I have a visitor visa. Can I leave Canada and come back?

The visitor visa is officially called a temporary resident visa.  There are 2 types of visas: single-entry visa and multiple-entry visa.

If you have a single-entry visitor visa

• In most cases, you’ll need a new visa if you want to leave and come back to Canada
• You can ask to return to Canada on your original single-entry visitor visa only if:
  • you’ll only visit the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon; and
  • you’ll return to Canada before the end of your approved stay in Canada.

If you have a multiple-entry visitor visa

• You can leave and come back to Canada multiple times as long as your visitor visa has not expired.

If you have an expired visitor visa

• You can ask to come back to Canada on your original temporary resident (visitor) visa, even if it’s expired, if:
  • you’ll only visit the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon, and
  • you’ll return to Canada before the end of your approved stay in Canada.

Before travelling back to Canada

You must meet all the necessary traveller entry requirements. A border services officer will make the final decision at the port of entry.

Find out more about the documents you need before you travel to Canada.