Are you interested in visiting Canada?
Are you looking to move there permanently?
Do you want to start a new life in the Great White North?
If so, this blog post will provide all the information you need on how to get a visa to Canada.
Identify Visa Type
Before starting your visa application, it is important to identify the right visa type for your trip. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may need a visitor visa, an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or another type of visa. Most people need a visa or an eTA to travel to Canada, but not both. You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa, such as having a valid travel document, like a passport, and being in good health. To help you determine which type of visa is best for your situation, the Canadian government has created different tests that evaluate your eligibility. Depending on the purpose of your intended travel and other facts, the correct visa for you may be an eTA, visitor’s visa or other type of US immigration law.
Begin Your Application
Once you have identified which type of visa you need to apply for, it is time to begin the application process. Depending on where you are applying from, you can either apply in person, by mail, or online. Before beginning your application, make sure that all of the documents needed for your application are readily available. After submitting your passport and other documents, start your application by creating an online account with VisaHQ. This account will be used to compile all of the documents needed for your application. Once all of the documents have been compiled, you will need to pay the applicable fees. After submitting your application and paying the fees, you will need to wait for the processing of your visa application. US citizens and permanent residents of Canada have a special process that they must follow in order to obtain a Canadian visa.
Book an Appointment
Once you have identified the visa type and begun your application, it is important to book an appointment with a U.S. embassy or consulate in order for your application to be processed. All applicants must attend the scheduled appointment in order to securely return the documents and biometrics, as well as answer any questions needed for processing. For Canadian permanent residents and citizens, no appointment is needed when applying to a U.S. embassy or consulate. However, if you plan to apply through a Visa Application Centre (VAC), you must book an appointment online first. When booking, make sure to review the information provided online and make sure to check all eligibility requirements before proceeding with the application.
Gather Documentation
When applying for a visa, it is important to gather all necessary documents. Depending on the visa type, these documents may include a valid passport, proof of financial stability, police clearance certificates, and proof of relationship with someone in Canada. Collecting these documents can take some time, so it is important to start the process early. US citizens and permanent residents of Canada may also need to provide additional documents such as birth or marriage certificates. It is important to ensure you have all the necessary documents before beginning your application.
Create an Online Account
Creating an online account is the next step in the process of obtaining a Canadian visa. To get started, go to the IRCC homepage and click on “My application.” This will take you to the secure sign in page where you can create an account with IRCC. Once your account is created, you will be able to pay your fees online, view your payment history, and see how long you have been physically present in Canada since becoming a permanent resident. This is a crucial step for US citizens and permanent residents of Canada as it provides them with all the necessary information needed for their visa application.
Complete the Application Form
To complete the application form, family members must submit their own applications either online or at a visa application center. The forms that must be completed are the Application Form (IMM 5257) and the Supplementary Information Form (IMM 5406). You will need to provide detailed information such as your full name, address, passport information and background information. Additionally, depending on your visa type, you may be asked to answer additional questions related to your purpose of visit and financial means. Once the form is complete, you can submit it along with any required supporting documentation for processing. The Canadian visa processing time varies for each individual case and may take anywhere between two to four weeks or even longer.
Submit the Application Form
Once all the previous steps have been completed, it is time to submit the application form. Applicants can choose to submit their application in person, by mail or online. It is important to keep in mind that if the application is being submitted in person, an appointment must be made and a confirmation form printed out. When submitting the application, applicants must provide all documents that are requested in the visa package, as well as a copy of the biographic page of their passport. Once all documents have been submitted, applicants must pay the required fees and wait for processing.
Pay Fees
It is important to pay the required fee to continue the processing of your visa application. Depending on the visa category you are applying for, fees may vary. Immigrant visa processing fees are tiered and can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Visitor visa processing fees are also available online. Every visa applicant must pay the required fee to proceed with their application, regardless of whether they are applying in person, by mail, or online. You can make a payment through the online payment tool on the IRCC website or by visiting a Visa Application Centre and making an appointment. US citizens and permanent residents of Canada may have different processes for paying their fees, so be sure to check with your local consulate or embassy for more information.
Wait for Processing
Once you have submitted your application, biometrics and all the necessary documents, it is time to wait for processing. Processing times vary depending on the type of application, the completeness of the application, and how quickly Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) expect to process it. Generally speaking, most applications should take around 8 weeks to get your valid visa, but each case can vary so it can take anywhere from two to four weeks or even longer. While you wait for processing, you can check the processing times to get an estimate of how long it will take for your specific visa type. For example, if you are applying for a visitor visa in India, the Canada visitor processing time from India is estimated to be 155 days.
US Citizens and Permanent Residents of Canada
US citizens and permanent residents of Canada can also apply for a visa to Canada, depending on the nationality of their passport. Those with a US passport will usually need to book an appointment at a visa application centre, gather the necessary documents, create an online account, complete the application form, submit the application form and fees, and wait for processing. Permanent residents of Canada may be able to apply directly at a Canadian port of entry with appropriate documentation such as a valid re-entry permit (Form I-327), Form I-94 with an unexpired temporary I-551 stamp (ADIT stamp) and a passport-style photo. They may also need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) from the Government of Canada at a cost of $7 CAD. Help guides are available in many languages.
