Canadian Visa
Canadian Visa
If you are thinking of visiting Canada as a tourist or for short-term studies, the first step is to find out whether you need a Canadian visitor visa.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada have an online tool that tells what kind of documents you need based on your citizenship and the purpose of your visit.
If you find out that you need a Canadian visa, you can apply online. The government website will prompt you to create an account and answer some questions, and it will provide you with the list of documents to apply. You have 60 days to submit your application once you start it. However, no worries if you need more time – the system will simply delete incomplete applications, and you can always start anew.
You will need to show that you have strong ties to your home country and sufficient finances to support yourself in Canada. You will also have to submit translations of all documents that are not in English or French. Your visa might be rejected if you have any criminal record from Canada or another country. If this applies to you, it’s best to work with an immigration consultant before submitting an application.
The Canadian visa fee is $100. However, you may be required to provide biometrics and pay additional $85. The system will tell you if you need biometrics and it will send you a letter with instructions once you submit your application. You will have 30 days to provide biometrics, and you can do it at a visa application center (VAC). According to IRCC, there are 160 VACs in 108 countries, and you can check the government website to find the one closest to where you live. Once the application is submitted, processing times can be anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. If your visa is approved, IRCC will send you instructions on where to send your passport.
Everyone applying for to come to Canada as a visitor is considered for a visa that allows you to enter and leave Canada multiple times. However, depending on your situation, you might be issued a single-entry visa that only allows you to visit once. Keep in mind that while your visa can be issued for a maximum of 10 years, it cannot be valid longer than your passport. If your passport is about to expire, renew it before applying.
Once you arrive in Canada, is important to know what your visa allows you to do. When you are in Canada as a visitor, you cannot work. However, you can take part in some study programs that are less than 6 months in duration. Visitors can stay in Canada up to 6 months at a time unless the officer informs you otherwise. However, if you plan change and you want to apply for a Canadian visa extension, there are way to extend your stay. Contact our team of registered immigration consultants to find a solution to your situation.
Regards,
International Experience Club
