How to Apply for a Canadian Visa

You will need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) if you plan to visit Canada for any purpose. To apply for either visa type, you must submit an application. However, the traditional visa process can be quite complicated. After submitting your application, you will need to wait for approval to see if your application is accepted.

Check if you need a visa for Canada. Not everyone requires a visa to visit Canada. For example, U.S. citizens do not need a visa. To find out more, visit the official website of the Government of Canada at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp, and select the 'Find out if you need a visa' section. Choose your country from the list and answer the displayed questions. Once you click the 'Go' button, you will receive the visa requirements for your country.

• Note that regardless of whether you need a visa or not, you will need a valid passport to enter Canada.

Check if you are eligible for an electronic visa. In March 2016, Canada introduced a new type of visa called the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), which only applies to citizens of certain countries flying to Canada by air. For instance, if you're flying from Australia, you will need this type of visa. When you check if you require a visa, you will see information about the availability of the electronic visa.

You must have a valid reason for applying for a visa. One of the most common reasons for applying for a visa is tourism. You can also apply for a visa for business purposes. Lastly, you may seek a visa to visit your grandchildren.

• You can apply for a super visa even if you don’t need a visa for regular entry to Canada, as this visa allows you to extend your stay for up to 2 years.

Check your eligibility to apply. Use the eligibility tool on the website to determine if you qualify to submit a visa application. Although it does not guarantee approval, it will help you understand if you meet the outlined requirements.

• You will be asked several questions about the length of your trip, your intended stay, your country of origin, and even your marital status.
• If applying traditionally, you can download the form online and print it out. There are instructions available to guide you through completing the form.

List the documents you will need. After verifying your eligibility to apply, you will need to answer a few questions to generate a list of required documents. You will provide information about your visit, employment status, any criminal history, recent health checks, and other relevant details.

Prepare the necessary documents. The required documents will vary depending on your nationality. However, the most basic documents include a valid passport and flight-related information such as your ticket and itinerary. Additionally, you will need to provide proof of good health through a medical examination report.

• You will also need to demonstrate your income with bank account details or payment receipts.
• Moreover, you must provide family information, including details of relatives in Canada.
• Furthermore, you need to declare your travel history for the past 10 years, supported by your passport, visas, work permits, and student records.

Provide additional information when applying for a super visa. If you are applying for a super visa to visit your children or grandchildren, you must prove that you are the parent or grandparent of someone residing in Canada. You can present your child's or grandchild's birth certificate. Your child or grandchild must also provide a letter outlining the periods of care and the family members involved.

• You or your child must provide proof that the child or grandchild exceeds the low-income threshold as published on the government website. For example, a single person's income must exceed $23,861.
• Before entering with this type of visa, you must show proof of insurance purchased from a Canadian company, valid for the entire stay. The insurance should offer coverage of $100,000 and be valid for multiple entries.

Submit a photograph. You are required to provide a passport-sized photo when applying for a visa. The photo must have a minimum resolution of 420x540 pixels. Additionally, the photo must be in JPEG format, with a file size between 60KB and 240KB, and it must be in color.

Upload all information to your computer. Any documents you have must be scanned and stored on your computer, including your photograph.

Create an account. While reviewing the required document list, you will be assigned a personal application number. Afterward, create an account on the website and input your personal application number when prompted. If you do not receive a personal application number, you can request one on the website.

Pay the application fee. In 2015, the visa application fee was CAD 100. You can pay the fee online via the website's payment system.

• The fee may vary depending on your nationality. Additionally, there is an extra fee for fingerprinting and photo processing, depending on the regulations for your country.
• You can save costs by applying as a family, though this is only effective if you have more than five people.
• If submitting a paper application, you can still pay online if you prefer, but you must make the payment before submitting the application. However, you can also pay by money order or certified check made out to the “Normal Receiver in Canada.” You will need to submit a copy of the receipt or money order with your application.

Fill out the application. You will need to attach documents and provide personal information. Additionally, you will need to upload a photo to the system.

• Submit the paper application at the correct location. If you are submitting a paper application, you need to find the correct location via the government website. On the website, you can enter your country to find the submission location, then take your documents there to apply.

Check for confirmation. You should receive confirmation from the government that your application has been received. Don’t forget to check your spam folder. Additionally, you should monitor your status to find out whether your application is accepted or rejected. The processing time varies, but it can take up to 70 days.

Follow subsequent instructions. Once your application is approved, you will need to send your passport to receive the visa. Detailed instructions on how to do this will be provided in the approval letter.

Electronic visas differ from traditional tourist visas. Electronic visas are less complicated than the traditional kind, and you need to apply online.

Prepare the necessary documents. Make sure you have an email address before applying. Additionally, you'll need a credit card and your passport.

Fill out the application form. You will be asked a few basic questions about your travel plans, such as whether you’ll be traveling by land or air. You also need to provide information on where you're from, your background details, and your passport information. Lastly, you'll need to confirm that all provided information is accurate.

Pay the fee and submit your application. The application fee was only 7 Canadian dollars in 2015. You will make the payment online at the time of submitting your application.

Wait for approval. Unlike traditional visas, the process is faster. In fact, you should expect to receive a response within 5 minutes of submitting your application.

• Your visa application may be delayed if any documents or information are missing.