Do you need a flight itinerary for a Canada visitor visa?
A flight itinerary for a Canada visitor visa (TRV) is a travel reservation showing your planned entry and exit. It is generally not mandatory to buy tickets to apply, and immigration advises against purchasing flights before your visa is approved. A reservation or itinerary is enough to demonstrate your travel plans while you wait for a decision.
Given that visitor visa outcomes aren't guaranteed, a reservation protects you from losing money on non-refundable fares.
Why a reservation beats a purchased ticket
Canadian visa processing can take weeks, and refusals do happen. Buying flights in advance risks wasted money if the timing slips or the application is denied. A confirmed reservation shows intent without the financial risk — the same logic behind a flight reservation without paying full price.
What to include
- A confirmed reservation with a real PNR and realistic dates within your intended visit.
- Your name exactly as in your passport.
- A consistent story — funds, accommodation and purpose should match your travel dates.
A verified flight reservation gives you a genuine, lookup-able PNR valid for 48 hours or more.
For a visitor visa, proof of funds and ties to your home country carry more weight than the ticket. The itinerary supports the application; it isn't the deciding factor.
Is submitting a reservation legal?
Yes, as long as it's a real booking and not a forged document. A genuine temporary reservation is accepted; a fabricated ticket with an invented code is fraud. Use one you can verify in the airline system — see our guide on whether a dummy ticket is safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to book flights for a Canada visitor visa?
No. You're not required to buy tickets to apply, and immigration recommends waiting until the visa is approved. A flight reservation or itinerary is sufficient to show your travel plans without risking money on non-refundable fares.
Will IRCC check my flight reservation?
They may verify that a booking is genuine. A real reservation with a valid PNR holds up under a check, whereas a fake PDF can be identified and hurt your application. Always use a checkable reservation.
How long should my reservation stay valid?
It should be valid while your application is processed, which can take time. A short 48-hour reservation works for immediate needs, but for a pending application choose a longer or date-specific reservation so it doesn't expire before review.