Canada•North America

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VH-1 — Transit Visa

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

Free

Stay Duration

2 days

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

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Living in Canada

Cost of Living

12% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryCA$48,000

Quality of Life

170/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Official document for transiting through Canada en route to another country. Valid for 48 hours or less. No application fee required.

The Canadian Transit Visa is issued by IRCC to foreign nationals from visa-required countries who need to pass through a Canadian airport en route to another destination. It permits a maximum stay of 48 hours and does not grant the right to leave the airport transit area or enter Canada for other purposes.

The visa carries no application fee and can be valid for one or two entries depending on travel plans. Applicants must show proof of onward travel, hold any documents required by their final destination, and not be inadmissible to Canada. Processing typically takes a few weeks.

This visa is ideal for citizens of visa-required countries whose international itinerary includes a layover at a Canadian airport and who do not qualify for Canada's Transit Without Visa program.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

2 days

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a citizen of a visa-required country.

Must be transiting through a Canadian airport to reach a final destination outside Canada.

Must have a confirmed onward flight within 48 hours.

Must not plan to visit Canada (even if transiting for less than 48 hours) or transit by land/water (bus, car, train, boat, cruise ship).

Must hold a valid passport and a visa for the final destination country (if required).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document.

Proof of travel plans (flight itinerary).

Valid visa for the final destination country (if applicable).

Proof of financial support for the trip.

Completed application forms (e.g., IMM 5257).

Family information form and consent forms.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal transit through Canada for those from visa-required countries.
Provides a clear, authorized pathway to avoid border issues during layovers.
Can be valid for multiple entries depending on travel plans.

Worth Knowing

Processing times can take several weeks; apply well in advance.
Does not grant the right to leave the airport transit area.
Transit Without Visa (TWOV) programs exist for specific nationalities/airlines, which may be faster if qualifying.
Airlines may deny boarding if transit requirements are not met.