While you may know Canada is the second largest country in the world, but did you also know that Santa Claus’s (St. Nicolas’s) official home address is in Canada? Or that the vast majority of the world’s maple syrup is made here? Or Toronto has the world’s largest underground shopping centre?
Canada isn’t just about breath-taking mountain vistas in Alberta, incredible surfing along sandy beaches in BC, and popping into kitchen parties with the locals in Newfoundland, so why not experience it for yourself?
Give us a shout and we’ll help you apply for a Visitor Visa so you can come and see what makes this country special!
We assist clients with various types of visitor visa applications, including those with no prior travel history, invitations from fiancés or spouses, and applicants with previous refusals.
Visitor Visa Application Steps (Online Application):
Online application steps example from IRCC portal:
1. Submit Online Application and Pay Processing Fees:
- Complete forms with personal information, travel details, and the purpose of your visit.
- Upload the required documents, which typically include:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of funds (bank statements, employment letters, etc.).
- A travel itinerary (travel insurance, hotel reservations, etc.).
- A letter of invitation from someone in Canada, if applicable.
- Any other supporting or requested documents.
2. Submit Biometrics:
- After submitting your application and payment, you will receive a biometric instruction letter.
- Book an appointment at a designated biometrics collection site to have your fingerprints and photo taken.
3. Wait for Processing:
- Processing times can vary, so please be patient.
- You can check the status of your application online. The IRCC usually updates processing times weekly.
4. Receive Decision:
- Once a decision is made, you will be notified through your IRCC account and requested to submit your passport.
Entry and Exit Frequency and Validity Period：
On November 6, 2024, the Canadian Immigration Department announced a significant change to tourist visa issuance. Tourist visas will no longer be uniformly issued as 10-year multiple-entry visas by default. Instead, the visa officer will decide whether a visa is granted as multiple-entry or single-entry based on individual circumstances. Similarly, the visa’s validity period will also be determined on a case-by-case basis.
The guidelines for issuing single or multiple-entry visas outline the factors that immigration officers will consider to exercise their judgement:
- Purpose of Visit: Whether it’s for a one-time event or training, tourism, or regular visits to family members in Canada.
- Funds: Including current employment status, sponsorship, and sufficient financial resources.
- Medical: Health conditions, the purpose of the visit for medical treatment, and insurance coverage.
- Other Factors: Ties to the home country, previous travel history, and any prior visa refusals.
The validity period for multiple-entry visas, which can be shorter than the 10-year maximum, is determined based on the purpose of visit, status in the current country of residence and ties, and the economic and political conditions in the applicant’s home country.
Note:
- Due to the new policy, applicants must provide sufficient supporting documents with their application to avoid immediate refusal.
- If you have a history of visa refusals from Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom, you must provide detailed information about these refusals with your application. Failing to do so could likely result in your application being refused.
Visitor Visa Extension
Can’t get enough of poutine and the Northern Lights? Not a problem! You can get your visitor visa extended if you meet the requirements. Contact us and we’ll make sure you can catch the next hockey season in person.
Are you a parent or grandparent coming to Canada to visit your kids? If so, you may be interested in the Super Visa! Check out our information on Super Visa’s here.
