For Indians planning a trip to Canada, meeting the necessary requirements and documentation is the first step. This blog provides comprehensive information to kickstart your application process for a Canada tourist visa. Keep reading.
Understanding the Canada Tourist Visa:
The Canada tourist visa, also known as a temporary resident visa, is intended for individuals interested in traveling to Canada for various purposes, including:
- Meeting family or friends
- Tourism and Vacation in Canada
With the right prerequisites, you can obtain a Canada visitor visa for extended stays.
Key Canada Tourist Visa Requirements:
The nine essential requirements for a Canada visitor visa encompass:
- Passport of the primary applicant
- Passport of any accompanying dependents
- Visa application form
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Evidence of travel itinerary
- Letter of invitation from friends or family (if visiting them in Canada)
- Proof of your relationship with the host in Canada
- Confirmation of the temporary nature of your stay
- Verification of criminal background and medical fitness
Eligibility Criteria for the Canada Visit Visa:
Eligibility criteria for obtaining a visitor visa for Canada include:
- The primary visa applicant must be 18 years or older
- Possession of a valid travel document such as a passport
- No history of posing a threat to the country
- No prior criminal violations or immigration-related issues
- Payment of visa application processing fees through credit or debit card
- Completion of the visa application form and Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form from the visa office
- Sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada
- A medical examination is required
- Attending and providing biometrics at the Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- Proof that your stay in Canada is temporary and you plan to return home
- Evidence of employment in your home country
Required Documents for a Canada Visit Visa:
The checklist of documents necessary for a visitor visa to Canada comprises:
- A valid travel document, i.e., passport
- Visa application form
- Completed family information form
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial support during your stay in Canada
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Travel Insurance
- Invitation letter from inviting family or friends
- The immigration status of the inviting family or friend
- Proof of plans to return to your home country before the visa expires
These documents should be submitted either online or at a Canada visa application center.
How to Apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa? The process of applying for a visitor visa to Canada involves the following steps:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for a Canada visitor visa on the Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) website.
Step 2: Gather all the necessary supporting documents.
Step 3: Complete the visa application form.
Step 4: Submit your application along with the required supporting and additional documents.
Step 5: Pay the applicable application fees and submit your application.
Step 6: Wait for the processing of your application.
Upon approval, you will receive an email from the Immigration and Citizenship Department instructing you to submit your passport for stamping.
What is the Visa Fee for a Travel Visa to Canada?
The fees for a Canadian tourist visa include:
Application fee: 100 CAD (approximately INR 6,154) Biometrics fee: 85 CAD (approximately INR 5,231) Additionally, you need to demonstrate sufficient funds in your bank account to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada on a tourist visa.
Processing Time for a Canada Tourist Visa The processing time for a Canada tourist visa typically ranges from 10 to 30 working days. The exact duration depends on various factors, such as whether you apply online or through a paper-based application, your country of application, and any pending applications at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check the status of my Canada tourist visa application?
You can check the status of your Canada tourist visa application online, where you initially submitted your application. Once your application is approved, you will receive an email notification instructing you to submit your passport for visa stamping.
Is it possible to find a job in Canada while on a tourist visa?
While on a tourist visa, you can search for a job in Canada; however, you will need to change your status from a temporary resident with a Canadian visitor visa to a work permit holder.
Can I convert my visitor visa to a work visa in Canada?
Yes, you can convert your tourist visa to a work visa in Canada if you receive a job offer from an eligible Canadian employer who is willing to sponsor you.
What is the maximum duration a person can stay in Canada on a visitor’s visa?
Foreign citizens are typically allowed to stay in Canada for up to 6 months. Border officers may grant you a 6-month stay at the port of entry based on your visa entry requirements, but this is a rare occurrence. It is advisable to leave Canada before the end of the 6-month duration.
Is a visa required for transit through Canada?
If you are a US citizen, you do not require a visa for transit through Canada. However, non-US citizens need a transit visa, which is a type of temporary resident visa for countries not exempt from visa requirements.
What is the process for obtaining a transit visa?
The process for obtaining a transit visa is similar to other visa types; you need to submit your application to Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC). In this application, you must convince the embassy that you are transiting through Canada and not intending to immigrate.
What should I do once my application is approved?
Once your application is approved, you can apply online and receive a passport request for visa stamping before your travel begins. Note that if you are not entering Canada with your passport, you may need to submit a photocopy of your identification or travel document, such as an alien registration card, citizenship certificate, or birth certificate.
What are the different types of temporary resident visas (TRV)?
The different types of TRVs include:
Study permit/visa: Required for studying in Canada with a study permit. Work permit/visa: Necessary for working in Canada. Visitor permit/visa: Required for traveling to Canada. It’s important to note that these visas are not for immigration purposes like permanent residency (PR) visas.
What is electronic travel authorization (eTA)?
Some foreign citizens are exempt from obtaining traditional tourist visas for Canada but need electronic travel authorization (eTA) and a valid passport when entering Canada. You can apply for an eTA on the Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) website for a fee of 7 CAD. The application process usually takes only a few minutes but may occasionally extend to a few days.
Who needs an eTA?
The following individuals can apply for a Canada eTA:
Passport holders with valid Canadian visas, such as student visas or work permits. Canadian passport holders (Canadian citizens). Canadian permanent residents with a permanent resident card. US passport holders.
What are the financial requirements for a Canada visitor visa? Canadian citizens or lawful permanent residents residing in Canada typically require 1300 CAD (approximately INR 80,006) per month for their expenses. As a tourist on a non-immigrant visa, you must demonstrate 2000 CAD (approximately INR 1,23,086) for a 30-day visit to Canada when applying to the Canadian embassy.
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