“Canada is the best country in the world, so it is not surprising that so many people want to visit our country,” said Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney. “Our country’s vibrant cities and remote wilderness are a draw for Canadians and international travellers alike.”

A visitor visa is issued to an individual who wishes to visit Canada temporarily. Visitor visas are valid for up to six months at a time, and do not authorize work. Temporary foreign workers and international students enter Canada on different temporary visas.

At this time last year, Canada had issued approximately 450,000 visitor visas. This does not count the individuals from over 50 countries, which account for about 90 percent of visitors, who do not require a visa to visit Canada.