Canada•North AmericaO-1 — Diplomatic and Official Visas
At a Glance
Varies
Free
Duration of mission
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required

Living in Canada
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.

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Stay & Extensions
| Status type | Tied to program duration |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must hold a diplomatic or official passport
Must be traveling for official government business
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
Obtain Note Verbale
Complete Form IMM 5257
Submit via visa application centre or online
Application Forms
Go to application portal| IMM 5257 Application for Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Canada
- Courtesy Visa
Diplomatic
- Facilitation Visa
Diplomatic
- Permit Holder Visa
Humanitarian
Diplomatic visas in other countries
- Visa for Diplomatic and Consular Staff (Type D)
Germany
- Diplomatic/Official Visa (Visado Diplomático/Oficial)
Spain
- Diplomatic/Official Visa
Trinidad and Tobago

Living in Canada
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