Do you need a flight booking?
No. IRCC asks for your planned dates and purpose of travel, and recommends not buying tickets until your visa is approved. Processing can take weeks, so a non-refundable ticket is a risk.
Using an itinerary
Many applicants add a travel itinerary to their supporting documents - planned dates, cities and a return flight - to show a clear plan to visit and leave. A verifiable reservation fits naturally here.
Keep it consistent
Dates on the itinerary should match the application, your invitation letter (if any) and your leave from work or study.
After approval
Buy the real ticket - and keep your visa conditions in mind when you choose dates.
What IRCC looks at
Officers assess whether you're a genuine temporary visitor: your purpose of travel, your ties to home (job, studies, family, property), your finances and your travel history. A travel itinerary supports the purpose and dates; it doesn't replace evidence of ties or funds.
Processing times
Visitor visa processing times vary a lot by country and season - check the current estimate on the IRCC site before choosing dates. Biometrics are usually required, which adds an appointment at a visa application center. Choose a reservation validity that covers the day you upload your documents.
eTA instead of a visa?
Visa-exempt travelers flying to Canada need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead, which is applied for online and doesn't ask for flight bookings. Some travelers who previously held a Canadian visa, or who hold a valid US visa, may be eligible for an eTA rather than a visa - check IRCC's eligibility tool.
Common mistakes
- Dates on the itinerary that don't match the invitation letter or leave approval.
- A trip length that doesn't fit the stated purpose.
- Buying non-refundable tickets before approval.
Common itineraries for this visa
Choose a route, then add your date and passenger names.
Frequently asked questions
Is a flight reservation mandatory for a Canadian visa?
No. It is optional supporting evidence. Follow the document checklist for your application.
What if my reservation expires while IRCC is processing my application?
That is normal - reservations are temporary holds. IRCC assesses the documents you submitted. If they ask for updated travel plans, you can make a new reservation.
Do I need a visa or an eTA?
It depends on your passport and how you travel. IRCC has an online tool that tells you which one you need.
Official sources
Entry requirements can change. The airline and immigration officers make the final decision. Please check official sources before you travel.