Quick answer
The Diplomat Visa (D-1) for Canada is for diplomatic or official visitors traveling on official government business. No fee is required for official travel [1]. You must submit the application for a visitor visa [2], and additional documents may be required depending on your category (diplomatic/official passport holder, non-citizen with diplomatic/official passport, or holder of a Laissez-Passer from an international organization) [3][4]. Most applicants must apply online, but paper applications are accepted if you cannot apply online due to disability or if you hold a refugee, stateless, or non-citizen travel document [6][7]. The application guide (5256) provides detailed instructions, but it is not a legal document; the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations prevail [8][9][10][11]. You must meet all requirements for a temporary resident visa, including showing you will leave Canada at the end of your stay [34]. If you are a permanent resident, you cannot get a TRV and may need a permanent resident travel document instead [37][38]. Family members must complete their own applications and meet all requirements . Medical exams may be required if you stay more than six months or work in certain fields . Biometrics are generally required, and you must book an appointment at a designated collection point . Fees for a visitor visa are $100 per person, with a maximum of $500 per family of five or more, and biometric fees apply . Fees are non-refundable . You can apply online or at a Visa Application Centre . For official travel, you may also need to apply for a foreign visa through the Official Travel section if traveling on government business .
Key facts
Am I eligible?
Diplomat or official visitor
- You are a diplomat or official visitor coming to Canada on official business.
- You hold a valid diplomatic or official passport.
- You have a letter of invitation or official note from the Government of Canada or an international organization in Canada.
Family members of diplomats or official visitors
- You are a family member of a diplomat or official visitor who is applying for a temporary resident visa.
- You can include your whole family in the same application.
Don't want to read through this yourself? Answer a few questions and see exactly which category fits your situation.
Requirements in detail
A valid passport or travel document is required, with at least one blank page and valid for the duration of the stay.
You must convince an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, have sufficient funds for your stay, and comply with the conditions of your visit.
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and any family members during your stay in Canada. The amount is not specified in the guide but must be sufficient for your visit.
You must complete and submit the Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257) and other required forms accurately and completely.
You must pay the visa application fee, including biometrics fee if applicable.
You must not be inadmissible to Canada for criminal or security reasons. You may need to provide a police certificate if requested.
A medical exam may be required if you plan to stay more than six months or work in certain fields. Otherwise, it is usually not needed for short visits.
Depending on your situation, you may need to provide additional documents such as a letter of authorization for minors, proof of legal status if applying from a country you are not a citizen of, or marriage certificate for spouse.
Documents you'll need
- Application for a visitor visa (IMM 5257) [2]
- Valid passport or travel document
- Two recent passport-size photos (if applying on paper)
- Proof of funds for your stay
- Letter of invitation or explanation of purpose of visit
- Marriage certificate if married
- Proof of legal status if applying from a country you are not a citizen of
- Additional documents as per your category (diplomatic/official passport, non-citizen, or international organization Laissez-Passer) [4]
- Translations for any document not in English or French, with affidavit if not certified
- Certified true copies of documents if required
This list adjusts automatically based on your nationality and category.
How to apply
- 1
Determine if you need a visa and check the specific requirements for your category [1][4]
- 2
Complete the application form (IMM 5257) [2]
- 3
Gather all required documents, including passport, photos, proof of funds, and any additional documents for your category
- 4
Pay the fees (if applicable) and obtain a receipt
- 5
Submit your application online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- 6
Provide biometrics if required, after receiving the instruction letter
- 7
Wait for processing; check processing times [20]
Frequently asked questions
What are the educational requirements for a PhD?
A PhD is normally based on at least three years of graduate studies and a thesis. Usually, you must have finished a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.
Related visas
Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
This means that if you are later able to apply for permanent residence in Canada as a protected person, you may be able to include them in your application if they meet the dependent children requirem
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
#### How often do you give your biometrics You only need to give your biometrics **once every 10 years** when you apply for a visa or permit
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
However, we can’t issue a visa or permit longer than 10 years from the last date you gave your biometrics
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
##### Extend the validity of your biometrics If you want a visa or permit for longer than 10 years from the last date you gave your biometrics, you can choose to give your biometrics again when you ap
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Use the [Document Checklist [IMM 5484]](/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/imm5484.html) (opens in a new tab) to assist you in gathering the required do
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
 ### Minors travelling alone Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with a person oth
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [7]
### *Application for Temporary Resident Visa* (IMM 5257) #### Who must fill out this application form
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
**Note:** If you choose a gender identifier that is different than what you currently have or have had on your Canadian temporary resident document (visa, electronic travel authorization, work permit,
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
If you are in a common-law union, you **must** also request and fill out the *Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union* [IMM 5409] form and include it with your application
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [10]
If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a te
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business on your behalf, you **must** give us their email and mailing addresses in this section **and** fill out the *Use of a Representative* ([IM
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [12]
If you checked “**Yes**”, give us full details of your highest level of post-secondary education: #### Employment (Work or job) Enter the following information about your employment for the past 10 ye
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [13]
If you are retired, give information about the 10 years before your retirement
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [14]
**Current activity or job** Give details about your **current activity or job**: **Previous activity or job** Give details of your **previous activity or job** for the past 10 years
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [15]
If you are **18 years of age or older**, you must sign and date in the boxes provided at the bottom of the page
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [16]
If you are **less than 18 years** of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or a legal guardian
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [17]
### *Family Information* (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645) #### *Who needs to complete this form?* This form must be completed by each person, 18 years of age or older, applying for a Temporary Resident Visa, a
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [18]
#### *Which form needs to be completed?* You must complete the *Family Information* form (IMM 5707 **or** IMM 5645) listed in the [application package](http://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applic
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [19]
### Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) #### Who may use this form
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [20]
Fill out this form **only** if you: If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they must fill out their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behal
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [21]
If, for some reason, you can’t provide your biometric information (photograph and/or fingerprints) or if you need more than the 30 days, please [contact us](https://ircc.canada.ca/english/contacts/web
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [22]
### Submit the document checklist Make sure you complete the *Document Checklist* [IMM 5484] and include it with your application forms and supporting documents
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [23]
- Visa requirements can change at any time, so **check each time you travel.** - A country or territory’s processing time for visas is in **addition** to the 15 days that we need to process your passp
Official travel: Apply for a foreign visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [24]
(required) Select a country or territory Afghanistan Albania Algeria Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium
Official travel: Apply for a foreign visa · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [25]
No fee for official travel
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [26]
Application form required
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [27]
Additional documents may be required
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [28]
Categories of applicants
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [29]
Paper application guide
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [30]
Most must apply online
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [31]
Paper application exceptions
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [32]
Guide not legal document
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [33]
Legal text prevails
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [34]
Legal references
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [35]
Additional legal references
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [36]
Application package contents
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [37]
Forms designed for processing
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [38]
Symbols used in guide
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [39]
Important information symbol
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [40]
Tips symbol
Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) - paper application - Canada.ca · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked
This page reflects Canada's officially published requirements as of the dates above. It is not legal advice, and final approval is solely at the discretion of Canada's immigration authorities. For a case-specific compliance check against your own documents, try VisaBook free.