Canada Tourist visa

Required Documents for Canada Visa

Documents for a Canadian visa application must either be in English or French. Documents in another language must be translated to either English or French.

• Valid passport
  • At least 1 blank page
  • Copy of passport details page
  • Copy of any page with markings, stamps, or visas
• Copy of previous passports (not older than 10 years) with previous entry and exit stamps, study and or work permits, if applicable
• Passport-sized photos with applicant’s name and date of birth written in the back (only for those not required to provide biometric fingerprints and photos)
  • 2 photographs
  • Frame to be at least 35mm x 45mm
  • Black and white or in color
  • Taken within the last six months
  • Plain white or light-colored background
  • Neutral expression and with mouth closed
  • Full front view of the head and must include the top of the shoulders
  • Size of the head from chin to crown to be between 31mm x 36mm
• Documents pertinent to your trip
  • Travel Itinerary or plan
  • Proof of return to country of residence or forward ticket to another country
  • Reason for travel to Canada
  • Flight reservations
  • Proof of accommodations (with booking reference number, location, and contact number of hotel)
  • Registration for an event, if applicable
• Account statement
  • Bank name and contact
  • Applicant’s name and address should be clearly indicated on the account details
  • At least 6 months of account details that include balances to assess applicant’s financial situation
• Medical exam (usually only for those visiting for more than six months)
• Completed IMM 5645 form
• Notarized letter of invitation, if applicable
  • Must include the following information of the visa applicant or person being invited to travel to Canada
    • Complete name
    • Address and contact number
    • Date of birth
    • The inviting person’s relationship to the applicant
    • Purpose of the trip
    • How long the invitee intends to stay in Canada
    • Where the invitee will stay and how s/he will finance him or herself while in the country
    • When the invitee intends to leave Canada
  • Must include the following information of the person inviting the applicant to Canada
    • Complete name
    • Address and contact number in Canada
    • Date of birth
    • Residency or citizenship status in Canada
    • Photocopy of Canadian birth certificate, Canadian citizenship card, PR card, or IMM 1000 proof of landing
    • Details of family members including names and dates of birth or spouse and dependents (if applicable)
    • The total number of individuals residing in the household, including those sponsored whose sponsorship is still in effect (if applicable)
• Covid-19 vaccination requirements
  • Fully Vaccinated Travelers
    • Proof of vaccination that must be uploaded into ArriveCAN within 72 hours before arrival to Canada
    • Proof of negative Covid-19 test result (test must be taken within 72 hours of arrival)
    • ArriveCAN receipt (paper or electronic)
  • Non-vaccinated travelers are currently not allowed to travel to Canada
• Additional requirements for minors:
  • Additional requirements for applicants below the age of 18 traveling alone, with only one parent, with a relative or with a friend:
    • Letter of authorization signed by both parents or by the child’s legal guardian which allows the minor to travel to Canada
    • Adoption papers, if applicable
    • Custody decree, if applicable
  • If the minor child is traveling alone, s/he should submit present the following documents:
    • Passport
    • Copy of birth certificate
    • Letter of authorization written in English or French, signed by both parents or the legal guardian and must include the following information:
      • The address and contact number of the parents or the legal guardian
      • The name, address, and contact number of the adult who will be responsible for the minor in Canada
  • If the minor is traveling with only one parent, the accompanying parent must submit present the following documents:
    • The minor’s passport
    • Copy of the minor’s birth certificate
    • Letter of authorization written in English or French, signed by the parent not traveling with the child and must include the following information:
      • The address and contact number of the parent not traveling
      • Photocopy of that parent’s national identity card or signed passport
  • If the minor’s parents are divorced or separated, share the custody of the child, but the child is only traveling with one parent:
    • The parent whom the child is traveling with should carry copies of all legal custody documents
    • Letter of authorization from the other parent allowing the child to be taken out of the country for a trip
  • If the parents are divorced or separated and only one has custody of the child:
    • Letter of authorization signed by the parent who has custody
    • Copy of the custody decree
  • If one of the minor’s parents is deceased:
    • The traveling parent should present a copy of the death certificate
  • If the minor is traveling with adoptive parents or a legal guardian:
    • The minor should have a copy of the adoption or guardianship papers
  • If the minor is traveling with person/s either than their legal guardians or parents:
    • The adult traveling with the child should obtain a written permission from the parents or legal guardians to supervise the child and must include the following information:
      • Addressed and telephone numbers where the parents or legal guardians can be reached
      • Photocopy of the parents’ or legal guardians’ national identity cards or signed passports (must be attached with the letter).

Note: There might be a need to complete additional supporting documents at the request of the visa officer.

Please note that other supporting documents might also be required by the border services officer for minors traveling to Canada.

Canada Visa Application Steps

• Prepare all the required documents. Before making an online application, you need to make electronic copies of your documents, as well as prepare a valid credit or debit card for the fees.
• Sign in to the official website of Canada. If you don’t have an account yet, register first. If you already have an account, log in through the GCKey or a Sign-in Partner.
• Answer every question on the application form. Incomplete answers or applications may be refused.
  • For questions which you don’t have any answer to, or if there are any instructions on the form, simply write “not applicable” or “N/A” on the space provided. Applicants without any UCI or unique client identifier can leave the space empty.
  • Applicants who want to give more information about their case can type an explanation in a new document and save it. Select “Optional Documents” of the document checklist and select “add letter of explanation” and upload the document.
  • Upload all the supporting documents for your application.
• Submit the application online and pay the application and biometrics fees.
  • A (BIL) or biometric instruction letter which has a list of the official locations where you can submit your biometrics will be sent to you via email within 24 hours.
  • The instruction letter and passport must be presented during biometrics collection.
• Book an appointment with the VAC for biometrics collection.
  • Applicants need to appear personally to have both their pictures and fingerprints taken. Note that biometrics only need to be given once every 10 years and there is no need to give biometrics again until that period expires. Those who have given biometrics in the past when they applied for a study or work permit or visitor visa need not give their biometrics again. You can check the Biometric Status Tool to confirm if there is a need to give biometrics again or not.

Note: All applications must be submitted online, paper applications only apply to special circumstances such as the following:

• Stateless persons, refugees, or non-citizens
• People with disabilities who can’t apply online

Application steps for paper application:

• Prepare all the required documents.
• Complete the required documents on the checklist, including the supporting documents and the completed and printed application form
• Book an appointment for the submission of documents and biometrics collection
• An appointment may be booked in advance for applicants to give their biometrics at the same time they submit their application at the processing center. If this is not possible, an appointment can be made at a later date at one of the biometric collection service points. Applications will only be processed after biometrics are collected.
  • Pay the visa application and biometrics fees online. Follow the payment instructions.
  • Print two copies of the IRCC official receipt with barcode.
  • Attach a copy of the receipt with your application. Keep one copy of the receipt for your own records.
  • Submit the completed application forms, supporting documents, and receipt during your appointment.

Canada Visa Fees

The standard fee for the application of a Canadian visa usually starts at CA$100 and the biometrics fee starts at CA$85. Please note that both fees are not refundable, regardless of the outcome of the visa application.

Where to Apply

Applications must be submitted online through the official website of Canada (IRCC). If you don’t have an account yet, register first. If you already have an account, log in through the GCKey or a Sign-in Partner.

Canada Visa Processing Time

The processing time varies by country and also depends on whether you need to give biometrics information or not. Because of the current situation, it is difficult to provide accurate processing times for most visa applications.

For approved visa applications:

Applicants whose visa applications are approved will get two letters in their IRCC account, a decision letter and a letter with instructions to submit their passports in order for the Canadian visa to be affixed.

Applicants who have received their Canadian visa should remember the following things:

Travelers entering Canada must abide by the testing and quarantine requirements for everyone’s safety.

Check if you’re exempted from pre-entry and arrival test requirements.

Use ArriveCAN before crossing the border or checking in at the airport to submit the following documents:

• Travel and contact information
• COVID-19 symptom self-assessment
• Quarantine plan

The ArriveCAN receipt, softcopy or hardcopy, must be shown to the border officer upon arrival.

• Proof of eligibility to travel to Canada
• Negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure
• Evidence provided during visa application
• Written authorization from IRCC (if applicable)

Those who cannot provide this information will not be allowed to enter Canada at the point of entry or board their flight.

For denied visa applications:

The refusal decision will be sent to the applicant’s IRCC account and this will contain the explanation for the refusal. There is no formal process for appealing rejected or denied visa applications. Applicants are only encouraged to re-apply only if their situation has changed significantly or if there is any new and important information to submit.