What is a visitor visa for Canada?
A visitor visa is an official immigration document that allows foreign nationals to travel and enter Canada. This allows you to stay in Canada up to 6 months. Majority of international travelers require a visitor visa even if they are transiting through a Canadian airport, but it varies by originating country. Such a visa maybe issued to you electronically or as a counterfoil on your passport. This depends on your travel document and the country that issued your travel document.
What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a Visitor Visa to Canada?
To apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada, you need to meet the following requirements:
A valid passport/travel document.
Health conditions consistent with admission requirements.
No criminal convictions.
Convince an immigration officer that you have affiliations in your own country (like a job, home, financial assets, or family that you need to go back to). This is also referred to as – “Ties to the home country”.
Convince an immigration officer that you will return to your country after the authorized time of stay has completed.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to sponsor your stay.
Approximate itinerary of travel inside Canada (including things like arrival and departure).
Letter of invitation from someone inviting you to come to Canada.
How can I apply for a Visitor Visa for Canada?
You can apply online or with a paper application.
What are the Steps to apply for a Visitor Visa to Canada?
Determine Eligibility - Check whether you are eligible to travel to Canada
Submit required documents - Include the documents that prove you meet the eligibility criteria.
Application Fee – Pay/include the application fee.
Submit your application - Choose your method of applying, whether it’s online or a paper application, and submit your documents
Biometrics – If you are applying for the 1st time or it has been over 10 years since you last applied for immigration to Canada, you will be asked to give your fingerprints and a recent photo.
Once your application is approved, follow the instructions.
Do’s and Don'ts of a Visitor Visa Application Process
It is important to be mindful of the following when applying for a visitor visa:
Do's:
Provide sufficient documents - ensure to provide all the required documents to prove financial and social ties to your home country.
Always review your application - Make sure to always check your application at least twice to avoid silly mistakes. At times it is easy to rush through an application or simply forget to check it thoroughly.
Apply to the visa category applicable to you - There are multiple categories when applying for your visitor visa. Ensure you choose the category that best applies to your situation.
Don'ts:
Submit incomplete application forms - don’t submit application forms with empty or incomplete fields. If a field does not apply to you make sure to type in N/A.
Use an unlicensed consultant - don’t hire an immigration consultant, without checking their credentials and whether they are a registered ICCRC consultant to ensure you have qualified help.
Provide incorrect information - don’t provide false and invalid details when submitting documents. Lying or forged documents will result in your application being refused. Misrepresentation can lead to a 10-year ban.
Common Questions while applying for a Visitor Visa for Canada
Q. Do I need a Visitor Visa for Canada?
A. Depending on the type of travel document you are travelling on, the country that issued that travel document, your nationality, and your mode of transportation, you may either be eligible for an eTA (electronic travel authorization) or a visa to fly to or transit through a Canadian airport.
Q. How long can a person stay in Canada on a visitor's visa?
A. While most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada, a CBSA officer has the authority to limit your stay in the country. If so, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport.
Q. How much money do I need to show while applying for a tourist visa for Canada?
A. It is imperative to prove financial sufficiency while applying for a visa for Canada. The applicant needs to show that they can afford to travel to Canada and return once their stay is concluded.
Q. Is an invitation letter required to apply for a tourist visa to Canada?
A. A letter of invitation/sponsorship for a tourist visa does not guarantee approval. Most applicants do not even require an invitation/sponsorship letter. In some cases, an applicant maybe asked to provide one. Such a requirement is case specific.
Want to know more about how to get a visitor visa for Canada?
Immergity Immigration Inc. is always happy to help with any queries and is available to help you through this exciting time period of immigrating. For more information feel free to drop us an email at info@immergityimmigration.com or you can Call/WhatsApp us at +1.416.897.6664.