Everything You Need to Know about the Canada Visit Visa

Are you planning for a trip to Canada? Then get a Canada visit visa online and explore the breathtaking landscapes.

Canada boasts various range of tourist attractions, including iconic landmarks like Niagara Falls, Banff National Park etc. However, it can be challenging to navigate through the process of a Canada visit visa to apply online.

You can also apply for a Canada urgent visa if you are in a hurry or emergency.

It is crucial to understand the Canada visa for tourists and you must obtain a visitor visa before your journey.

This guide will simplify all the information of your Canada tourist visa whether you are dreaming of experiencing the natural beauty of the Rockies, or the bustling city life of Toronto.

What is a Canada visit visa?

It is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). It allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for 

• leisure
• tourism or 
• visiting someone. 

You can issue this for a duration of up to six months. Extensions are also possible in certain circumstances.

People who go for a Canada visit visa to apply online are those from countries that do not have a visa exemption agreement with Canada. In simple terms, if you are from a country that is not on the exempt list of Canada, then you will need a visitor visa to enter the country.

For example, citizens of the United States or the European Union do not need a visitor visa. But people from countries like India or China do.

Foreign nationals from not visa exempt country need visitor for:

• Leisure and tourism purpose
• Meet family and friends
• Business purpose.

You can opt for a Canada visit visa to apply online for the following reasons:

• Explore the vast natural beauty of Canada – the lakes, rivers, and amazing landscapes.

• Encounter diverse wildlife and discover the wonders of national parks.

• Admire the stunning black blue lakes and high mountains defining scenery.

• Immerse yourself in the rich cultural diversity and festive atmosphere of Canada.

• Enjoy thrilling outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, skiing etc.

• Experience the vibrant culture and entertainment in the dynamic cities of Canada.

• Travel with a stress free mind as it is one of the safest countries in the world.

• Taste the flavours of diverse cuisine of Canada with global influences.

• Explore iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and Old Quebac city.

Types of canada visitor visa

There are two main types:

1. Single entry visa

It allows you to enter Canada for once. You will need a new visa to re enter after you leave.

2. Multiple entry visa

This allows you to enter and leave Canada various times within the validity period of the visa for up to 10 years.

Eligibility for a Canada visit visa

There are several key eligibility requirements when it comes to obtaining a Canada visit visa to apply online.

Here are the most common criteria that need to be fulfilled to be eligible for a Canada visit visa.

• Possess a valid passport.

• Be in good health.

• Have no criminal or immigration related convictions.

• Assure the immigration officer that you have ties like a job or home that will take you back to your home country.

• Inform the officer that you will leave the country once your visit is over.

• Assure that you have a genuine purpose for visiting Canada.

• Have enough money for your stay.

Documents required for getting Canada visit visa

We have listed below the required documents for you to understand better.

1. Valid passport

This needs to be genuine and have a validity extending 6 months after your stay in Canada. Include two photocopies of the passport information page containing details like

1. Date of issue and expiry
2. Passport number
3. Personal information like photo, name, date of birth etc.

2. Visa application form

You need to download it from the IRCC website or a reputed visa site and fill it out properly. Submit the form along with other necessary documents like:

1. Photographs
2. Fee receipts 
3. Passport copies etc.

3. Passport size photos

Make sure to include your recent photographs that meet the specifications of Canada. You will have to provide 2 color photos that comply with these requirements.

Make sure to include a detailed travel plan that outlines:

1. Your round trip flight details
2. Accommodation arrangements
3. Planned activities
4. Destinations you intend to visit.

4. Proof of funds

Show your financial capability to cover expenses while in Canada. The following documents are the ones that you have to submit as fund proof:

1. Bank statement

2. Letter of employment

3. Tax filing documents of the last 3 years

4. Financial support evidence from family or friends to cover your expenses during your stay

5. Income evidence of the person who will entertain you during your stay

6. Other financial proofs like property, shares etc.

5. Letter of invitation

If you plan to stay with friends or relatives in Canada, then it is necessary to have a letter of invitation from the host. Their contact details and status proof in Canada will also support the visa application.

6. Cover letter

Write all the details in that letter and mention the purpose of your visit. It is crucial for convincing the Government of Canada to grant you a visit visa for a successful application.

7. Proof of intent or return

Present documents that show ties to your home country. It includes 

1. property ownership
2. employment or
3. family commitments. 

You can use the following documents as a proof:

1. Property deeds
2. Lease agreements 
3. Employment contracts.

8. Proof of good health

You have to give a medical examination test operated by a designated panel physician. This is a rule for the visa application process which verifies your good health.

9. Police clearance certificate

You may need to provide a police clearance certificate for a clean record. This assures no criminal history from their home country or any country of residence where they lived for over six months.

You will need some extra documents when traveling with minors:

• Passport and birth certificate copies
• Letter of authorization
• Guardianship papers

You can also apply for a Canada urgent visa if you are in any emergency situation like family accidents.

How to apply for a Canada visit visa?

Here is a simple process to get a Canada visit visa to apply online:

• Download the visa application form

• Collect and attach all the required supporting documents

• Pay the visa processing and biometric fees

• Submit your application online or in person

• Provide your biometrics by visiting the embassy

• Wait for the decision after the immigration department reviews your background and eligibility.

Visa processing time and validity

The processing time tells you how long it takes to manage visa applications completely. It starts when you pay the application fee and ends when a decision is made.

Here are the general processing times:

• Online application – 28 working days

• Paper application – 60 working days

There are some factors that affect the processing time:

• Number of applications being processed at that time

• How complicated your application is

• Where you are applying from.

The processing time will also vary if you apply for a Canada urgent visa. The reason for the emergency will vary the time limit.

Visit visas are non-immigrant visas. They are intended for temporary stays. And so they do not allow for permanent residency or citizenship rights.

Benefits of a Canada visit visa

• Allows for tourism or short term business trips

• Multiple entry visa lets you travel to and from Canada various times

• Experience the various culture and natural beauty of Canada

Track the application process

You can track your application status through:

• Online account 

If you have applied online, then check the IRCC account and track the process.

• IRCC web form

Contact them through the web form and get updates on application status.

Be ready to fly!

Canada is a beautiful country with some prime destinations for tourists around the world. It is an easy process for a Canada visit visa to apply online with just a few steps. Follow the guidelines carefully and enjoy your trip there without the hassle of delays for your visa.

Also don’t forget to check the Canada urgent visa application process in case of any emergency!

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