BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind My Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind My Visa
BorderProof

Helping you navigate the complex world of global mobility.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
C-1 — Courtesy Visa
VisasCanadaC-1 — Courtesy Visa
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

C-1 — Courtesy Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

14-60 days

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Official Information
Canada flag

Living in Canada

Cost of Living
8% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryCA$50,000
Quality of Life
172/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

A Courtesy Visa is a type of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) issued to individuals who do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas but are granted privileges due to their rank, the importance of their visit, or their role in an international organization or foreign government.

The Canadian Courtesy Visa (C-1) is a Temporary Resident Visa for foreign nationals in significant positions within a foreign government or international organization who do not qualify for diplomatic or official status. It enables entry for official visits on behalf of a foreign government or international body.

Stay is up to 6 months per entry, renewable, with priority processing. The visa is fee-exempt for official visits and strictly tied to the duration and purpose of the visit. No work authorization is granted; dependents may accompany but must obtain appropriate status separately.

This visa is ideal for senior foreign officials or delegates invited to Canada for official purposes who fall outside full diplomatic or official visa categories.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant6 months

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

V-1 — Visitor Visa / eTA
Canada flagCanada

V-1 — Visitor Visa / eTA

Validity6 months
Processing14-56 days
View Visa Details
WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Canada flagCanada

WP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

ValidityDuration of employment
Processing2-4 months
View Visa Details
S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit
Canada flagCanada

S-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit

ValidityDuration of program + 90 days
Processing28-84 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must hold a significant position in a foreign government or international organization

Must be invited by the Canadian government or an international body

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Official invitation letter

Proof of official status

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Priority processing
  • Recognition of official status

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly limited to official duties
  • Not a path to permanent residency
  • Inadmissibility due to security or criminal reasons

Application Process

1

Receive official invitation

2

Submit TRV application

3

Provide biometrics

4

Receive visa counterfoil

Application Forms

IMM 5257
Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Fill online

Verified Claims (7)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Fee Breakdown—canada.ca
FeesFreecanada.ca
Forms · 0 · descriptionApplication for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)canada.ca
Forms · 0 · nameIMM 5257canada.ca
Forms · 0 · urlhttps://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-gui…canada.ca
Official Infohttps://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/diplomatic-official-…canada.ca
Spouse Can Worknocanada.ca

Ready to see if the C-1 — Courtesy Visa is your path?

Let's check your eligibility against published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Check Eligibility