How to Apply for a Visitor Visa to Canada

Applying for a visitor visa to Canada, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), can be a complex and daunting process. While Canada is known for its welcoming nature, the process of securing a Temporary Resident Visa requires careful preparation, understanding of eligibility criteria, and the ability to navigate the intricate requirements that come with the application. Whether you're planning to visit family, conduct business, or simply explore the beautiful landscapes when you visit Canada, this guide will walk you through the key steps involved in applying for a Canadian visitor visa. However, it’s essential to note that every situation is unique, and even with the right documentation, the process can be complicated. Seeking advice from an experienced immigration lawyer, such as those at AKM Law, can make all the difference in your application’s success.

Eligibility Criteria for a Visitor Visa

Before you start applying for Canadian visitor visa, it’s crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The Government of Canada has laid out several requirements that applicants must meet to be considered for a TRV. These criteria ensure that only those who intend to visit Canada temporarily and abide by Canadian laws are granted entry.

Basic Eligibility Requirements for a Visitor Visa

Valid Passport

You must possess a valid passport, when applying for a visitor visa, that will remain valid for the duration of your stay in Canada. Your passport must also have at least one blank page for the visa.

Purpose of Visit

You must clearly state the reason for your visit to Canada, whether it’s for tourism, visiting family, conducting business, or other purposes. Your reason for travel must align with the terms of a visitor visa.

Proof of Financial Support

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada. This includes being able to cover your accommodation, food, and other expenses.

Ties to Your Home Country

When applying for a visitor visa you must show that you have strong ties to your home country, such as a job, property, family, or other commitments, that will ensure your return after your visit to Canada. This is a critical component of the application process, and it’s one that can often complicate matters. Not all forms of ties will be considered sufficient, and the specifics of your situation will greatly impact how these ties are perceived by the visa officer.

Intention to Leave Canada

You must convince the visa officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. This is particularly challenging to prove, and any uncertainty here can lead to a refusal of your visa application.

No Criminal Record

When applying for a visitor visa you must not have any criminal convictions that could make you inadmissible to Canada. In some cases, a criminal background check may be required.

Good Health

Depending on your country of origin, you may need to undergo a medical examination to prove that you are in good health and do not pose a risk to the Canadian public.

Compliance with Canadian Law

You must agree to comply with the laws of Canada during your stay and not engage in any employment or study activities without the appropriate permits.

Special Considerations for Certain Applicants

• Family Members: If you are visiting family in Canada as a family visit, such as a spouse, child (minor children and dependent children), or parent, when applying for a visitor visa, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a statutory declaration of common law union, birth certificate, or marriage certificate, to prove your relationship.

• Business Visitors: If you are visiting Canada to conduct business, you will need to provide proof of your business activities, such as meeting schedules, letters of invitation from Canadian companies, and evidence of previous business dealings.

• Super Visa Applicants: If you are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may be eligible for a Super Visa, which allows you to stay in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew your status. The Super Visa has additional requirements, such as medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company and a letter of invitation from your family member in Canada.

Tips for a Successful Visitor Visa Application

Applying for a Canadian visitor visa is more than just filling out forms and submitting documents. To increase your chances of success, here are some tips that can help make your application more robust.

Gather All the Required Documents and Forms

The first step in applying for a visitor visa is to gather all the required documents and forms. This may include your valid passport, proof of financial support, proof of ties to your home country, and any other supporting documents that are relevant to your application. Be sure to create electronic copies of all your documents, as you may need to upload them if you apply online.

Required Documents Include:

• Valid Passport: Ensure your passport has a validity period that extends beyond your planned stay in Canada. A passport with at least six months of validity is generally recommended.

• Application Forms: Complete the necessary application forms, such as the Application for Temporary Resident Visa [IMM 5257] and Family Information Form [IMM 5645], pay fees in Canadian dollars to the government, which include processing fees and a biometrics fee.

• Proof of Funds: Bank statements, pay stubs, or letters from your employer can serve as proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.

• Travel Itinerary: When applying for a visitor visa, providing a detailed travel itinerary, including flight bookings and accommodation reservations, can strengthen your application.

• Proof of Relationship: If visiting family, include documents that prove your relationship, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates.

Specify Your Visit Duration

Clearly specify the duration of your intended stay in Canada. Whether you plan to stay for a few days or up to six months, be honest and realistic about your plans. If your visit duration is too vague or seems overly ambitious, the visa officer might question your true intentions, potentially leading to a refusal.

Prove You Plan to Return to Your Home Country

One of the most critical aspects of a visitor visa application is proving that you intend to return to your home country after your visit to Canada. This can be challenging, as simply stating your intention is not enough. You must provide solid evidence that you have reasons to return home, such as a job, family, property, or other obligations. Officer will evaluate if there are reasonable grounds to suggest you will be a temporary worker when evaluating your application package.

However, this is not always straightforward. For example, showing significant ties to your home country can be atypical depending on your personal situation, and not all forms of ties will be deemed sufficient by the visa officer. Each case is unique, and what works for one applicant might not work for another. It’s crucial to curate your application to your specific situation to ensure that it meets the requirements.

Permanent Residence Application

While in Canada as a valid visa holder, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status through specific immigration pathways, even though your initial entry was on a temporary resident visa (TRV). Programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry allow visitors, who may have transitioned from a worker to a new visitor visa and who have gained relevant Canadian work experience on a valid work permit or potentially through an employer-specific work permit, to transition to permanent residency. You must have valid legal status un Canada to be Landed as a PR during economic immigration. Additionally, spousal sponsorship or family sponsorship are other avenues where visitors can apply for PR while maintaining valid visitor status in Canada.

Prove That You Have Enough Funds to Support Yourself

You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada. This includes being able to cover your accommodation, food, transportation, and other expenses. The amount of money you need will depend on the length of your stay and whether you will be staying with family, in a hotel, or renting accommodation.

Providing proof of funds can be more complicated than it seems. While bank statements and pay stubs are standard, the visa officer may scrutinize the origin of the funds, the regularity of deposits, and the overall financial health of the applicant. If there are any large or unexplained deposits, you may need to provide additional documentation to clarify the source of these funds.

Declare Previous Refusals or Inadmissibility Issues if Any

If you have previously been refused a visa to Canada or any other country, or if you have any admissibility issues, you must declare this information in your application. Failure to do so can result in your application being refused or, worse, a ban from entering Canada.

Being upfront about past refusals or inadmissibility issues is critical. While it may seem tempting to omit such information, honesty is always the best policy. The Canadian immigration system has access to a vast network of information, and any discrepancies can easily be discovered, leading to more severe consequences.

Processing Time and Fees

The processing time for a Canadian visitor visa can vary depending on your country of origin, the time of year, and other factors. On average, processing can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. It’s important to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to avoid any delays.

The application fee for a visitor visa is currently CAD 100, with an additional biometrics fee of CAD 85 if biometrics are required. Be sure to pay the correct fees and keep a copy of your payment receipt as proof.

However, be aware that processing times can be unpredictable. Factors such as additional document requests, background checks, or even global events can significantly delay the process. It’s always best to apply as early as possible and remain patient throughout the process.

Once your application is approved, after the completion of your application process, you will be required to submit your valid passport to the nearest visa application center so they may issue your visitor visa counterfoil on your passport. IRCC may issue you multiple entry visa for entry temporary resident visa. You may re enter Canada on a multi entry visa for the duration of the visitor visa, and for up to six months. If your application is refused, it is advisable to apply online for an ATIP to release personal information about your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for a Canadian visitor visa is a detailed process, and even minor mistakes can lead to delays or outright refusals. Here are some common mistakes that applicants should avoid:

Incomplete or Incorrect Forms

One of the most common mistakes is submitting incomplete or incorrect forms. Double-check all your forms to ensure that every section is filled out correctly and that all required signatures are in place. Missing information or errors can lead to delays or refusals. In some cases, simple mistakes on your birth date may cause your application to be refused. It is imperative to review your supporting documents and ensure that the documents required are accurate when you upload supporting documents for your visitor visa.

Insufficient Proof of Funds

Failing to provide sufficient proof of funds or not including enough documentation to back up your financial claims is another common mistake. Ensure that your bank statements, pay stubs, and other financial documents are up-to-date and clearly show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, and endure all the documents required are submitted.

Vague Travel Itinerary

A vague or poorly detailed travel itinerary can raise red flags with the visa officer. Be specific about your plans, including your intended dates of travel, places you will visit, and accommodation arrangements.

Lack of Proof of Ties to Home Country

Not providing adequate proof of ties to your home country is a critical mistake. Ensure that you include all relevant documents that demonstrate your reasons for returning home, such as employment contracts, property ownership, or family commitments.

Failing to Declare Previous Refusals or Inadmissibility Issues

As mentioned earlier, failing to declare previous visa refusals or inadmissibility issues can have serious consequences. Always be honest about your past visa history and provide any necessary explanations or documentation.

What to Expect When You Arrive in Canada

Once your visitor visa is approved, it’s important to know what to expect when you arrive at a Canadian airport. The process doesn’t end with receiving your visa; you must also be prepared for the entry procedures at the Canadian border.

Arrival at a Canadian Port of Entry

When you arrive at a Canadian port of entry, such as an airport or land border crossing, you will be required to present your valid passport and visitor visa to the border services officer. The officer will ask you questions about the purpose of your visit, the length of your stay, and your plans in Canada. It’s essential to answer these questions honestly and provide any documents requested.

The officer has the authority to grant you entry into Canada and will stamp your passport with the date by which you must leave. If the officer determines that you may stay in Canada for less or more than the standard six-month period, they will indicate this in your passport or provide you with a visitor record that specifies your authorized stay period. Generally, you will be allowed to stay up to six months for each visit. You may be asked to show original documents submitted with your completed application. Generally, when you are inside Canada you are not entitled to health services as Canadian citizens are.

Providing Biometrics

If you were required to give your biometrics as part of your visa application, the officer may verify this information upon your arrival. Ensure that you have the necessary documentation with you to confirm that your biometrics were taken. You may look at your closest visa application center to inquire if you may give your biometrics.

Possible Secondary Inspection

In some cases, you may be referred to a secondary inspection area for further questioning. This doesn’t necessarily mean there is an issue with your visa; it could simply be a routine check. However, if there are any discrepancies in your documents or if the officer has concerns about your visit, you may be subject to additional scrutiny.

Seek Help from an Experienced Immigration Lawyer

Applying for a Canadian visitor visa can be a challenging process, especially if your situation involves complexities such as past visa refusals, criminal records, or insufficient proof of ties to your home country. While this guide provides an overview of the steps involved, the nuances of each individual case can vary significantly.

AKM Law can provide further information and personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances to ensure the best possible outcome to visit Canada. They can help you navigate the application process, ensure that all your documents are in order, and represent you in any legal matters that may arise. In many cases, the assistance of a professional can make the difference between a successful application and a refusal.

Legal Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal advice, consult the relevant legislation or regulations, or contact our immigration lawyers directly.