Canada

Visa Requirements

1) What a visitor visa is, eligibility and how to apply

A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that we in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements needed to travel to Canada by any travel means.

What a Visitor Visa is good for

With a visitor visa, you can visit Canada for certain purposes, including

  • visits as a tourist,
  • visits to family or friends, and to attend business meetings, conferences, or trade shows.

How long you can stay

  • You can generally stay up to 6 months per visit with a valid visa.
  • A visa is valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires.
  • All visitor visa applications are considered for multiple entries.

 

2) Eligibility

You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa. You must

  • have a valid travel document, like a passport be in good health
  • have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
  • convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
  • convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
  • have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.

For Online Application

You can apply online

  • You must have Access to a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents to upload, and
  • A valid credit card to pay with

Register your account with a GC Key

A GC Key lets you securely access the Government of Canada’s online services.

It includes a username and password that you choose. You must also create security questions. These steps keep your data secure and let you recover your account.

1)  To register with GC Key

2)  Click Register with a GC Key below.

3)  Click Sign Up.

         a.    Read the Terms and Conditions of Use and click I Accept.

4)  Create a username. Click Continue.

          a. Create a password. Click Continue.

          b. Create your security questions and responses. Click Continue.

5)    Click Continue to get to the Sign Up Complete page.

6)    Read the Terms and Conditions. Click I Accept.

7)    Enter your information and follow the steps to create your account.

Register with GCKey

  • receive service in the local language
  • take advantage of their extended hours of service
  • track your application online
  • have the assurance that your application is complete and all the proper documentation is included

How to Apply

  • •   You can apply for a visitor visa ONLINE or on PAPER.
  • •   You also need to give your Biometrics In most cases, you now need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) after you apply. Find out where biometrics fits in the application process.

For Paper Application

  • •   Get the application package
  • •   The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.
  • •    Read the guide carefully before you complete your application. We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.
  • •    Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.
  • •    Download the application package
  • •    Each applicant must fill out and sign their own form, including those travelling as a family. If you are under the age of 18, your parent or guardian must sign your form.

Prepare a complete application

To make sure you submit all the pages of the form with your application package, follow these steps:

1.  Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form.

Note: Validating the form before printing makes sure that you have answered all the questions. This will help you to avoid delays in processing your application.

2.  A last page with barcodes and a signature line will automatically be created.

3.  Print, sign and date the form.

4.  For best results:

  • a   print on white, bond-quality, non-glossy paper and
  • b   use a laser printer.

5.  Place the barcode page on top of your package. If you have more than one package, place a separate barcode page on each one.

Appointment

Book an appointment

Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment

  • Once you have applied for your visa, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’.
  • Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment.
  • If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
  • If you are not required to submit your biometric information, you do not need to make an appointment to visit your local Canada Visa Application Centre. Simply visit the Visa Application Centre at your convenience along with your passport, photographs, completed forms, the Government of Canada Fee, and all the supporting documents listed in the IRCC document checklist 
  • To find out if you need to give biometrics, please visit http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp

Track your Application

You can use the ‘Track your application’ facility only if you have already submitted a visa application at the Canada Visa Application Centre and have received an acknowledgement receipt along with a tracking number. This service provides information on the current location of your application, and not on the exact stage of the application process.

You can track your application via online/web chat/helpline number/email. To track your application online, you’ll have to enter the Tracking ID number mentioned on the receipt received from the Visa Application Centre, and your Date of Birth.

Following are the methods to track your application:

You can use VFS Global’s SMS service to stay updated on the status of your application. However, this service is available on payment of an additional charge.

Once the Canadian Visa Office has assessed your application, they will make a decision and affix a visa counterfoil to your passport, or issue a letter explaining why a visa could not be granted. The Canadian Visa Office will return your passport to the Canada Visa Application Centre, and the latter will inform you the status of your application via your preferred method of communication.

The Online Application Tracking System will update you when your passport is ready to be returned. You’ll have to come to the Canada Visa Application Centre to receive your passport.

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