Canada•North AmericaC-1 — Courtesy Visa
At a Glance
2 weeks – 2 months
Free
6 months
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in Canada
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.

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Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 6 months |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Canada
CanadaWP — Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
CanadaS-1 / SW-1 — Study Permit
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
Receive official invitation
Submit TRV application
Provide biometrics
Receive visa counterfoil
Application Forms
| IMM 5257 Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Canada
- Diplomatic and Official Visas
Diplomatic
- Facilitation Visa
Diplomatic
- Significant Benefit Work Permit (newjob/temporary)
Work
Diplomatic visas in other countries
- Diplomat (外交)
Japan
- Immigration Exemption Order
Singapore
- Diplomatic Visa
Barbados

Living in Canada
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