Canada Visitor Visa and Tourist Visa (Complete Process)

Canada Visitor Visa To enter Canada, one can easily get a visiting visa or a temporary residence visa (TRV). A visiting visa commonly referred to as a temporary resident visa, is a legal document that is stamped in your passport and proves you have fulfilled the conditions for admission into Canada. A visiting visa is necessary for the vast majority of visitors in order to enter Canada.

Travelers may occasionally have to pass through a Canadian airport on the way to their destination. The visitor visa application procedure can be finished on paper or online.

You must adhere to all prerequisites meticulously in order to be qualified for a visiting visa:

Basic Canada visitor visa requirements:

• Possession of a valid passport or recognized travel document
• A letter of invitation from your host in Canada and the results of any required medical tests
• Evidence of good health and fitness
• Adequate financial support to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada, taking into account factors such as duration of stay and type of accommodation (e.g. hotel, relatives, friends)
• Demonstrated ties to your home country and a clear intention to leave Canada at the end of your trip, such as through employment, ownership of property, financial assets, or familial connections
• A clean criminal record and no previous immigration-related convictions
• Ineligibility for entry for those who have been involved in criminal activities, organized crime, or human rights violations
• Booking information for hotel accommodations, if you are traveling for tourism purposes.

Papers used for Personal Identities, such as:

• A passport that is still valid for at least six months.
• A finished visa application form, with the appropriate electronic or paper submission version, was selected.
• Four photos the size of a passport
• Information about your family, including your marital status and any children you may have.

Trip-related documents, including:

1. A cover letter outlining the details of your planned trip.
2. Proof of accommodation for your stay in Canada.
3. Evidence of a confirmed return ticket reservation.
4. Proof of any additional travel or visit reservations made within Canada during your stay.

Financial documents, including:

• A comprehensive overview of your personal or sponsored financial situation
• An employment confirmation letter if you are working full or part-time, including
• Recent salary slips (optional but highly recommended)
• Bank statements
• Traveler’s checks or bonds
• A holiday approval letter from your employer
• Previous year’s income tax returns (optional but important)
• If self-employed, business-related information, including:
• Business registration certificate
• Details of tax payments by the company or business entity
• National tax number
• Partnership agreements, if applicable
• Business cards with contact information and email
• Identification of who will assume financial responsibilities in your absence
• Business and personal bank statements
• Any additional sources of income.

Ties to your home country, including:

• Evidence of strong ties to your country of origin
• For married individuals, a marriage certificate and birth certificates for any children
• For single individuals, proof of property ownership, employment, or enrollment in academic programs to demonstrate ties to your home country.

Duration of Stay for a Canada Visitor Visa

The typical length of stay for a visitor visa (TRV) in Canada is 6 months. However, the border officer has the discretion to extend or shorten this period and will indicate the departure date in your passport. A visitor’s record may also be issued, indicating the date of the decision. If no stamp is placed on your passport, your maximum length of stay is 6 months from the date of entry or until your passport expires, whichever occurs first. If you require a stamp, request it from a Border Services officer. If you arrive at an airport with an essential inspection kiosk, request the stamp from the border officer after the kiosk process is complete.

Costs Associated with Obtaining a Temporary Visitor Visa in Canada

The cost of obtaining a temporary visitor visa for Canada is $100. In addition to this fee, there may be additional expenses associated with obtaining required third-party services, such as a medical examination or a police certificate. These fees will vary depending on the specific requirements of your application and the country you are applying from. It is important to thoroughly research and budget for all associated fees to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.

Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a visitor visa can also vary and can be influenced by various factors such as the completeness and accuracy of your application, the volume of applications being processed, and the specific requirements of your individual situation. It is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date to ensure sufficient time for processing.

Who is Required to Obtain a Canada Temporary Visitor Visa?

It is important to confirm if you require a temporary visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) prior to traveling to Canada. The necessary criteria are based on multiple elements, including:

• The type of travel document you plan to use for your trip
• The country that issued your travel documents
• Your nationality

Ensure to check the Government of Canada’s official website to determine the necessary documentation for your visit to Canada. Citizens of certain countries may be exempt from the requirement of a visitor visa and instead must apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). The eTA can be applied online with a processing fee of CAD 7. To determine if you are eligible for an eTA, please refer to the Government of Canada’s official website. The eTA application can also be completed online through the same website.

Methods of Applying for a Temporary Visitor Visa

There are two options available for applying for a temporary visitor visa:

1. Online application: You can apply for a visa from the comfort of your home using a computer.
2. In-person application: You can visit the nearest Visa Application Center and submit your application in person.

Ineligible Applicants for Canada Online Visitor Visa

If you hold a travel document from a visa-exempt country, such as:

• Alien’s passport for stateless persons
• Other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

You are not eligible to apply for a visitor visa online and must submit a paper application.

Steps for a Paper-based Temporary Visitor Visa Application

• Obtain the application package, which includes the essential paperwork to be filled out and an instruction manual.
• Reading the Instruction Guide Carefully: Before starting the application procedure, it is crucial to carefully read the instruction manual. Before applying, confirm if a guest visa is necessary because the application cost is not refundable.
• Form Submission: Each candidate is required to submit a fully completed application form. For those who are under 18 years old, the form must have a signature from a parent or guardian.
• Payment of Application Cost: The application fee covers processing fees for the applicant and any guests. To minimize any potential delays, a biometrics fee must also be paid at the moment the application is submitted.

Canada Visitor Visa Submitting the Application

All individual applications should be submitted in a single package by the primary applicant. The package should be sent to the processing location based on the applicant’s country of origin or legal residency. To determine the specific submission location, consult the relevant country/region from which you are applying. If a biometrics fee is required, it should be submitted in person and the staff at the visa application center (VAC) will review the application for completeness and confirm that the correct fee has been paid before collecting the biometrics (fingerprints and photo).

Post-Application Submissions Process

After submitting your application for a visitor visa in Canada, you may be required to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints and photographs, by visiting a Visa Application Center (VAC) in person. Upon receipt of the biometrics fees and submitting the application, you will receive a letter indicating the need for biometrics. The completeness of your application will be checked and any missing documents or information will result in its return without processing.

You may also be asked to attend an interview with the immigration officials or to provide additional documentation. The processing time of your application will depend on the destination of the visa application center and typically takes a few weeks or less. If approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport and original documents, such as medical examination reports or police certificates, may be returned. If your application is denied, you will receive an explanation as to why it was not approved. Note that any original bank statements or other documents found to be fraudulent will not be returned.

Arrival in Canada and Requirements

Before arriving in Canada, you must use ArriveCAN no later than November 21, 2020. This must be done prior to checking in at the airport or crossing the border to complete your submission. Upon arrival, you must present a negative Covid-19 test result, either electronic or paper, to the Border Services Officer for entry clearance. Although having a valid visitor visa and travel document is a requirement, it does not guarantee entry into Canada. The immigration clearance officer’s approval is necessary for you to enter the country.

If you successfully pass the identification check and meet the entry requirements, the Border Services Officer will either stamp your passport or inform you of the length of time you may stay in Canada. Typically, visitors are allowed to remain in Canada for 6 months.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Travelers hoping to visit Canada may face some hurdles when it comes to obtaining a visitor visa. The pandemic has posed several challenges, including:

• Changes in the application process
• Preference is given to eligible travelers who have a reason to go to Canada
• Inability to process visa requests in general
• Uncertainty regarding processing times
• Maintaining processing of requests to prepare for future travel once restrictions are lifted
• Inability to enter Canada even with a valid visitor visa or ETA, and the requirement to provide a temporary reason for being in the country.

Travel Requirements for Children Under 18

Minors under the age of 18 must have proper documentation and fulfill the same entry requirements as adults when traveling. The Border Services Officer may request additional documentation for minors, depending on whether they are traveling alone or with someone else.

Canada Visitor Visa Paper-based Application: A Step-by-Step Guide

A paper-based visa application simply refers to the process of obtaining a visa by downloading and completing the required form, then submitting it to the embassy. The following steps provide a clear outline of this process:

• Download the visa application form: The form can be easily downloaded online and should be filled out on a computer or laptop.
• Fill out the form: Carefully fill out the form, making sure to provide accurate information.
• Print the form: Once the form is completed, print it out, including the barcode pages, on a white, clean, high-quality paper (preferably A4/100g).
• Sign the form: Make sure to sign the form before submitting it.
• Gather required documents: Along with the completed form, be sure to gather all other required documents, such as proof of employment or self-employment, and make photocopies of each document.
• Book accommodations and airfare: You will need to make arrangements for both your accommodations and return airfare, but it is important to note that the embassy does not require proof of these reservations.
• Provide biometrics: Before submitting your application, you will also need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and photos, by booking an appointment at a visa application center.
• Submit the application: After gathering all the necessary materials, visit the visa application center in your country of origin to submit the application.
• Pay visa fees: The visa application fee is currently C$100 and can be paid at the visa application center.

Note: In case of difficulty completing the form, assistance may be sought at designated visa application centers, but additional fees may apply. It is recommended to carry enough local currency to cover these costs.

Canada Visitor Visa Online/E-Application Process

You may apply for a visa online from the comfort of your home using the E-Application procedure. Here are the instructions to assist you as you proceed:

First, complete the online visa application. You must register for an account on the Canada IRCC website in order to accomplish this. Open the internet portal, enter your information, and submit all the necessary files.

Step 2: Your application should show up in your online account five days after you submit it. If it doesn’t, kindly get in touch with the proper authorities if there are any technical problems. Following the submission of your application, you will get a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Make a biometrics appointment, and on the day of the appointment, bring your passport and BIL with you.

Step 3: You must wait for the procedure to continue after submitting your biometric data. After your application has been examined, you will get a letter and an email stating that you can submit your passport for visa stamping. Keep an eye out for emails or notifications from IRCC in your MyCIC account. When you have the letter, take it with your original passport to the embassy or visa application office.

Canada Visitor Visa Frequently Asked Questions