If you are planning a trip to Canada, you need to know how to apply for a visitor's visa. The process involves several steps and includes submitting the required documents. These steps vary according to the purpose of travel. In this article, you will learn about the documents you need to submit, the processing time and validity, and the cost.
Documents to submit
Before you apply for a Canada visitor visa, you must prepare certain documents. The list of documents varies depending on your circumstances. For example, if you are a long-term visitor, you need to submit documents that support your long-term stay. You can get an example of a checklist here.
You need to provide proof of legal status in your home country to be considered for a Canada visitor visa. You must provide details of your current status as well as that of your family members. In case you have tuberculosis, you need to provide proof of your illness.
You also need to provide two recent passport photographs with a white background and no border. These photos must show a large part of your face. They should be matte or semi-matted. They must also not have been used for a previous visa application. The photos must be taken within the last three months. In addition, you should submit proof of employment, which can be a salary slip, appointment letter, or a No Objection Certificate.
Processing time
The processing time for a Canada visitor visa depends on several factors. The number of applications submitted each month will determine how quickly your application will be processed, but it can also be affected by seasonality. Some visa programs only accept applications during certain times of the year. Once the government receives your application in a timely manner, processing times can take as little as 15 business days. However, some processing times are longer.
If you are planning to visit Canada for an extended period, you should make sure you know the processing time. The processing time for a TRV will take longer if you are applying from outside Canada. This is because the Consular Section will not issue your visa until your passport is returned to you. In case of an emergency, you may be able to continue the processing process by making an in-person appointment.
The IRCC, the immigration agency in Canada, has a history of delaying applications for a variety of reasons. Historically, people from the southern hemisphere have been hit by delays. For example, the organization has delayed applications due to the pandemic that hit the country in 2016. Since then, they've switched to using the Afghan crisis as a reason for delaying applications.
Validity
The validity of a Canada visitor visa is important for anyone traveling to Canada. If you do not have a valid visa, it may not be possible to enter the country. To obtain a valid Canada visitor visa, you must follow the procedures that are specific to that country. For example, if you have a criminal record, you must follow separate procedures when entering the country.
A TRV, or Temporary Resident Visa, allows you to enter Canada for up to six months. However, if you plan to stay in Canada longer, you must apply for an extension. A visitor record is valid for six months from the date of entry. You may apply for an extension from within Canada, if necessary.
A multiple-entry visa gives you multiple visits to Canada and can be valid for up to 10 years. You will need to show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay. It is also important that you do not plan to work in Canada and have no criminal record. Furthermore, you should also be willing to follow all the rules and regulations of the country while you are there. If you plan to stay with friends or relatives in Canada, make sure to obtain letters of invitation from them.
Cost
The cost of applying for a Canada visitor visa varies depending on your circumstances. For example, if you're a protected person, the fee is 550 CAD. But if you're a common-law partner or married, the cost is 1,040 CAD. You'll also have to pay for the right to permanent residence, which is 490 CAD. If you have a dependent child with you, the fee is 150 CAD per child.
In addition to paying the processing fees, you'll also need to provide proof of financial means for your trip. Although the exact amount varies depending on your needs, it is recommended that you have at least $2000 CAD available for every 30 days in Canada. You can provide these documents in the form of bank statements, employment letters, or other types of financial documents. Also, be sure to submit a color photograph of yourself. It should show a full front view of your face and shoulders.
Lastly, you'll have to pay a fee for biometric information, which is a mandatory part of the process. The fee for this will be listed on your application and includes your fingerprints.