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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Do Malaysians Need a Visa to Visit Canada?

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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 Entry — Federal 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).

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

.

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

8.7/10Very Good137 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|0.51km dari pusat bandar
The location in Toronto's Financial District is impeccable. Breakfast is à la carte and costs extra. The room was a bit small, and although bath salts were provided for the tub, I didn't use them. I happened to be there during TIFF, so the lobby was a bit chaotic.
DariRM1,291
9.4/10Amazing116 Ulasan
Niagara Toronto|3.2km dari pusat bandar
The room was clean and tidy, the front desk staff was warm, the service was thoughtful, the sea was on the side, the scenery was very good, I would stay here in the future, very recommended, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise, praise
DariRM1,134
9.4/10Amazing131 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.
DariRM2,943
9.7/10Amazing108 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.
DariRM2,465
9.3/10Great104 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.19km dari pusat bandar
We had an amazing experience at the Soho hotel. The room was impeccable with a spacious closet area and huge bathroom. The room offered all the amenities. And the turn down service every evening was a nice touch. The location was great as well. Many food establishments nearby and it was close to everywhere we planned on going. We would definitely stay here again.
DariRM957
8.9/10Very Good98 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.
DariRM1,520
9.1/10Great215 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.28km dari pusat bandar
The room is spacious. Location is good, within walking distance to Eaton Centre, only 8 mins walk. You can also walk to the attractions at downtown like CN tower, City Hall, Rogers Centre….There are a lot of restaurants around, Japanese, Korean, western …. You can even find bubble tea shop within 3 mins walk. The hotel service is good, the waiters remember the drink I preferred on my second & the following days of breakfast already. They are caring.
DariRM874
9/10Great50 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.59km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent, right in the city center and very close to the subway station, making it super convenient for getting around. The room was standard but very clean. There are lots of great food options and a supermarket nearby, which was really handy.
DariRM705

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Business travel

9.1/10Great43 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.35km dari pusat bandar
The hotel's location is excellent, right next to the CN Tower and close to Union Station. The breakfast was pretty good, and the highlight was being able to see the entire baseball stadium, which was a very unique experience! The room was comfortable, and the cleanliness was well-maintained. The doorman was very welcoming, making us feel right at home.
DariRM984
8.9/10Very Good384 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.42km dari pusat bandar
Fantastic stay so close to downtown the pathway and great location overall. I checked in around 4pm and the staff were incredibly welcoming and offered free toiletries and a room upgrade on arrival to enhance my stay. I had breakfast included which was in the main dining hall at reception which was 10/10 the options were amazing and the vibe was very nice and friendly. The room itself was insane - incredible views day and night massive room area per sq m and a perfect tv with YouTube Apple TV all the streaming services etc would’ve been tempted to stay in if it was so close to everything downtown. I visited during FIFA World Cup and pride weekend and it was great to see the hype enforcing good security checking guests coming in and out of entrances and lifts I felt very safe here. Would recommend and stay here again! Thank you to the staff
DariRM858
9.2/10Great94 Ulasan
Financial District Toronto|0.46km dari pusat bandar
It was very convenient good located hotel. With access to many shops in the heart of Toronto downtown. Easy access to the airport as well. Great choice for family with children as rooms comes with living room so nice layout to get more privacy in the room.
DariRM554
8.7/10Very Good134 Ulasan
Toronto|13.08km dari pusat bandar
I paid the deposit with my credit card when checking in. It's been 19 business days since I checked out, and I still haven't received the deposit release. (Apparently, it takes longer with international credit cards.) However, when I called the front desk, the male staff member was extremely rude and lacked basic professionalism. He just told me to call my bank, saying it was none of the hotel's business. All I wanted was confirmation that the hotel had at least notified the bank on the 25th. He couldn't seem to understand this point, no matter how I tried to explain, and just kept repeating that I should call my bank.
DariRM728
8.9/10Very Good125 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
DariRM1,082
8.4/10Very Good43 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
The parking, although costing, could not have been more convenient. The location was also outstanding, being so close to the CN-Tower and many restaurants. The unit was great and I'm so glad i requested an upper floor with a balcony as the weather was nice and we sat out there many times, day and night. So nice having two bathrooms and the extra bedroom for extra space. Very well appointed as well. I left to go to the hockey game and realized I had left my key in the room and I was freaked as I didn't know how I'd get back in, as the rental company is not onsite. I got in touch with them and they reminded me that it must be unlocked as the key is need to lock the door from the exterior. Stupid me didn't remember that so disaster averted, although the unit was unlocked. The concierge did go up to make sure it was indeed unlocked and untouched to their eyes. Overall, would love to come back and stay there again, totally satisfied. Thanks again for your assistance with the key debacle..MSP
DariRM394
8.9/10Very Good77 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.
DariRM741
9/10Great69 Ulasan
Garden District Toronto|0.37km dari pusat bandar
I had originally booked a junior suite two months ago, but closer to my check-in date, I found a larger, more unique suite that was actually cheaper than the junior suite! Maybe someone cancelled? I snapped it up right away. The room came with a spacious living room and kitchen, equipped with a microwave, induction hob, and fridge. However, there were no cooking utensils, but that was fine as we didn't need them anyway. Having a kitchen meant access to drinkable tap water, which was super convenient. The microwave was really useful; I could just heat up water for a hot drink. The sofa bed in the living room was cleverly hidden inside the sofa, and the duvet cover and other linens were in a cupboard. I only found this out after calling the front desk. The location is fantastic, very close to Chinatown and the Eaton Centre, both about a 10-minute walk away. Supermarkets and pharmacies are all readily available. We even found an A&W nearby and enjoyed a delicious Canadian burger! The only minor downside was that check-in is after 3 PM, and check-out is before 12 PM the next morning. Also, you can't leave your luggage at the front desk overnight. So, we had to haul our luggage all the way to Quebec City!
DariRM741

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Breakfast

9.1/10Great167 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.17km dari pusat bandar
The hotel environment and location were decent, but I'm truly speechless about the parking fee. We confirmed multiple times with the front desk if there would be a parking charge, and they said no. We parked for 4 days, only to find our credit card charged CAD 55 per day for parking after check-out. If there was a fee, they should have been clear about it. We could have used a much cheaper public parking lot nearby. To be charged after the fact and then told parking isn't free – this kind of communication is just frustrating! However, I must say that Trip.com's service is genuinely excellent and deserves praise. After I complained, they tried to communicate with the hotel, and when that didn't resolve the issue, they automatically covered half the cost, reducing our losses. I will definitely stick to booking through Trip.com in the future. Other apps might be cheaper, but they just shirk responsibility when problems arise – I've experienced it firsthand.
DariRM1,289
7.4/1043 Ulasan
Toronto|9.25km dari pusat bandar
The rooms looked a little old, but other than that everything was fine until it came to the bathtub. The frame was not fitted against the floor, so every time you stepped in the entire bottom would move like you were walking on a pool cover. I swear to God I thought I was going to fall through the floor the first time I stepped in. Felt like you were surfing every time you showered and you couldn’t close your eyes for fear of falling over from losing your balance lol. I was in room 452
DariRM440
9.1/10Great107 Ulasan
The Harbourfront Toronto|1.45km dari pusat bandar
Requested the newly renovated room instead of non renovated. The hotel staff was very kind and friendly to let us check in at 1.30pm as our rooms was ready. Eventhough we didnt get the connecting room as we requested but we were happy enough to let us an early check in.
DariRM1,073
9.2/10Great109 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
The hotel front desk staff were very welcoming and the location is excellent – close to the train station, TV tower, and aquarium. My only complaint is that I booked in advance, and on the day of my stay, the room was actually 1400 cheaper than what I paid. That was quite annoying.
DariRM1,375
8.6/10Very Good59 Ulasan
Toronto|16.15km dari pusat bandar
Everything was great – 5-star standards, breakfast, ambiance, and facilities. The only downside was the excessive noise. It even has a Starbucks and a swimming pool downstairs! I'd still choose to stay here again next time!!!!
DariRM597
9.5/10Amazing108 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.
DariRM901
8.7/10Very Good54 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1km dari pusat bandar
We had a fabulous stay at this hotel. It had everything we needed and It was great to use the swimming pool at our convenience. We had the perfect view of the CN Tower from our window. The staff were all super friendly and the location was great. Our room was kept immaculately clean each day. I would not hesitate in booking to stay here again when we visit Toronto.
DariRM893
7.7/10Good124 Ulasan
Dufferin Grove Toronto|0.52km dari pusat bandar
The hotel was fine, though really outdated and very noisy (live music until 11 PM). The location is truly ideal! The room (8m²) was fine for me alone.
DariRM560

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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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