A flowing Canadian flag on a flagpole. Taken at sunset with Old Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River in the background. Aerial HDR view.
If you are a foreign national who wants to visit Canada for tourism, to see family or friends, or for any other reason, you may need to obtain a visitor visa. Here are the general steps to follow to apply for a Canada visit visa:
Determine if you need a visitor visa: Citizens of some countries need a visitor visa to enter Canada, while others do not. You can check if you need a visitor visa on the Government of Canada website.
Gather your documents: The documents you need to provide may vary depending on your country of origin and your reason for visiting Canada. Generally, you will need a valid passport, proof of financial support, proof of ties to your home country, and a letter of invitation (if you are visiting family or friends in Canada). You may also need to provide biometrics (fingerprints & a photo).
Complete the application: You can apply for a visitor visa online or on paper. Follow the instructions carefully and make sure to provide accurate and complete information. You will need to pay a processing fee when you submit application.
Submit your application: Once you have completed your application and gathered all the required documents, submit your application online or at the nearest visa application center or embassy.
Wait for a decision: The processing time for a visitor visa varies, but it can take several weeks or months. You can check the Rank of your application online.
Travel to Canada: If your application is approved, you will receive a visitor visa in your passport. Make sure to bring your passport and other required documents when you travel to Canada.
Note that the above steps are general guidelines and may vary depending on your specific situation. It’s important to carefully review the application requirements and instructions on the Government of Canada website before applying.
