Canada
Strict: proof of accommodation is checked systematicallyIn 2024, Canada refused 1.95 million visitor visa applications -- a record 54% refusal rate, up from 40% in 2023 (source: IRCC 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration). Incomplete documentation, including missing accommodation proof, is among the common reasons for refusal.
Canada received 19.91 million international visitors in 2024 (source: Statistics Canada). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) strongly recommends providing proof of accommodation as part of a Temporary Resident Visa application. IRCC also advises against booking non-refundable hotels before the visa is approved. A confirmed, refundable hotel reservation satisfies the accommodation requirement without financial risk.
GetHotelProof delivers a verifiable hotel booking confirmation for Canada in 60 seconds, from $12.90. Every booking is a real, refundable reservation you can check directly with the property.
Visa Requirements
Canada offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of travel. The most common is the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for tourism and short visits, but work permits and study permits are also widely sought. Each category has specific requirements, and providing thorough documentation -- including proof of accommodation -- is essential given the current 54% refusal rate for visitor visas.
| Visa Type | Duration | Cost | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa / TRV) | Up to 6 months per entry (multiple-entry valid up to 10 years) | $185 CAD (~€115)~115 EUR | Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, employment letter, pay slips), Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking confirmation covering your stay in Canada, Completed application form with two passport-sized photos and biometrics, Evidence of strong ties to home country (property, employment, family) proving intent to return |
| Work Permit | Varies by job offer (typically 1-3 years, renewable) | $240 CAD (~€149)~149 EUR | Valid job offer from a Canadian employer with a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) or LMIA-exempt category, Valid passport and completed application forms with biometrics, Proof of accommodation such as a hotel reservation or confirmed housing arrangement in Canada, Proof of qualifications (degrees, certifications, professional credentials relevant to the job), Medical exam results and police clearance certificate from country of residence |
| Study Permit | Duration of study program plus 90 days | $235 CAD (~€146)~146 EUR | Letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada, Proof of financial support: minimum $22,895 CAD for living expenses plus tuition and transportation costs, Proof of initial accommodation such as a hotel booking for arrival or university residence confirmation, Valid passport, completed application forms, passport photos, and biometrics, Medical exam and police clearance certificate (depending on nationality and length of stay) |
Transit Rules
Canada enforces strict transit rules at its airports. Travelers from visa-required countries need a transit visa even for brief stopovers, unless they qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) or China Transit Program. Visa-exempt nationals must hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to transit by air.
Documents Required
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond planned stay)
- Completed visa application form (IMM 5257 or online equivalent)
- Two passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, employment letter, sponsorship)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter)
- Travel itinerary (flight reservations, detailed trip plan)
Practical tip
IRCC officially advises applicants not to purchase non-refundable hotel reservations until the visa is approved. Use a refundable hotel booking confirmation for your application to avoid financial risk while meeting the accommodation proof requirement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hotel booking to apply for a Canadian visitor visa?▾
While not strictly mandatory, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) strongly recommends providing proof of accommodation as part of your travel itinerary. A hotel booking confirmation that shows your name, hotel details, and check-in/check-out dates significantly strengthens your application by demonstrating a clear and organized travel plan (source: IRCC visitor visa documentation, canada.ca).
Should I book a non-refundable hotel before my Canada visa is approved?▾
No. IRCC officially advises applicants not to purchase non-refundable flight tickets or hotel reservations until the visa is approved. Instead, use a refundable hotel booking confirmation that you can cancel if your visa is refused, avoiding financial loss while still meeting the accommodation proof requirement (source: IRCC application guidance, canada.ca).
How much does a Canadian visitor visa cost?▾
The standard Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application fee is $100 CAD (~€62). Most applicants also pay an $85 CAD (~€53) biometrics fee, bringing the total government fee to $185 CAD (~€115). Additional costs may include Visa Application Centre (VAC) service charges depending on your country (source: IRCC fee schedule, canada.ca).
What is the current Canada visitor visa approval rate?▾
In 2024, Canada's visitor visa refusal rate reached 54%, with approximately 1.95 million applications rejected out of about 3.6 million total submissions. This is a significant increase from the 40% refusal rate in 2023, reflecting IRCC's stricter screening under its enhanced Visa Integrity initiative (source: IRCC 2025 Annual Report to Parliament on Immigration).
Do I need a visa to transit through a Canadian airport?▾
If you are from a visa-required country, you generally need a transit visa to pass through a Canadian airport, even if you are not leaving the airport. However, certain travelers may qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program or China Transit Program (CTP) if they hold a valid U.S. visa and meet other conditions. Visa-exempt nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead (source: IRCC transit visa guidance, canada.ca).
What is the difference between a Canadian eTA and a visitor visa?▾
An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) costs only $7 CAD (~€4) and is for visa-exempt nationals flying to or transiting through Canada. It is approved within minutes and valid for up to 5 years. A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is required for nationals of visa-required countries, costs $185 CAD (~€115 with biometrics), and requires a full application with supporting documents (source: IRCC eTA and TRV guidelines, canada.ca).
How long does it take to process a Canadian visitor visa?▾
Processing times vary by country and applicant profile. As of 2025, most visitor visa applications are processed within 4 to 12 weeks after biometrics submission, though some countries may experience longer wait times. IRCC recommends applying well in advance of your planned travel dates and checking current processing times on their website (source: IRCC processing times, canada.ca).
How can GetHotelProof help with my Canada visa application?▾
GetHotelProof provides a real, refundable hotel booking confirmation that meets IRCC requirements for proof of accommodation. You receive a professional PDF confirmation with your name, hotel details, and check-in/check-out dates in 60 seconds, starting from just $12.90. The booking remains valid for 96 hours and is fully refundable, so you never risk losing money if your visa is refused -- exactly as IRCC recommends.
