Canada attracts millions of tourists and immigrants each year, and is often chosen as the location for permanent residency.
This article will cover everything you need to know about applying for a Canadian visitor visa, from requirements and processing times, as well as providing you with helpful tips to make the application process as painless as possible.
What is a Visitor Visa?
A Visitor Visa is an official document that allows people to travel to Canada for tourism, business, family visits and other personal reasons. Typically valid for a specified amount of time and multiple entries allowed - individuals who intend to work as crew members, study or perform any professional services must obtain another type of visa prior to traveling there.
Most individuals who wish to enter Canada require a valid visitor visa; this includes citizens from most nations around the world; however, there are exceptions; for instance citizens from the United States don't require one for travel by land or sea, but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Visitors to Canada can stay for up to six months and travel freely within that period, staying with friends or relatives who live here as well. Unfortunately, visitors do not qualify to get jobs or start businesses here.
Visitors who enter on visitor visas must present evidence that they can afford their stay and demonstrate strong ties to their home countries; bank statements, employment details or any other documents can help prove this fact.
Visitors must present proof of financial support as well as a letter from a Canadian resident, outlining that they will provide food, lodging and transportation during their time in Canada. This letter should include their full name and address as well as assurances from them about providing food, accommodation and transport while in Canada.
iVisa has taken steps to expedite visitor visa processing, cutting their backlog by nearly half in four months. They have simplified the application process to make submitting paperwork simpler for people and have also assigned each applicant with their own personal expert to guide them through it - giving applicants peace of mind knowing their application will be in safe hands.
What are the Requirements for a Visitor Visa?
Millions of visitors travel to Canada annually to take in its natural beauty, visit family or friends, or for business. A Canadian Visitor Visa - more commonly referred to as a Tourist visa - allows entry for short duration visits of up to six months at any one time with either single entry or multiple entries available for multiple entries if issued with the assistance of Y-Axis' quick and straightforward Tourist visa process.
Visitor visa applications must demonstrate they possess sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their entire stay in a country, without intending to work or begin businesses there. In addition, applicants should present evidence that they adhere to local laws and abide by them during their visit.
Step one in applying for a Visitor Visa involves filling out an application form either online or at a designated location, along with supporting documentation like valid passport, proof of financial resources (bank statements or letter from family/friends in country, etc), proof of financial resources statements from bank statements, letter from family/friends in country etc. Once this step has been completed and fee paid at designated location.
Once a visa has been approved, it will be inserted into their passport and presented at any port of entry to gain permission to enter. Each visa has an entry date that must be observed, as well as all immigration rules and regulations which must be strictly observed by applicants.
Visitors who wish to extend their visitor visa must request an extension while their current status remains valid. If allowed to remain until their extension is processed, they should ensure any other permits (study or work) they hold do not conflict with it and ask for it at least 30 days before their current one expires.
How do I apply for a Visitor Visa?
If you're travelling to Canada, obtaining a visitor visa (TRV) will be required of you. A TRV is a type of Temporary Resident Visa which permits visitors to enter for tourism or social reasons; its process can be lengthy and complex so it is best to start early.
Step one of applying for a TRV is creating an account on Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. From there, you can access application forms and upload any necessary documents. After your application has been uploaded successfully, a Biometric Collection Letter will arrive with information regarding where and when your biometric appointment should take place.
Once your biometrics have been taken, obtaining a TRV may take several weeks or months. It's important to keep in touch with your case worker during this time and ensure all documents are current. If there are delays, make sure they know by writing out and asking for an extension as soon as possible with justification for why this might be needed.
Once your visa has been approved, Canada awaits. Just remember to keep your passport with you at all times and show it to the border patrol officers when entering. Furthermore, demonstrate that you will return home at the conclusion of your trip.
Canada is a large country located in North America and bounded by three bodies of water: Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. As the second-largest nation by area, Canada hosts ten provinces and three territories - its borders with the US being among the longest undefended land and maritime boundaries worldwide; also sharing borders with Greenland, Saint Pierre Miquelon (which belongs to France) and Greenland.
How long does it take to get a Visitor Visa?
Visitor visas are temporary permits that allow foreign nationals to temporarily reside and enter Canada. Their duration usually lasts six months; if you wish to extend it further, an extension request must be submitted before its status expires.
An application for a visitor visa to Canada requires extensive paperwork and planning. You must present evidence that you can financially support yourself during your stay as well as being medically fit to travel. Finally, they require submission of an up-to-date passport as well as payment of a fee.
Usually, it takes at least a month or more for visitor visa applications to be processed, making early application advisable. Processing may take even longer if biometrics is required (fingerprinting and photo). At an appointed location you will receive instructions on how to take your biometrics scans after paying your fee.
The Canadian visa process may seem complex and daunting, but it is essential that you follow its guidelines precisely. Hiring a consultant to assist with application may also prove helpful; one such consultant would ensure your submission is complete and correct. If your visa application is denied, administrative processing could ensue to have your case reconsidered - something which could take months or years so planning ahead is key!
iVisa is a top immigration firm offering expert guidance and support for Canadian visa applications. We've already helped thousands of people receive their visas successfully; let us do it for you as well! Our team of experts will review your application to make sure it complies with government standards; plus provide you with step-by-step guide that walks through entire process from start to finish. Plus our fees are transparent, competitively priced, and we even offer money-back guarantees in case it gets denied!