Canada Visitor Visa: Coming to Canada as a tourist, visiting a family, or for a temporal stay means you’re visiting Canada. To be able to visit Canada, you need to get a Canadian visitor visa.
The Canada visitor visa is a type of visa issued by the Canadian government to anyone who wishes to visit Canada for a period of not more than 6 months. So if you’re coming to Canada and you wish to stay in Canada for less than 6 months, then you need a visitor visa. Some of the best things about a Canadian visitor visa are you don’t need any language test such as IELTS and no age limit.
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In this article, I’ll help you with how to apply for a Canada visitor visa and share with you the required documents. Note that the Canadian visitor visa is also known as a temporary resident visa. It is a multiple-entry visa for up to 10 years or one month before the passport expiry (whichever date comes first).
With a visitor visa, you cannot stay in Canada for more than 6 months. However, if you’re close to the end of your 6 months of stay, you can apply for a Canada visitor visa extension or exit and re-enter Canada after 24 hours.
See Also: IRCC Visa Processing Times as of March 2023: New Processing Times for Canadian Visas
How to Apply for Your Canada Visitor Visa?
First, you need to decide between a single entry and multiple entry visa and prepare documents to demonstrate that you meet the Canadian visitor visa criteria. Then you need to:
- Prepare your documents
- Apply online via the IRCC website
- Give your biometrics and photos
- Give medical report if needed
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1. Prepare your documents.
You need to submit some documents during your application for the Canada Visitor Visa. But first, you need to prepare them before you start the application. Below is the list of supporting documents for the Canadian visitor visa application:
- ArriveCAN receipt (electronic or paper – optional)
- Travel history
- Itinerary
- Letter of invitation if visiting friend or family
- Account Statement
- Use of representative
- Family information
- Police clearance report
- Hotel bills receipt or any other payment made (for tourists)
2. Apply Online via the IRCC website
Create an account or sign in on your IRCC. You can read our step-by-step guide on how to create an IRCC account. Once signed in, you need to fill out the following details in your visa application and also upload the documents listed in step 1 above:
- Personal details
- Travel document details
- Finances
- Education History
- Criminality and security
- Medical background
After filling in your details and uploading the required documents, pay the visa application fee of 100 CAD and the biometrics fees of 85 CAD towards the application’s last stages. Note: you’ll only be required to pay the biometrics fee if you have not given your biometrics in the past 10 years but if you’ve already given your biometrics within the last 10 years, you’ll only have to pay the 100 CAD Canada visitor visa fees.
Canada visitor visa application has a validity of 60 days, beginning when you start your application. The system will delete your information after 60 days.
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3. Give your Biometrics and Photo
After submitting the visitor visa application, you need to book your appointment with the closest VFS Global. You’ll receive a biometrics instruction letter to book your VFS appointment in your IRCC account, download it, print a copy, and take with you the VFS Global closest to you.
We have listed the VFS Global centers in Nigeria and India but if you’re applying from another country, check the VSF Global center closest to you here.
After giving your biometrics and photo, you’ll have to wait for an update on your visitor visa application. If your application is approved, you’ll be asked to submit your international passport to a VFS Global center closest to you. Otherwise, the reason for the refusal will be stated.
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Who Can Visit Canada?
Anyone without criminal background or history can visit Canada. There is also currently no COVID-related restriction to enter Canada and unvaccinated travelers are allowed to enter Canada.
I hope this Canada Visitor Visa article has helped you to understand how to apply and the documents you need. If you have any questions or need assistance, please use the Contact Us page to send us a message.