Canada is known for its awesome landscapes and great cities where life is lived to the fullest, Her people are very welcoming this has led to many foreigners trooping into the country for trade and leisure purposes. Understanding the visa application process is crucial. This article provides a step-by-step process for acquiring a tourist visa from any part of the world to Canada.
Documents Needed for Canada Tourist Visa Application.
Documents for a Canadian visa application must either be in English or French. Documents in another language must be translated to either English or French.
- Valid passport
- At least 1 blank page
- Copy of passport details page
- Copy of any page with markings, stamps, or visas
- Copy of previous passports (not older than 10 years) with previous entry and exit stamps, study and or work permits, if applicable
- Passport-sized photos with the applicant’s name and date of birth written on the back (only for those not required to provide biometric fingerprints and photos)
- 2 photographs
- Frame to be at least 35mm x 45mm
- Black and white or in colour 214123
- Taken within the last six months
- Plain white or light-coloured background
- Neutral expression and with mouth closed
- Full front view of the head and must include the top of the shoulders
- The size of the head from chin to crown to be between 31mm x 36mm
- Documents pertinent to your trip
- Travel Itinerary or plan
- Proof of return to the country of residence or forward the ticket to another country
- Reason for travel to Canada
- Flight reservations
- Proof of accommodations (with booking reference number, location, and contact number of the hotel)
- Registration for an event, if applicable
- Account statement
- Bank name and contact
- Applicant’s name and address should be indicated on the account details
- At least 6 months of account details that include balances to assess the applicant’s financial situation
- Medical exam (usually only for those visiting for more than six months)
- Completed IMM 5645 form
- Notarized letter of invitation, if applicable
- Must include the following information of the visa applicant or person being invited to travel to Canada
- Complete name
- Address and contact number
- Date of birth
- The inviting person’s relationship with the applicant
- Purpose of the trip
- How long the invitee intends to stay in Canada
- Where the invitee will stay and how s/he will finance him or herself while in the country
- When the invitee intends to leave Canada
- Must include the following information of the person inviting the applicant to Canada
- Complete name
- Address and contact number in Canada
- Date of birth
- Residency or citizenship status in Canada
- Photocopy of Canadian birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card, PR card, or IMM 1000 proof of landing
- Details of family members including names and dates of birth or spouse and dependents (if applicable)
- The total number of individuals residing in the household, including those sponsored whose sponsorship is still in effect (if applicable)
- Must include the following information of the visa applicant or person being invited to travel to Canada
- Covid-19 vaccination requirements
- Fully Vaccinated Travelers
- Proof of vaccination must be uploaded into ArriveCAN within 72 hours before arrival to Canada
- Proof of negative Covid-19 test result (test must be taken within 72 hours of arrival)
- ArriveCAN receipt (paper or electronic)
- Non-vaccinated travellers are currently not allowed to travel to Canada
- Fully Vaccinated Travelers
- Additional requirements for minors:
- Additional requirements for applicants below the age of 18 travelling alone, with only one parent, with a relative or with a friend:
- Letter of authorization signed by both parents or by the child’s legal guardian which allows the minor to travel to Canada
- Adoption papers, if applicable
- Custody decree, if applicable
- If the minor child is travelling alone, s/he should submit present the following documents:
- Passport
- Copy of birth certificate
- Letter of authorization written in English or French, signed by both parents or the legal guardian and must include the following information:
- The address and contact number of the parents or the legal guardian
- The name, address, and contact number of the adult who will be responsible for the minor in Canada
- If the minor is travelling with only one parent, the accompanying parent must submit present the following documents:
- The minor’s passport
- Copy of the minor’s birth certificate
- Letter of authorization written in English or French, signed by the parent not travelling with the child and must include the following information:
- The address and contact number of the parent not travelling
- Photocopy of that parent’s national identity card or signed passport
- If the minor’s parents are divorced or separated, share the custody of the child, but the child is only travelling with one parent:
- The parent whom the child is travelling with should carry copies of all legal custody documents
- Letter of authorization from the other parent allowing the child to be taken out of the country for a trip
- If the parents are divorced or separated and only one has custody of the child:
- Letter of authorization signed by the parent who has custody
- Copy of the custody decree
- If one of the minor’s parents is deceased:
- The travelling parent should present a copy of the death certificate
- If the minor is travelling with adoptive parents or a legal guardian:
- The minor should have a copy of the adoption or guardianship papers
- If the minor is travelling with person/s either their legal guardians or parents:
- The adult travelling with the child should obtain written permission from the parents or legal guardians to supervise the child and must include the following information:
- Addressed and telephone numbers where the parents or legal guardians can be reached
- Photocopy of the parents’ or legal guardians’ national identity cards or signed passports (must be attached with the letter).
- The adult travelling with the child should obtain written permission from the parents or legal guardians to supervise the child and must include the following information:
- Additional requirements for applicants below the age of 18 travelling alone, with only one parent, with a relative or with a friend:
Cost of Getting a Canadian Tourist Visa
The required bank balance for a Canada visitor visa can vary depending on several factors, including the duration of the stay, the number of people travelling, and the purpose of the visit. Generally, it is recommended to have a minimum balance of CAD 10,000 for a single applicant, which is approximately INR 630,000.
How to Apply for a Tourist Visa to Canada.
Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC website or via a paper application sent to the Canadian visa office in your country. Online applications are generally faster and more convenient. To apply online:
- Create an IRCC Account: Register for an account on the IRCC website.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the form accurately and completely.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload all required documents.
- Pay the Application Fee: Fees vary by visa type and can be paid online.
For paper applications, interested applicants are required to download the relevant forms from the IRCC website, complete them, and send them along with your documents and fee payment to the designated visa office.
INELIGIBLE APPLICANT FOR CANADIAN TOURIST VISA
Some people are ineligible for a Canadian tourist visa, which means they are not allowed to enter the country. You can be inadmissible for several reasons, including being involved in:
- criminal activity
- human rights violations
- organized crime.
Canada Visa Processing Time
The processing time varies by country and also depends on whether you need to give biometrics information or not. Because of the current situation, it is difficult to provide accurate processing times for most visa applications.