Every year, millions of visitors visit Canada to visit friends and family, experience beauty, study, and more. Canada follows an established security protocol to safeguard its citizens; Canadian visitor visas or temporary resident visas valid from six months to 10 years can help track these visitors. An entry visa or temporary resident visa grants foreign nationals legal permission to legally enter.
Canada for a set period without experiencing hassles upon entry or when staying over indefinitely. They may even be necessary when transiting via bus, airway, train, cruise ship, or boat.
Different Categories of Canadian Visitor Visa
There are two distinct categories of visitor visas- business visitors and tourists.
1. Single Entry- A single-entry visa is only granted for six months, and visitors will need to return it before it expires.
2. Multiple Entries- Multiple entry visas can be issued up to ten years before the passport’s expiration date or one month beforehand.
If an applicant plans on studying or working in Canada, they must first obtain either a work permit or a study visa. Furthermore, travel insurance will protect you from surprises along the journey.
Types of Canadian Visitor Visa
There are two basic categories of Canadian visitor visas.
1. Tourist Visa- Foreign nationals seeking a tourist visa are permitted to enjoy leisure activities during their vacation, such as visiting family and friends or attending social functions.
2. Business Visa- This visa enables foreign nations to engage in business by attending meetings and conferences abroad.
Eligibility Criteria for Canadian Visitor Visa
Traveling to Canada for business, medical care, or even short courses will require you to have a visitor visa. To secure this document quickly and without difficulty, meet these eligibility criteria:
1. All travelers require a passport
2. All employees must possess an active health certificate
3. No criminal history and willingness to comply with local laws
4. Documents that verify your ties in your country of origin – family members, jobs, and property ownership are examples – such as birth and marriage certificates or lease agreements
5. Planned Departure at the End of Visitor Visa Permit
6. Provide financial proof to demonstrate you have enough funds available to you in Canada
7. May require an invitation from relatives living in Canada
8. Individuals must not plan to seek employment within 30 days.
9. As per the profile, additional documents may need to be prepared.
What steps must be taken to obtain a Canadian visitor visa?
1. Submit all applicable forms
Depending upon where your application falls within or outside Canada, various forms must be filled out and submitted for processing. Applicants residing outside Canada will be required to:
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 that only the use or cancellation of representative services requires this form;
Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)–Please be aware that this form is only required if you give Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) permission to release information from your case file to someone other than yourself (i.e., your representative or an authorized relative).
2. Accumulate all necessary documentation
Additionally to completing and submitting the above forms, applicants for a visitor visa will also require documentation in support of their request:
- Receipt for payment
- Photocopy of passport Information Page including number, issue date, and expiry date as well as photo, name, issue date, and place of birth
- Two photos meeting the visa application photograph specifications should be attached with their application for a visa, with each showing them signing and writing their name and date of birth on the back.
- Applicants who need biometric fingerprinting do not need to include photographs.
- Proof of financial support to demonstrate that you can provide for yourself and any accompanying family members;
- Copy of marriage license or certificate (if relevant)
- A letter outlining the purpose of your travel
- Photocopy of current immigration status (if your country of residence differs from that listed on your passport);
- Minors traveling without both parents must provide custody documents or an authorization letter from both non-accompanying parent(s); otherwise, both parent(s) or legal guardians will need to sign an authorization form to travel.
- Any additional documents required by the visa office in your region.
Application forms completed online must be validated with the creation of a barcode, either automatically attached to immigration forms by computer or printed and placed at the top of an application if submitted manually.
Ways of Applying for Visitor Visa for Canada
There are various ways of applying for a visitor visa for Canada online or offline, making the application process quick and painless.
Canadian Visitor Visa Online Application Process
For those applying online for their visitor visa in Canada, here is the step-by-step process to apply for their visitor visa:
1. Navigate to the official Canadian government site.
2. To select Immigration and Citizenship from the drop-down menu, right-click and choose Immigration/Citizenship
3. To apply for a Visitor visa, navigate to the Visit tab of this application form.
4. Click on the Apply For a Visitor Visa tab and How To Apply, respectively.
5. Select Online Mode of Application (COVID-19 makes most applications easily processable online)
6. To apply for a visitor visa and register to create an account.
7. Provide complete and accurate details in the form.
8. Pay fees via net banking
19. Upload all necessary scanned copies of the documents required.
10. Reconcile all details and submit your application
11. Make an appointment with VAC Canada (Visa Application Centre).
12. Provide fingerprints when necessary
13. Appear for visa interviews as scheduled
14. After successfully passing an interview, your visitor visa will be approved.
How to apply offline for a Visitor Visa
1 Visit the official Canadian government website to complete your application
2. To select Immigration and Citizenship, navigate to the menu on the upper-left.
3. Navigating to the Visit category and applying for a visitor visa are steps you need to follow to apply.
4. Select paper application mode
5. Review your documents list and organize all necessary files.
6. Download and complete a visa form accurately
7. Print and sign the form
8. Submit Your Visa Application At Your Local VAC
9. Pay your visa processing fees
10. Submit Your Biometric Information To VAC
11. Attend a visa interview if invited
12. Once you pass your interview you will receive your visitor visa.
Who Can Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?
Anyone applying for a visitor visa for Canada must either submit their application either electronically or physically submit it on paper, or visit the Visa Application Center directly. If traveling as part of a family group, then each member under 18 must fill out their application forms separately. Still, these should all be submitted together at once to avoid delays and penalties.
Canada Tourist Visa from India: How to Track Status?
An application for a visitor visa for Canada will typically be processed within 12 days after submission, and Indians who have applied can track their application online by following these steps:
Visit the Canadian Government website. In the menu bar, choose “Immigration and Citizenship.” Now select “My application,” “Check your application status,” then “Visitor Visa” from the drop-down list.
Sign in or create your account on the official website and apply through paper. You must link your paper application with your online account and then check its status online.
Conclusion
Navigating the Canadian visitor visa application process can be complex, requiring careful attention to eligibility criteria, documentation needs, and application steps. To ease this process. The Global Guide offers invaluable support via step-by-step instructions.
With Global Guide, individuals can confidently manage their visa process, making their journey to Canada smoother and more efficient. It is an indispensable resource that anyone planning a visit must use!