Millions of travelers dream of visiting Canada for its natural wonders, urban sights and rich cultural experience. However, before you set out, you need to have the correct visa or travel authorization. Well, the only sure way to make sure you get the right type of visa is to follow a Canada Visa Checklist.
The following guide details all steps and documents that are required for applying for Canadian visa. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Visa You Need
Know What Visa You’re Seeking Common options include:
- Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): If you are coming for tourism, family visits or short-term business purposes.
- The Super Visa: For parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Business Visa: For business-related activities like attending meetings or conferences.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): For those traveling by air and are from visa-exempt countries.
Knowing the right type of visa helps you collect documents properly and not mess up the application process.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Criteria
Check Eligibility Requirements For Your Chosen Visa Before Proceeding. These typically include:
- A Valid Passport: The validity of your passport must extend at least six months beyond your stay.
- Financial Stability proof (bank statements, pay slips, sponsorship letters) showing that you are able to support yourself.
- No Criminal Background: You might have to present a police clearance certificate.
- Ties to Home Country: Demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as employment, property, or family.
Step 3: Compile Required Documents
Paperwork is the cornerstone of any visa application. Here’s a comprehensive Canada Visa checklist to get you ready:
General Requirements:
- Passport: Must be valid and have blank pages for visa stamps.
- DS-160: A visa application form, you may fill it electronically or print it out (this may vary from country to country).
- Photos: Passport sized photos which meet the Canadian visa requirements.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements, pay slips or sponsorship proof that you can provide your travel-related expenses.
- Travel Itinerary: Flight details, hotel reservation and itinerary.
- Evidence Of Connections To Home Soil: Documents like deeds, job contracts, or family connections.
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- Visa Canada Application Invitation Letter: If you are visiting family or friends, include an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa from your host detailing the contact information, address, and even relationship to you.
- Purpose оf travel: If you’re traveling fоr business, you’ll need conference invitations or letters from employers.
- Family Affidavit: If the visit is for family, provide documentation confirming your relation to the hosting member.
Step 4: Submit Biometrics
Biometric submission is a mandatory step for most applicants. It involves providing your fingerprints and a photograph to enhance security and verify your identity.
How to Submit Biometrics
Most applicants will be required to submit biometrics as well. This includes fingerprinting and taking your picture for added security measures and identification verification.
- Visit a Visa Application Center (VAC): Use the official Canadian immigration website to find the nearest VAC.
- Make an Appointment: Appointment is compulsory for biometric submission for most of the VACs. As soon as you receive a biometric instruction letter from IRCC, schedule one.
Required Documents for Biometrics
- Issuance after reviewing your application: Biometric Instruction Letter
- Passport: For ID.
- Fee Payment Receipt: Some of the VACs might ask for your receipt.
Biometric Fees
- Individual: CAD 85
- Family (for multiple applicants): CAD 170
In such cases, your application will be processed without any unnecessary delay with the help of prompt biometric submission.
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
One of the most important aspects is to pay the visa fee. Mistakes or omissions in payments can freeze your application.
Visa Fee Breakdown
- For Visitor Visa: CAD 100 per person
- Super Visa: CAD 100 per person, yet additional requirements
- ETA: CAD 7 (if applicable)
Payment Methods
- Payment: Majority of applicants can pay with the IRCC portal using a credit or debit card.
- There are still centers that do take payments in cash(be sure to check in advance).
- Bank Drafts, Money Orders: Not accepted outside of certain countries.
Tips for Payment
- Keep your receipt to show that you paid.
- Obligatory: Please double check the fee based on your visa type and country.
Step 6: Track Visa Processing Times
The Canada Visa Processing Time is important for planning your trip. Processing times depend on your visa type, nationality, and time of year.
Average Processing Times
- Visitor Visa: 15-30 days or more (months in peak season)
- Super Visa: Days of stay limited to 90 due to additional checks.
- ETA: Generally processed in minutes, but in some cases, it may take a couple of days.
Factors Influencing Processing Times
- Applications Volume: High seasons cause longer wait times.
- Completeness of Application: If the documents are missing or not correctly arranged, the processing can be delayed.
- It should be noted that applications cannot be processed until biometrics have been submitted.
How to Track Your Application
- Online portal: You can track your application status using the IRCC online tool.
- Get Notified: Subscribe to email alerts for the latest updates.
- VAC Services: Certain centers charge an extra fee for tracking.
If you have a specific travel date, apply as early as possible, at least two months before your travel date, to avoid last-minute stress.
Step 7: Apply for an ETA (if applicable)
Those who do not require a Canada Tourist Visa to enter Canada still must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to flying to Canada.
Who Needs an ETA?
- Nationals of visa-free countries like the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany.
- Note: ETA is not required for land or sea arrivals.
How to Apply for an ETA
- Log in to the IRCC Website to Fill in the Online Application.
- Provide Required Details -Passport information, email address, and payment method.
- Fee: CAD 7, to be paid online.
Processing Time
ETAs are usually approved in seconds, though some need more documentation and can take more time.
ETA Validity
A Canada ETA Validity is for up to five years and until your passport expires, whichever is earlier.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Apply for visa 2 months in advance: The application process of the visa should start at least two months ahead of your intended date of travel.
- Check Documents: Review required documents for accuracy and currency.
- Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the IRCC website for any updates related to processing times and requirements.
- Prepare for The Interview: When you apply for a visa, some visa types may require an interview. So be prepared to clearly explain your travel plans and purpose.
Conclusion
So applying for a Canadian visa does not need to be a nightmare. Make sure to have a look at your application process with the help of this comprehensive Canada Visa Checklist to avoid any delays in your trip and focus on planning your exciting trip! We have created an overview for each step, from collecting documents to submitting biometrics to checking your processing time in order to get your visa or ETA.
Once you are well-prepared and focus on details, it will be just a few steps to the Canadian dream.