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 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).

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

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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

9.1/10Great157 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.81km dari pusat bandar
The room was a bit small, but still big enough to open two large suitcases. The hotel is historic, and the bathroom facilities seem to have been renovated, so it doesn't feel run-down, though the water pressure was quite low. The bedding was comfortable. There's an ice machine on my floor, and a LCBO (liquor store) connected to the underground level on B1, which is great for those who enjoy a drink. Since it was our anniversary, the receptionist gave us a room with a view of the CN Tower, which was a nice touch, and the chocolates we received at check-in were also delicious. The hotel's B1 level connects directly to the CN Tower, so the location is absolutely unbeatable. I would definitely stay here again if I have the chance.
DariTRY 8,481
8.5/10Very Good136 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.
DariTRY 26,893
9.4/10Amazing114 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
DariTRY 11,981
9.5/10Amazing122 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.
DariTRY 26,106
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.
DariTRY 28,986
9.4/10Amazing106 Ulasan
Fashion District Toronto|1.86km dari pusat bandar
Very sustainable hotel😂I forgot to bring toothpaste. I called and they said they didn't have any. The price of $650CAD+a night. Bottled water was also charged $7. There were no amenities but there was an Amenity Fee of $29 a night..1.5 languages The service attitude was OK. The gym had no view. The swimming pool was only open for a few months in the summer. The rooftop bar was also closed due to recent maintenance. The price for two breakfasts booked on Ctrip was actually a $60 breakfast credit per day. The price was a bit expensive. The actual meal cost $60 per person. The excess and tax had to be paid extra. The taste was average.
DariTRY 18,629
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.
DariTRY 14,681
9/10Great97 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.
DariTRY 20,173

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Business travel

9.3/10Great199 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.
DariTRY 8,279
9.6/10Amazing116 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.59km dari pusat bandar
Clean and hygienic with a good location. The hotel pool has a spiral slide, and there are many restaurants outside the hotel. The hotel was recently renovated, so there's no self-service laundry.
DariTRY 7,095
9/10Great138 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.
DariTRY 10,653
8.9/10Very Good385 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.42km dari pusat bandar
Hotel wasn’t bad, but there’s no amenities in the room at all.. not even water… every time I wanted to have some water, I’d need to go to the lobby and ask for some bottles, same for toothpaste (there’s basically no amenities in the room), the coffee machine was nasty as well.
DariTRY 8,091
9.2/10Great91 Ulasan
Financial District Toronto|0.46km dari pusat bandar
The location is super convenient, right in the city center. It's about a ten-minute walk to the lake, the train station, or the biggest shopping mall. The room is a decent size, a suite with a separate bedroom and living area, but it's a bit dated. Also, the bathroom doesn't have an exhaust fan.
DariTRY 7,369
8.9/10Very Good122 Ulasan
Toronto|13.08km dari pusat bandar
Really enjoyed our stay here. The hotel was super clean and even though it was a busy time with a concert happening that night, check in was friendly, quick and easy. Plenty of excellent dining options within 5 minutes walk and I would absolutely stay again.
DariTRY 7,564
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
DariTRY 9,917
8.6/10Very Good134 Ulasan
Entertainment District Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
Came to Toronto for a conference and booked this apartment a few days in advance. It wasn't cheap and didn't include breakfast, but I chose it for its proximity. I didn't have high expectations, but after checking in, I felt it was excellent value for money. It's on the 44th floor, the highest level with a balcony, and the sky is directly overhead – the view is perfect! I just felt the safety could be a bit better, as it's completely open.
DariTRY 5,081

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Breakfast

8.8/10Very Good79 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.64km dari pusat bandar
The location is great, among shops and restaurants. The lobby is quite small, with only a couple of couches to sit. There is a restaurant and bar in the restaurant as well, with tables and chairs but the division is not as clear between what is lounge area for hotel guests and restaurant seatings. We were waiting for our room to be serviced and my husband sat at a table to do some work on the labtop and only about 20% of the restaurant had customers with the remaining tables empty. He was approached by a couple of waitstaff and he explained that he's there to do some work and didn't want to order any food. At which point, a manager approached him and asked him to move to the sofa area and not occupy a table and he did and then the manager approached him again, asking what room are we staying in as well as other details. There's not much work/lounge space in the area at all. I feel that they could have let him sit at a table, considering many of the tables were not occupied. I've seen people sit there on a previous day with their laptops and not order anything. So it was kind of unpleasant that that happened. Also, our room had absolutely no natural light, which made it very depressing. I don't know if I would recommend this hotel for a stay in Toronto.
DariTRY 8,510
8.9/10Very Good58 Ulasan
Garden District Toronto|0.37km dari pusat bandar
The hotel is in the city center and the location is great. The front desk service was also excellent. The room was quite spacious. I stayed Friday night and checked out Saturday. Early Saturday morning, the fire alarm went off repeatedly. It scared me, and I wasn't sure what was happening, so I quickly grabbed my passport and wallet and went downstairs. Later, I found out it was just a drill. So early in the morning... I was really quite speechless.
DariTRY 7,290
9/10Great166 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|0.17km dari pusat bandar
My stay at this hotel was the best experience I've had in Toronto. It's right in the absolute city center, making it super convenient for landmarks and shopping. A Chinese guy at the front desk was especially welcoming; even though I arrived very late, he proactively arranged a high-floor, quiet room for me and gave me plenty of water, which made me feel really warm and cared for. It's a shame I was only there for the weekend and spent most of my time out exploring, so I didn't get to enjoy the hotel as much as I would have liked. I'll definitely be back next time!
DariTRY 11,837
7.3/1042 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
DariTRY 5,233
9/10Great104 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.
DariTRY 11,122
9.2/10Great108 Ulasan
Downtown Toronto Toronto|1.13km dari pusat bandar
Amazing cleanliness and accommodations when asked. Great location, views, and very close to everything. Only note is it would be great to have adult swim time secluded from the kids hours, given the pool size. As well, updated coffee machines in room. Overall great stay!
DariTRY 12,891
9/10Great58 Ulasan
Toronto|16.15km dari pusat bandar
The hotel provides shuttle service to the airport terminals which is very convenient, its easy to transfer the UP Express to downtown. The service is great too and provide complimentary breakfast. Nevertheless, the shower in the room is a bit old and the water pressure is quite low, and it is close to one of the plane routes for landing in YYZ, so you may hear the sound of airplane engine sometimes, but it still acceptable for me though.
DariTRY 6,914
9.4/10Amazing97 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.
DariTRY 9,080

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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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