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Visitor Visa checklist: Everything you need to apply and visit Canada
A visitor visa is needed to come to Canada as a tourist, or on a quick trip to visit family, or do business for individuals of many countries.
Anyone who is not a permanent or temporary resident of Canada (those with a work or study permit) will need a visitor visa to enter the country. However, citizens of certain countries do not need a visitor visa and can instead pursue an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). eTAs are a more streamlined form or travel authorisation available to nationals of countries that have visa-free travel agreements with Canada. For answers to common questions on eTAs, click here .
Discover if You Are Eligible for Canadian Immigration
What is needed to get a Canadian visitor visa?
1. Complete the needed forms
Depending on whether you are applying inside or outside of Canada, you will need to fill in different forms. Those applying outside of Canada will require:
- Application for temporary resident visa (IMM 5257);
- Family information form (IMM 5707);
- Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409);
- Use of representative (IMM 5476)—Note this is only required if you have used the services of a representative, or if you are appointing or cancelling use of a representative; and
- Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)—Note this form is only required if you authorise Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to release information from your case file to someone other than yourself (i.e.: a representative or authorised relative).
2. Collect the needed documentation
In addition to the above forms, applicants for a visitor visa will need to following documentation in support of their request:
- Receipt of fee payment;
- A photocopy of the information page of your passport, including: the passport number, issuance and expiry dates, and your photo, name, issue date, and place of birth;
- Two photos meeting the requirements of the visa application photograph specifications . On the back of these two photos applicants must write their name and date of birth. If applicants are required to provide biometric fingerprints and photo they do not have to attach these photos;
- Proof of financial support, proving that you can support yourself and any family member accompanying you while you are in Canada;
- Photocopy of your marriage license or certificate (if relevant);
- Letter explaining the purpose of your travel;
- Photocopy of your current immigration status (if your country of residence differs from the country of citizenship listed on your passport, you must provide proof of legal status in your country of residence);
- Minors travelling alone or with one parent must provide custody documents or a letter of authorisation from the other non-accompanying parent of a letter of authorisation signed by both parent or legal guardians; and
- Any other additional documents required by the responsible visa office in your region.
Note that application forms completed online must be completed and validated with the generation of a barcode. If completed on a computer, these barcodes will be automatically attached to the immigration forms, otherwise they must be printed and placed at the top of an application if applying by paper.
How to pay required fees and prove fee payment to IRCC
There are two kinds of fees that applicants for a visitor visa may need to pay. These are application processing fees, and biometric fees. Those who do not need to provide biometrics may be exempt from the second set of fees—find out if you need to give biometrics here .
Application processing fees for visitor visas are $100 CAD per person, and $500 CAD for a family (five or more people).
Biometrics fees on the other hand are $85 CAD per person, and $170 per family (two or more people).
These fees may be subject to change and cannot be refunded regardless of the decision reached on your application. In addition, the only accepted method to pay these fees is online.
After following the given instructions and completing the process, you must wait until an official IRCC receipt is issued with a barcode. Applicants are advised to save this file and attach a copy of it to their application.
How to provide proof of financial support
There are several documents that you can use to prove that you can support yourself and any dependents that accompany you while you are visiting Canada.
Some examples include cash, certified cheque, bank draft, or money order in a large enough amount to cover all reasonable expenses incurred during your stay in Canada.
In addition, written or verbal statements (which can be verified) can also be used, provided that they satisfy an officer that sufficient financial support from friends and/or family has been arranged and can cover reasonable incurable expenses during your stay.
Other documents include bank statements, a letter of employment or previous tax filing information,
How to write a “purpose of travel” letter
All foreign nationals entering Canada must be able to satisfy an officer at their time of entry that they have legitimate reasons to enter and reside in Canada. In the context of a visitor visa, this can often also include proving that you (the foreign national) will leave Canada once the period of your authorised stay expires.
In some cases, visitor visa applicants may also need a letter of invitation from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident .
Applying with family members
Visitor visa applicants wishing to bring their family with them on their trip to Canada must complete an application form for each family member. All applications may be submitted together online or at the VAC where you will send your application on paper. A single receipt may also be given for all included applications.
Lastly all family members and dependents must meet all requirements for temporary residence in Canada.
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The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé(e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal interview, determine an applicant’s eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.
Visa applicants must submit a completed DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application for all nonimmigrant visa categories, including applicants applying for K visas. ( Note: For K visa cases in process at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate prior to October 7, 2013, review the limited exceptions explained in the FAQs below.)
Review the Frequently Asked Questions for instructions about using the DS-160.
Access the online DS-160 by clicking: Consular Electronic Application Center website .
Important Notice to Visa Applicants: After you have completed the DS-160, you must take these next steps below:
- Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)
- You must schedule a visa interview appointment. (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will be interviewed for country-specific instructions.;
- Pay the visa application processing fee . Review country-specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
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Where to give your fingerprints and photo
On this page, if you need a biometrics appointment extension, use the bil you received as part of your current application, if your application was refused because you didn’t give biometrics, avoid fraud, biometrics collection sites, find a biometrics collection site near you.
Before you go, you need to make an appointment to give your biometrics.
- Read the Important Information section of your BIL for more information.
- To avoid delays, book as soon as you receive your BIL.
- Appointments are free to book .
If your VAC or ASC is open but you can’t give biometrics, use the web form to tell us why you need more time.
Make sure you provide details about your situation.
For example, if you weren’t able to get an appointment by the deadline in your biometrics instruction letter
- tell us the date of your appointment
- upload a screenshot of the appointment confirmation
You must use the BIL that was issued for your current application .
If you try to give your biometrics with a BIL from a previous application
- there may be delays in the processing of your current application or
- your current application may be refused
Once your application has been refused, do not try to give your biometrics .
You must first re-apply, pay the associated fees, including the biometrics fee and wait for your BIL before you book an appointment to give your biometrics.
Use the table below to find your closest collection site.
If you’re outside Canada, you should also check the location’s website for its services.
Do not use any other websites to find a VAC or designated Services Canada office.
Biometrics appointments are free to book.
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Visit sick brother
- Thread starter Intezar
- Start date Today at 1:15 PM
My brother is unwell in canada with lung fibrosis which means he has breathing problem. It is an un reversible condition, he is on home oxygen and medication to slow down disease progression. i want to visit him due to his health. Should i apply for family visit visa or is there any other category that I can use to improve my chances of getting visa. I had been refused a visit visa in 2017 and 2006
Sorry about your brother. You apply for a visitor visa. You must mention refusals and show your own funds, travel history and ties to return. How long is your visit?
Planning for 3 weeks for which i will be showing funds. My concern is that due to past refusals, what if the chinook software rejects the application upfront without any human going through the info/ documents attached. Is there any way to tackle that? I was looking at the possibility of applying using gckey but still am confused whether that is permissible for a visitor visa or not.
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5. You travel to Canada (if you're approved) Make sure you travel with the documents we gave you. This includes travel documents like a visitor visa, study or work permits or an eTA (electronically linked to your passport). Airline staff and border service officers at ports of entry will ask to see your travel documents.
Title: IMM 5257 E : Application for visitor visa (temporary resident visa) Author: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Created Date: 9/5/2022 10:36:18 PM
Visit Canada on business. Who business visitors are, and how to bring business visitors or delegates to your meeting or event. Get border information for visitors ... It costs $100 CAD to apply for a visitor visa and $85 CAD for your biometrics fee. Ask a family member or friend for help. A family member or a trusted friend can help you with ...
If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if: you can't apply online because of a disability, or. you're travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen.
You need a visitor visa to travel to Canada. A visitor visa: is a sticker we put in your passport; costs CAN$100; Processing times vary by country. You may need to give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) Opens in a new tab with your application. Processing time doesn't include the time you need to give biometrics.
Application for a Search of Citizenship Records. 2020-12. CIT 0116. Waiver Request Form (Request for Exemption from Citizenship Language and Knowledge Requirements) 2024-03. CIT 0172. Document Checklist: Application for Canadian Citizenship - Canadian Armed Forces under Subsection 5 (1.2) or 5 (1.3) 2024-03. CIT 0177.
Most travellers entering Canada will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa. Answer a few questions to find out what you will need to visit Canada. It will take just a few minutes. If you need an eTA, you can access the online application form right after you finish the questionnaire. You must have a valid passport, an email ...
Processing your visitor visa application. We'll check your application to make sure you have all the documents you need. If it's incomplete, your application may be refused. We may also ask you to. go to an interview with our officials in your country. send more information. get a medical exam. get a police certificate.
This form is made available by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and is not to be sold to applicants. IMM 5257 (06-2019) E (DISPONIBLE EN FRANÇAIS - IMM 5257 F) APPLICATION FOR VISITOR VISA (TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA) PERSONAL DETAILS (CONTINUED) 11.
To be eligible for an eTA these travellers must: have held a Canadian visitor visa (temporary resident visa) in the past 10 years or currently hold a valid United States (U.S.) nonimmigrant visa; The U.S. nonimmigrant visa must be valid on the day that an individual applies for their eTA, but doesn't need to be valid when they travel to Canada.
A visitor visa is needed to come to Canada as a tourist, or on a quick trip to visit family, or do business for individuals of many countries. Anyone who is not a permanent or temporary resident of Canada (those with a work or study permit) will need a visitor visa to enter the country. ... In addition to the above forms, applicants for a ...
Entry requirements by country/territory. Visa-exempt (eTA eligible) travellers. The following travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travellers do not need an eTA if entering by land or sea - for instance driving from the U.S. or coming by bus, train, or boat, including cruise ship.
The application fee per person for a Canada Visitor Visa is CAD$100. If you also have to submit the biometrics, that will cost you an additional CAD$85. So together, the whole cost of just applying for this visa is CAD$185. In addition to this, you will also have to pay for the passport processing which will cost around CAD$45.
Use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit your customs and immigration declaration before flying into Canada. Government of Canada's official one-stop-shop for comprehensive international travel information.
A visitor visa processing time can depend on which country the applicant is applying from. Typically, the time can vary from a couple of days to a few weeks for a Canada Visitor Visa processing time. If you apply from within Canada, the processing time is only 12 days. Visit our page on Canada Visa Processing Times for 2024 to learn more.
Canada _____ Temporary Resident Visa Amman Visa Office Instructions Table of Contents Form: Travel History Information This application is made available free by ... and Citizenship Canada and is not to be sold to applicants. Cette trousse est également disponible en français. 1 Travel History Information Form To be complete by ALL applicants ...
The DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, is for temporary travel to the United States, and for K (fiancé (e)) visas. Form DS-160 is submitted electronically to the Department of State website via the Internet. Consular Officers use the information entered on the DS-160 to process the visa application and, combined with a personal ...
Getting ready to apply for canada family visit visa. I have heard about two portals one the ircc secure portal with gckey other is ircc portal. I have heard... Client Portal +1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445. Search. Search titles only. By: Search ...
A valid super visa and travel document (passport, titre de voyage or Certificate of Identity) does not guarantee that you can enter Canada. Accompanying minor children. Children under 18 must travel with the right documents and meet the same entry requirements as adults. The border services officer may ask minor children to show other documents ...
If you've been issued a biometric instruction letter but you don't have a passport, you must bring one of the following documents to your appointment: There are 4 things you need to know before you give your biometrics: You must give your biometrics in person. You need to make an appointment to ...
"The purpose of your visit to Canada is not consistent with a temporary stay given the details you have provided in your application." I tried to fix my first application by becoming her husband (I wasn't yet during the first application), by having my parents co-sponsor with me her visit in case my savings of 30 000$ wasn't enough, and by ...
Background. Beginning in the 2000s many countries introduced e-visas and electronic travel authorisations (ETAs) as an alternative to traditional visas.An ETA is a kind of pre-arrival registration, which may or may not be officially classified as a visa depending on the issuing jurisdiction, required for foreign travellers who are exempted from obtaining a full visa.
Visit the VAC's website before you go to find out what services are available. Lyon: France: France VACs: By appointment only. Biometrics appointments are free. Don't pay anyone for an appointment. Visit the VAC's website before you go to find out what services are available. Madrid VAC: Spain: Spain VAC: By appointment only. Biometrics ...
It is an un reversible condition, he is on home oxygen and medication to slow down disease progression. i want to visit him due to his health. Should i apply for family visit visa or is there any other category that I can use to improve my chances of getting visa. I had been refused a visit visa in 2017 and 2006