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O-1 — Diplomatic and Official Visas
VisasCanadaO-1 — Diplomatic and Official Visas
CanadaCanada•North America
Open

O-1 — Diplomatic and Official Visas

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

Duration of mission

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now 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

Issued to foreign diplomats, consular staff, and government officials on official missions.

Canada's Diplomatic and Official Visa (internally coded O-1) is issued to foreign diplomats, consular staff, and government officials traveling on official missions. Applicants must hold a diplomatic or official passport and submit a Note Verbale from their government or diplomatic mission.

No processing fee applies; the visa is issued on a priority basis and lasts for the duration of the mission, renewable as the assignment continues. Dependents may accompany on a dependent visa; their work authorization depends on the diplomat's accreditation level with Global Affairs Canada.

This visa is ideal for accredited foreign diplomats, consular officers, and government officials on formal missions to Canada who hold a diplomatic or official passport.

Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must hold a diplomatic or official passport

Must be traveling for official government business

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form IMM 5257

Two passport photos

Diplomatic/official passport

Note Verbale

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No processing fees
  • Priority processing

Worth Knowing

  • Strictly for official government business
  • Requires diplomatic accreditation
  • Lack of official mission status

Application Process

1

Obtain Note Verbale

2

Complete Form IMM 5257

3

Submit via visa application centre or online

Application Forms

Go to application portal
IMM 5257
Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Fill online

Verified Claims (23)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Application StepsObtain Note Verbale; Complete Form IMM 5257; Submit via visa application centre or onlinecanada.ca
Dependent VisaDependent visa available for spouse and childrencanada.ca
Fee Breakdown—canada.ca
Fees0canada.ca
FormsForm IMM 5257canada.ca
Forms · IMM 5257 · descriptionApplication for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)canada.ca
Included Nationalities—canada.ca
Job Offer Requiredfalsecanada.ca

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