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C-1 — Courtesy Visa
VisasCanadaC-1 — Courtesy Visa
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

C-1 — Courtesy Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 2 months

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

6 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote 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.

Canada

Curious about life in Canada?

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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
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
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
Processing4 weeks – 3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

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

Must be invited by the Canadian government or an international body

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
Fees
Free
canada.ca
Forms · 0 · description
Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
canada.ca
Forms · 0 · name
IMM 5257
canada.ca
Forms · 0 · url
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-gui…
canada.ca
Official Info
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/diplomatic-official-…
canada.ca
Spouse Can Work
no
canada.ca
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

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