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What is the process for obtaining a Canada tourist visa? How long does it take to process a Canada visa application? Learn all the details about applying for a Canada tourist visa with Mytour!
As one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Canada captivates travelers with its breathtaking natural landscapes, modern cities blended with historic charm, and a rich, diverse culture. It’s no wonder millions of people choose Canada as their exploration destination every year.
However, to begin your journey in this incredible country, you must complete the process of applying for a Canada tourist visa. This is a crucial step that requires careful preparation of documents, information, and time. Follow this article to gain the latest insights and tips for applying for a Canada tourist visa, ensuring your journey is smooth and fulfilling!
How Many Types of Canada Tourist Visas Are There?
Canada tourist visas primarily come in two types: single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas. The key difference between these visas is the number of times you are permitted to enter Canada during the visa’s validity period.
A unique aspect is that you don’t need to specify the type of visa when submitting your application. The authorities will evaluate your information, travel purpose, and itinerary to determine and issue the most suitable visa for your case. Understanding the differences between these visa types will help you plan your trip to Canada more effectively.
1. Canada Single-Entry Visa
A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once during its validity period. Once you leave Canada, you will need to apply for a new visa to return, unless you are traveling from the U.S. or St. Pierre and Miquelon and re-entering Canada within the authorized stay period.
This type of visa is typically issued in specific circumstances, such as:
- Applicants who are visa-exempt but require entry into Canada for limited purposes, such as an official visit at the government’s invitation.
- Participation in a one-time event or travel program held in Canada.
- Engaging in short-term studies or work for less than 6 months without requiring a study or work permit.
Canada’s policy on multiple-entry visas is quite flexible, making single-entry visas less common and typically issued only under specific circumstances that meet particular criteria. For the latest updates, you can refer to the official website of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada)!
2. Canada Multiple-Entry Visa
A multiple-entry visa allows travelers to enter Canada multiple times during its validity period, which typically lasts up to 10 years or until the passport or biometric data expires, whichever comes first.
Each entry permits a maximum stay of 6 months, making it ideal for individuals who need to travel frequently for business, family visits, or tourism. When applying, you don’t need to specify the visa type. Canadian immigration authorities will review your application and issue the most appropriate visa based on your travel purpose.
What Documents Are Required for a Canada Visa Application?
1. Personal Documents
- Personal Information: The Canada tourist visa application form (IMM 5257) and the Family Information Form (IMM 5645) must be completed accurately, signed, and submitted. If using a representative, form IMM 5476 is also required. Signatures on all forms must match the signature on your passport.
- Passport: An original passport valid for at least 6 months from the intended departure date from Canada, with sufficient blank pages for visa stamps. Certified copies of the personal information page, previous visa/entry stamp pages (if applicable), and all old passports (if any) are required.
- Photo: One recent passport-sized photo ( x 4.5 cm) taken within the last 6 months, with a white background, clear and sharp, no smiling, no frowning, and a straight gaze. If wearing glasses, ensure eyes are clearly visible.
- Personal Identification: Certified copies of your national ID card or citizen ID, notarized birth certificate, and a fully notarized copy of your family household registration book, including all pages, even blank ones.
- Marital Status: Marriage certificate (if married), single status certificate (if single), divorce decree (if divorced), or death certificate of spouse (if widowed).
2. Financial Proof Documents
- Bank Statements: Bank statements from the last 3-6 months, clearly showing account balances and transactions. A minimum balance of $5,000 USD or equivalent is recommended, but a higher balance is preferable.
- Savings Book: A copy of the savings book or a current balance confirmation letter.
- Assets: Documents proving ownership of real estate (land use rights certificate, red book), vehicles, stocks, shares, bonds, etc. (if applicable).
- Credit Cards: Photos of MasterCard or Visa Card (if available).
3. Personal Employment Proof Documents
- Employees: Employment contract, appointment/promotion/salary increase letter, leave application, and the latest 3 months' pay slips.
- Business Owners: Business registration certificate, recent 3 months' tax receipts, and company/personal account statements for the last 3 months.
- Retirees: Retirement decision letter, retirement card/book, and pension statements.
- Freelancers: Proof of work (photos, contracts, invoices, etc.) and personal account statements for the last 3 months.
- Students: School enrollment confirmation and leave application.
- Sales Agents: Agency contract along with documents proving revenue or profit.
4. Documents for Children Under 18
- Child's Birth Certificate: A notarized copy of the birth certificate.
- Parents' Identification: Copies of both parents' national ID cards.
- Consent Letter: A consent letter from one or both parents (if the child is traveling with one parent or another person), certified by local authorities.
In addition, you should prepare the following documents to increase your chances of obtaining a Canada tourist visa:
- Flight Tickets: Confirmation of round-trip flight booking.
- Hotel Booking: Confirmation of hotel reservation or proof of accommodation in Canada.
- Travel Itinerary: A detailed itinerary for your stay in Canada.
Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out a Canada Tourist Visa Application
To apply for a Canada tourist visa, correctly filling out the application is a crucial step to increase your chances of approval. The application requires complete personal information, travel purpose, financial proof, and itinerary. Follow the steps below for a detailed guide on how to fill out the Canada tourist visa application!
Step 1: First, visit the official website of the Government of Canada. Here, log in to your GCKey account to begin filling out the visa application form. If you don’t have an account, register for a new one following the instructions provided on the website.
Step 2: After logging in successfully, scroll down and select the "Start an application" option. Next, choose “Apply to come to Canada” to begin your tourist visa application. Then, select “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” to proceed with filling out the tourist visa application.
Step 3: On the first page of the application form, you will encounter a series of questions to determine your eligibility for a Canada tourist visa. These questions include:
- What would you like to do in Canada? (What is the purpose of your trip?): Select "Visit" if you are traveling to Canada solely for tourism or visiting family.
- How long are you planning to stay in Canada? (How long do you intend to stay in Canada?): Choose the appropriate duration (less than 6 months or more than 6 months).
- What is your current country/territory of residence? (What is your current country of residence?).
- Do you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? (Do you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?): Select "Yes" if applicable, or "No" if not.
- What is your date of birth? (Your date of birth).
After answering these questions, click "Next" to proceed.
Step 4: Next, the system will ask you to provide personal details such as your date of birth and family relationships. If you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you will need to confirm and describe your relationship.
Step 5: At this stage, you will be required to declare your marital status (married, divorced, single) and provide information about the province or territory you will visit in Canada. If visiting multiple locations, select the one where you will spend the majority of your time.
Step 6: Next, the system will ask you to specify the primary purpose of your trip. You need to select “Tourism.”
Step 7: You will be asked to answer a series of questions related to your employment and financial status:
- Do you have a job in the country where you currently live? (Are you employed in your current country of residence?).
- Do you own a business in the country where you currently live? (Do you own a business in your current country of residence?).
- Do you depend on someone for financial support? (Do you rely on someone for financial assistance?).
Provide this information to demonstrate your financial capability during your stay in Canada. If you have traveled to other countries in the past 10 years, you must also declare it here.
Step 8: The system will also require you to disclose any social security issues. If you have ever committed a crime, been arrested, or convicted in any country, you must answer honestly. Additionally, if you have undergone a medical examination within the last 12 months by an IRCC-authorized physician, declare this information.
Step 9: Next, you will need to upload the required documents, including a copy of your passport, a portrait photo, and proof of financial and employment status. Ensure that these documents are scanned clearly and in the correct format as specified.
Step 10: After completing the above steps, you will be prompted to pay the visa application fee. The fee can be paid online using an international credit card such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Make sure you have an international payment card to complete the transaction.
Step 11: Finally, after completing the information and uploading the necessary documents, simply click the “Submit” button to finalize your application. The system will send you a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application. The results will be communicated to you during the processing period.
How Much Does a Canada Tourist Visa Cost?
The cost of applying for a Canada tourist visa includes several specific fees, which should be prepared carefully to ensure a smooth process:
- Visa fee: 100 CAD per person (approximately 1,800,000 VND).
- Biometric fingerprint fee (if required): 85 CAD per person (approximately 1,500,000 VND).
- Document translation and notarization fees: From 500,000 VND to 700,000 VND, depending on the number of documents.
- Travel insurance: Approximately 300,000 VND to 600,000 VND, depending on the duration and coverage plan.
- Additional services at the Visa Application Center (if used):
- Express delivery, SMS, photocopying: From 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND.
Based on the above fees, the total cost for a Canada tourist visa application is approximately 5,000,000 VND per person. However, this cost may vary depending on the exchange rate or current regulations.
Note: To avoid unnecessary expenses, always check the latest information from the relevant authorities and prepare your documents thoroughly from the start.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Canada Visa?
The processing time for a Canada tourist visa typically takes around 51 working days from the date you complete the biometrics submission (fingerprints and photo). However, this timeframe is only an estimate and may vary depending on individual applications.
If your application requires additional information, supplementary documents, or falls under special review, the processing time may be extended. Additionally, during peak periods such as summer or holiday seasons, visa processing times may be affected due to a surge in applications.
To avoid disrupting your travel plans, it is recommended to submit your Canada visa application at least 6 months before your intended departure date. This will provide ample time to address any issues and prevent last-minute delays. For the most accurate processing times, you can check the official website of the Government of Canada.
Where to Submit a Canada Visa Application?
Currently, Canada visa applications are submitted entirely online through the Government of Canada’s system. After completing the online application, you must visit a Canada Visa Application Center in person to complete the biometrics collection (fingerprints and photo). Below are the addresses for submitting Canada visa applications in Vietnam.
1. Application Submission Address in Hanoi
- Address: 2nd Floor, Hong Kong Tower, 243A De La Thanh, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
- Working Hours:
- Biometrics Collection: 09:00 - 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
- Visa Result Collection: 13:00 - 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
2. Application Submission Address in Ho Chi Minh City
- Address: 9th Floor, Cienco 4 Tower, 180 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
- Working Hours:
- Biometrics Collection: 09:00 - 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
- Visa Result Collection: 13:00 - 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
(*) Important Notes:
- These centers are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
- Don’t forget to call ahead or check your appointment schedule to avoid wasting time.
Make sure to prepare all necessary documents, arrive on time, and stay updated with the latest information from the official website of the Visa Application Center to ensure a smooth visa application process, #teamMytour!
Detailed Steps for Applying for a Canada Tourist Visa for Independent Travelers
1. Determine the Appropriate Type of Canada Tourist Visa
Before starting the application process, you need to identify the type of visa you require, whether it’s a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. To choose the right visa, thoroughly research the requirements, conditions, and purpose of your trip. Check this information on the official website of the Government of Canada for more details and to prepare the appropriate documents.
2. Fill Out the Canada Visa Application Online
Once you’ve determined the type of visa you need, proceed to fill out the online visa application form. The Canada tourist visa application can be submitted through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. This form requires you to provide complete personal details and information about your trip. After completing the form, print a high-quality copy on plain paper, ensuring the barcode is clear and easily readable.
3. Prepare Documents for the Canada Tourist Visa Application
The visa application requires important documents such as your passport, photos, financial proof, and other supporting materials. All documents must be translated into English or French, notarized, and scanned in color for online submission through the Government of Canada’s system.
4. Submit the Visa Application Online and Pay the Fees
Once all documents are prepared, upload the complete application to the Government of Canada’s portal. Note that the visa fee must be paid online using methods such as credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive a confirmation of your application status and can track its progress through the online system.
5. Schedule and Complete Biometrics Collection
If your application is submitted and confirmed, you will receive a notification to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photo. You need to schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) to complete the biometrics process. Visit the VAC on the scheduled date to provide your fingerprints and photo. Ensure you bring all necessary documents, such as your passport, photos, and completed forms.
6. Track Your Application and Receive the Canada Visa Result
Once all procedures are completed, you can track your application status through the online system. When the visa is approved, you will receive the result and should verify the information on the visa to ensure it meets the entry requirements for Canada.
Common Interview Questions for a Canada Tourist Visa
Typically, when applying for a Canada tourist visa, you won’t need to attend an interview. However, in some special cases, authorities may request an in-person interview. If this happens, don’t worry! Prepare in advance by reviewing some common questions below:
1. What is the purpose of your visit to Canada?
I am visiting Canada for tourism and to explore its famous landmarks.
2. How long do you plan to stay in Canada?
I plan to stay in Canada for about 2 weeks, from [X] to [Y].
3. Are you traveling alone or with someone?
I am traveling alone, but I have planned to join guided tours.
4. Do you have family in Vietnam?
I live with my family in Vietnam, including my parents and siblings.
5. Do you have any relatives in Canada?
No, I do not have any relatives in Canada.
6. What do you plan to do in Canada? Can you tell me about your itinerary?
I plan to visit Toronto, explore the CN Tower, Banff National Park, and discover other famous tourist attractions in Canada.
7. What is your estimated budget for this trip?
I estimate spending around 20,000 CAD for the entire trip, including flights, accommodation, meals, and sightseeing activities.
8. Who will cover the expenses for your trip?
I am covering the expenses myself using my personal savings, which I prepared in advance.
Tips for Answering Canada Visa Interview Questions:
- Always answer honestly, confidently, and concisely.
- Bring relevant documents to support your answers if needed, such as your itinerary, flight tickets, accommodation confirmations, or bank statements.
- Maintain a professional and friendly attitude to leave a positive impression.
Thorough preparation will help you breeze through the interview and increase your chances of visa approval!
With its breathtaking natural landscapes and captivating tourist attractions, Canada is sure to offer you unforgettable experiences. Therefore, applying for a Canada tourist visa is an essential first step to exploring this beautiful country. We hope this article has given you the confidence and knowledge to prepare your application and successfully obtain your visa.
To explore European countries like a local, check out these helpful articles on the Mytour Blog: 15 Top European Destinations for Independent Travelers, 14-Day Self-Guided Europe Travel Guide, Best Time to Visit Europe? Seasonal Europe Travel Tips, Latest Tips for Traveling Europe by Train, Guide to Buying a Europe Travel SIM Card for Independent Travelers, and more.
Prepare your documents for a Canada tourist visa and visit the land of maple leaves soon!
