Canada•North America14-60 days
Free
6 months
Yes
Not Required
Allowed
No
Not Required

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.
| Initial grant | 6 months |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Canada
CanadaMust hold a significant position in a foreign government or international organization
Must be invited by the Canadian government or an international body
Education
none or higher
Valid passport
Official invitation letter
Proof of official status
| IMM 5257 Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | Fill online |
| 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 |
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