How to Apply For Canada Tourist Visa
If your intention to travel to Canada is to tour or visit the country, then the tourist visa is the one for you. This visa is the best solution if you want to be in Canada for less than six months. However, depending on your nationality, you may not need to apply for a visa to enter the country.
In case you need to get this visa. This article will cover everything on how to apply for a Canada tourist visa.
What Is A Tourist Visa?
A tourist visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that shows that you meet the requirements to enter the country.
The vast majority of travellers need a tourist visa to travel and live in Canada. It may even be the case that you need to obtain one of these visas if you are in transit through a Canadian airport on your way to your final destination.
With this type of visa, you can stay in the country for up to six months. Upon your arrival, the border services officer can decide whether to grant you 6 months of stay or less, although this is not usually the case.
Don’t worry, the date you must leave the country will be indicated in your passport.
Basic Requirements for the Canadian Tourist Visa
Here is a shortlist of the basic requirements to meet before starting with the procedures, forms and payments.
- Have the passport with an expiration date of six months or less.
- In some cases, they ask for a biometric study. For more information, see this page: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/biometrics.asp
- Have no criminal record or convictions related to illegal immigration crimes
- Demonstrate to the immigration officer that there are ties that bind the country of origin and therefore it is not in the plans to stay in Canada illegally. For example, work, home, family, financial assets.
- Convince and demonstrate to the immigration officer that you will be leaving Canada after the holidays.
- Have enough money for the stay. The amount will depend on the number of days in Canada.
- It may also happen that a medical examination is required to complete the visa process to Canada.
- Present a letter of invitation written by the person requesting the visit to Canada. It must include all your contact information, the purpose of the trip, time and place of your stay.
- If the person who will receive you is a citizen or permanent resident in Canada, they must also include the birth certificate or citizenship card or the copy of the PR card.
- You will also have to give details of who makes up your group family. The letter must be signed by a notary public. Sometimes legalization of this type is required.
Being a citizen of a visa-exempt country does not guarantee entry to Canada. You have still had to demonstrate that the intention to visit Canada as a tourist and that there are ties that guarantee the return to your country of origin.
How to Apply For a Tourist Visa in Canada?
To manage your visa application, the best option is to do the entire procedure online. You can start the process by clicking here.
After submitting the application and paying the biometric fee, they will send you a letter informing you to provide your biometrics.
The letter will tell you how and where to submit your biometric data. You have up to 30 days to submit this data in person.
There is also the possibility that they may ask you to go for an interview with Canadian officials in your home country or obtain a medical examination and police certificate.
Most requests should be resolved in a few weeks. Processing times depend on the visa office and if you need to take any additional steps.
If your application is approved, the visa will be stamped inside your passport.
How Much Does The Tourist Visa For Canada Cost?
If you want to get a tourist visa to enter Canada, you will have to pay 100 dollars. Prices vary slightly depending on your country of origin.
In the case of the eTA, the cost of the administration is only 7 Canadian dollars and, in most cases, you will receive the approval notification in your email a few minutes after you finish the online process.
How Long Can You Stay In Canada As A Visitor?
The immigration officer is the person who determines how long you can stay in Canada. Most visitors are allowed to stay for up to 6 months from the day they enter the country.
The exact date that you must leave the country will be indicated in the passport. To stay longer than authorised, you must apply for a visa extension at least 30 days before the end of the stay.
To go to Canada, most travellers need a valid entry document such as a tourist visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) which depends on your citizenship.
Conclusion
The requirements that we have discussed earlier are enough to process the Canadian visa. Prepare them in advance and make sure you have everything in order when the day comes to start your vacation in that wonderful land called Canada.
We hope this article has helped to guide you a little about the steps you must follow to apply for Canada tourist visa. Ensure that you share this article with your colleagues online who might be interested in this article. Thanks.
FAQs
What are the basic requirements to apply for a Canada Tourist Visa?
To apply for a Canada Tourist Visa, you must have a valid passport, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of financial support, a travel itinerary, and a letter of invitation (if applicable). You must also show strong ties to your home country, such as employment, property, or family, to prove that you’ll return after your visit.
How can I apply for a Canada Tourist Visa online?
You can apply for a Canada Tourist Visa online by visiting the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Create an account, fill out the required forms, upload necessary documents, pay the visa fee, and submit your application. Once submitted, you’ll receive instructions for biometric enrollment and further processing updates through your IRCC account.
How long does it take to process a Canada Tourist Visa?
The processing time for a Canada Tourist Visa varies depending on the applicant’s country of residence and the volume of applications at the time. On average, it takes between 2 to 6 weeks after biometrics submission. However, delays can occur if additional documents or an interview are required.
Can I extend my stay in Canada as a tourist?
Yes, you can extend your stay in Canada as a tourist by applying for a Visitor Record before your current visa expires. You must provide valid reasons for wanting to stay longer and demonstrate that you can continue to support yourself financially during your extended visit. It’s important to apply for the extension at least 30 days before your visa expires.









