How long can Mexicans stay in Canada as a visitor?

Up to 6 months under the Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa). Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.

Can Mexicans work in Canada on a visitor stay?

No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Mexicans need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Canada visa guide for Mexicans.

🇨🇦 Canada tourist visa for Mexicans 2026

Tourism, visiting family and friends, conferences and business trips. Facts verified against Canada's official pages; see the source at the end.

Yes. Mexicans need a visa before a short visit to Canada. Since 29 February 2024 Mexican citizens need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada unless they qualify for the cheaper eTA route: if you currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa, or have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years (a previous eTA does not count), and you arrive by air, you can instead apply online for an eTA for CAN$7, usually approved within minutes and valid up to 5 years.

Quick facts

Visa: Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa)
Maximum stay: up to 6 months
Government fee: about $133
Processing time: 3–8 weeks
Paid work: Not allowed
Business or conference: Covered

Where Mexicans apply

Since 29 February 2024 Mexican citizens need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada unless they qualify for the cheaper eTA route: if you currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa, or have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years (a previous eTA does not count), and you arrive by air, you can instead apply online for an eTA for CAN$7, usually approved within minutes and valid up to 5 years.

Fee and processing time

You apply online through your IRCC secure account, pay CAN$100 plus CAN$85 for biometrics (about USD 133), and give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre in Mexico within 30 days of the instruction letter. IRCC estimates for Mexico ran about 4 weeks in mid-2026, but the figure changes monthly, so check the processing-times tool before you book.

That is about $133 in US dollars at the time of verification; the official fee is set in local currency.

Travelling for business or a conference?

Invitation letter from the Canadian host or organiser; enter the IRCC event code if the event is registered.

Documents and steps

Check first whether you qualify for the CAN$7 eTA instead of a TRVValid US nonimmigrant visa or a Canadian visa in the last 10 years + arriving by air = eTA for CAN$7; otherwise TRV.
Check your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond travelPassport valid 6+ months past travel; a new passport needs a new eTA or a visa transfer.
Create an IRCC secure account and start the online TRV applicationOnline only via the IRCC secure account; allow 6 to 8 weeks before travel for the full TRV process.
Prepare a digital photo to IRCC specificationRecent photo, plain background, 35x45 mm proportions, at least 420x540 px.
Gather proof of funds, employment and ties to MexicoSix months of statements plus an employer letter under 3 months old; show ties to Mexico.
Set out your itinerary, accommodation and return plansTravel plan, accommodation and refundable flight reservations; include host invitation if staying with family.
If travelling for business or a conference: add the invitation letterInvitation letter from the Canadian host or organiser; enter the IRCC event code if the event is registered.
Pay CAN$100 visa fee and CAN$85 biometrics feeCAN$100 visa plus CAN$85 biometrics, paid by card when you submit.
Give biometrics at a visa application centre within 30 daysWithin 30 days of the instruction letter, at VFS Global in Mexico City, Guadalajara or Monterrey.
Submit your passport on request, collect the visa, check your stayVisa expiry is the last day to arrive; the officer normally grants up to 6 months per entry.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Mexicans need a visa for Canada?: Yes. Mexicans need a visa before a short visit to Canada. Since 29 February 2024 Mexican citizens need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada unless they qualify for the cheaper eTA route: if you currently hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa, or have held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years (a previous eTA does not count), and you arrive by air, you can instead apply online for an eTA for CAN$7, usually approved within minutes and valid up to 5 years.
How long can Mexicans stay in Canada as a visitor?: Up to 6 months under the Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa). Paid work is not allowed on a visitor stay.
How much does the Canada Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) cost for Mexicans?: You apply online through your IRCC secure account, pay CAN$100 plus CAN$85 for biometrics (about USD 133), and give fingerprints and a photo at a visa application centre in Mexico within 30 days of the instruction letter.
How long does the Canada Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) take for Mexicans?: IRCC estimates for Mexico ran about 4 weeks in mid-2026, but the figure changes monthly, so check the processing-times tool before you book.
Can Mexicans attend a conference or business meeting in Canada on this visa?: Invitation letter from the Canadian host or organiser; enter the IRCC event code if the event is registered.
Can Mexicans work in Canada on a visitor stay?: No. Visitor entry covers tourism, family visits, business meetings and conferences only. To take a job, study or settle, Mexicans need one of the longer-stay routes compared in our Canada visa guide for Mexicans.

Thinking of staying longer?

A visitor stay never allows paid work. Mexicans who want to work, study or settle in Canada have 2 main routes, compared in the Canada visa guide for Mexicans.

Canada for Mexicans, in depth

Visiting Canada from elsewhere

Always confirm entry rules with the official government source. Fees and stay limits change; this guide is general information, not legal advice.