How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa

The Canada Visitor Visa is among the most coveted visas in the world. With this visa, you can enter Canada as a visitor, and explore the country’s iconic attractions, such as the Banff National Park in Alberta and the Niagara Falls in Ontario. The visitor visa is also applicable to those who wish to visit family and friends, do business, and more.

If you’re planning to visit Canada soon, you should start by applying for a Canada visitor visa. The process should be easy. For as long as you are eligible and you have the documents to prove your eligibility, you should be able to enter Canada as a visitor with no issues.

Here at Checklist Visa, we want to educate you on how to apply for a Canada visitor visa, so you can plan your trip well and fulfill your dream of visiting one of the world’s most beautiful countries!

What is a Canada Visitor Visa?

A Canada Visitor Visa is also called a Temporary Resident Visa. With this visa, you can enter Canada as a visitor and stay temporarily. The most common purpose is for tourism or sightseeing. However, the visa is also applicable to those visiting family and attending business commitments. The visa is only valid for a maximum of six months, and can either be single-entry or multiple-entry.

The main purpose of the Visitor Visa is to let you visit Canada on a short-term travel. It does not give you permission to study or work in Canada. More importantly, you cannot stay in the country permanently with this visa.

When applying for this visa, you’ll have to prove that you intend to leave the country before the visa expires. You also need to demonstrate that you can afford to pay for your stay in the country through the submission of some financial documents.

Determine Your Eligibility

The first question that often comes to mind when applying for a Canada Visitor Visa is, am I eligible for one? Besides having a valid passport, you can be eligible for the Canada visitor visa if you have documents to demonstrate strong ties to your country. Some examples are having a stable job, a family back home, and some properties. All these demonstrate that you still have a reason to come home.

In addition, you need to prove that you have enough money to fund your stay in Canada. The amount would vary depending on how long you intend to visit and whether you are staying with a family member or at a hotel.

You will not be eligible for the visa if you have a criminal history or if they find that you are involved in human rights violations. Also, another reason you may not be eligible is if the Canadian government believes that you can pose a security risk to the country.

Steps to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa

If you believe you are eligible for the Canada visitor visa, it’s time to start your application. Here are the steps to guide you through.

1. Gather the Required Documents

The first step is to gather the required documents, which include the following:

• Valid Passport
• Proof of Financial Support – bank statements, pay stubs, or any proof you have enough funds for your stay in Canada
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of Purpose of Visit – travel itinerary if visiting for tourism, invitation letter if visiting a family member, etc.
• Ties to Home Country – documents proving you have a reason to return to your home country at the end of your trip)
• Letter of Explanation – a letter explaining your reasons for visiting Canada.
• Proof of Medical Exam – you may need to submit a medical certificate signed by an accredited physician.
• Travel history – copies of previous visas and stamps

2. Complete the Application Form

The next step is to complete the application form (IMM 5257). You can access this form from the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada or the IRCC website.

Complete the application online, which is faster and more convenient. You also have the option to download the paper version and submit the application through the embassy of Canada in your country.

Ensure you fill out all sections completely. Remember, the most common visa application mistake is an incomplete or incorrect application form.

3. Submit your Application and Pay the Visa Fee

When submitting the application form and required documents, you will be asked to pay for the Canada Visitor Visa. It costs CAD $100 per person, plus an additional fee of CAD $85 for biometrics.

You can pay online using a credit card. For in-person applications, you can pay through bank drafts, or other modes of payment, depending on the embassy.

Note that visa fees are non-refundable. Even if your visa application is rejected, you cannot get the money back.

4. Wait for Processing

After submitting your application for the visitor visa, all you need to do is wait. Depending on certain factors, the processing time will range from a few weeks to several months.

You will receive a notification once a decision is made on the status of your visa. If approved, they will send your passport back with the visa stamped inside. But if you are denied, you will receive a letter that explains the reason why your visa is denied. You can appeal or reapply for a visa.

FAQs for Canada Visitor Visa Application

How long can I stay in Canada with a Visitor Visa?

A Canada Visitor Visa allows you to remain in the country for up to 6 months. The border officer will decide, at the time of entry, how long you are allowed to stay. They will stamp your passport with a date. If no date is stamped, then you can stay for up to six months from when you first entered Canada. You have to leave the country before or apply for an extension, if necessary.

Can I work or study in Canada with a Visitor Visa?

No, you cannot work or study in Canada on a Visitor Visa. It can be used for temporary visits, either tourism, visiting families, or attending events. If you’re moving to Canada because you have a job or want to go to school, you will need a work visa or student visa.

Can I extend my stay in Canada on a Visitor Visa?

You can extend your stay in Canada with a visitor visa. You need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before your current visa expires. Ensure you use the right application form and provide all supporting documents, including reasons why you need more time in the country. After your extension is approved, you should receive a new document showing your extended stay date. If denied, you are required to leave Canada by the expiration date of your current visa.