DariNZD 314
8.9/10Very Good124 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.62km dari pusat bandar
Got so lucky to have this room which was perfect to spend time to catch up with my friends! Suite room was amazing and the cleaner was the most professional one we have ever met! The location is just right in front of the Harbour and likely 5 mins from Union station! We definitely stay again
DariNZD 438
8.6/10Very Good127 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
Clean room. Simple, easy to understand process. Perfect location for those visiting for sports event, or need Union Station access.
DariNZD 374

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Breakfast

8.6/10Very Good79 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.64km dari pusat bandar
Excellent location just steps from King subway station and a short walk to Union Station. Clean, spacious room with comfortable bed and an amazing view (from top floor tower room). Bathroom was a bit tight.
DariNZD 395
8.9/10Very Good47 Ulasan
Garden District Toronto|0.37km dari pusat bandar
Overall a good hotel and would book there again. They don’t have smart tv’s in the room so was unable to stream Netflix or any of those. A microwave in the room would be handy too
DariNZD 9,114
9/10Great154 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.17km dari pusat bandar
I've stayed here multiple times. The lounge isn't quite on par with what you'd find in China, but it generally has everything you need. Breakfast is decent, though it can get a bit repetitive after a few days. The front desk staff are consistently patient and polite.
DariNZD 537
7.2/1042 Ulasan
Toronto|9.25km dari pusat bandar
I love this hotel. It's a great price, in a convenient location (to Uber around the city) and has great amenities. They have a bar on sight (it's simple but the menu is great). They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner there too, which you can get to-go and bring to your room. The outdoor and indoor pools are both very nice - especially the indoor pool. It's very unique and aesthetic. The hallways may be a little dated but again the price and the amenities far surpassed that detail. Some rooms even have balcony access to get some fresh air from your room which is really neat. This has been our go-to hotel when we head to the city to see a concert/show.
DariNZD 185
9/10Great106 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.45km dari pusat bandar
There was a constant noise coming from the toilet that prevented us from getting any rest. Even though a technician came, he couldn't fix it. However, everything else was fine. We had a good stay!
DariNZD 537
9.1/10Great105 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
Excellent location, with CN tower just at the door step, and a short walk to the harbourfront and union station. Many restaurants nearby too! Take the UP express from the airport and it's just a short walk to the hotel connected via the link bridge. Don't bother with taxi or Uber, it's 4 times the price and you might get stuck in a jam like me. Rooms are big and clean! My stay was perfect!
DariNZD 610
8.8/10Very Good56 Ulasan
Toronto|16.15km dari pusat bandar
It’s near the airport, and they know it. As a result, the parking fare is quite high. Overall, the stay was average. One should be wary, however, that although the breakfast is complimentary, they expected a tip, which is absolutely ridiculous. How can one call it complimentary under such expectations?
DariNZD 242
9.3/10Great91 Ulasan
Toronto|2km dari pusat bandar
The room was clean, cozy, and had good soundproofing. The bathroom was also spacious and clean. However, a fire alarm went off around midnight, scaring me sleepless. I was too afraid to stay and too afraid to leave. Later, I thought that since the room was on the third floor, jumping out wouldn't be too bad, until the alarm was cleared! I couldn't fall back asleep until morning.
DariNZD 450

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How Long Does It Take to Apply for a Canada Visa?

there isn’t one fixed timeline. IRCC’s processing time for a Visitor Visa (TRV) varies by the country you apply from and changes often. Check the live estimate here: the IRCC “Check processing times” tool.

What the timeline usually looks like

Stage

Typical timing

Notes

Submit application + pay fees

Same day

Online via IRCC portal.

Biometrics appointment

A few days–1+ week (varies by city/season)

You book after IRCC issues your Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL). Processing-time charts don’t include the time to give biometrics.

IRCC processing

Varies by country

Use the IRCC checker; most apps are processed “in a few weeks or less,” but it can be longer depending on volume/complexity.

Passport submission for visa stamping (after approval)

Courier/VAC handling adds extra days

VACs charge a service fee for passport transmission/return; this time is not in IRCC’s processing estimate.

Safe Travels and See You in Canada! ✈️

CN Tower

Whether you’re heading to Canada for vacation, study, work, or to visit family and friends, we hope this guide makes your journey easier. Prepare your documents, follow the right steps, and you’ll be ready to take off.

Before you leave, don’t forget to:

Book your flight to Canada early to get the best prices.
Arrange your accommodation in advance — whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, or a friend’s home.
Get a local SIM card or pocket WiFi upon arrival — it will help with maps, communication, and finding your way around.

Canada is full of friendly people, beautiful parks, and vibrant cities. Pack your bags, dress for the weather, and get ready for an amazing experience.

Have a safe flight and enjoy your adventure in Canada! 🍁

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FAQs: Canada Visa

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