Check Your Eligibility and Prepare Documents
Thorough preparation is essential for a successful visa application. Canadian immigration officers assess your eligibility based on several key factors, including your intent to return home, financial stability, and documentation completeness.
Essential Documents Required
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your planned stay
- Proof of financial support showing CAD $5,000–$50,000 depending on trip length and number of travelers
- Strong ties to home country such as employment letters, property deeds, or family commitments
- Travel itinerary with detailed plans, accommodation bookings, and return tickets
- Invitation letters if visiting family or friends in Canada
- Recent passport-size photographs meeting Canadian specifications
- Completed application forms including IMM 5257 and family information forms
Important Note: Canadian Permanent Residents traveling outside Canada require a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD), not a Temporary Resident Visa. Apply for PRTD from outside Canada if your PR card has expired.
Pay the Application Fees
$85
Individual Visa Fee
Standard cost for a single visitor visa application per person in Canadian dollars
$170
Family Maximum
Maximum fee when families apply together, regardless of family size
$85
Biometrics Fee
Per person cost for fingerprint and photo collection, required for most applicants
Payment Methods and Process
All fees are payable in Canadian dollars (CAD). Online applicants pay directly through the IRCC portal using credit card, debit card, or online banking. Paper applicants pay at Visa Application Centres (VACs) using locally accepted payment methods.
Keep all payment receipts as proof. Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused. Some VACs charge additional service fees for document handling and courier services—check your local VAC for details.
Pro Tip: Calculate total costs before starting your application. Budget for visa fees, biometrics, potential translation costs, medical exams if required, and VAC service charges to avoid surprises.
Submit Your Application and Biometrics
After completing your application and payment, it's time to submit your documents and provide biometrics. This step is crucial for identity verification and security screening. Most applicants between ages 14 and 79 must give biometrics.
Submit Application
Upload documents through your online account or submit paper application at VAC. Ensure all files are clear, properly formatted, and under size limits.
Receive BIL
Within 24-48 hours, you'll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) via email with instructions for booking your biometrics appointment.
Book Appointment
Schedule your biometrics collection at the nearest Visa Application Centre. Book early as appointments fill quickly in peak seasons.
Provide Biometrics
Attend your appointment with BIL, passport, and payment receipt. Staff will collect your fingerprints and digital photograph in about 15 minutes.
What to Bring to Your Biometrics Appointment
- Printed Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
- Original passport (same one used in application)
- Payment receipt for biometrics fee
- Appointment confirmation (if applicable)
Biometrics are valid for 10 years and can be reused for future Canadian visa or permit applications. Arrive 15 minutes early and follow VAC guidelines on prohibited items.
Track Your Application Status
Patience and proactive monitoring are essential during the processing period. Canadian visa processing times vary significantly based on your country of residence, application completeness, and current volume at processing centers.
How to Monitor Your Application
Log into your IRCC online account regularly to check for updates. You'll receive email notifications when your application status changes or when officers request additional information. Paper applicants can track using their application number through the IRCC portal.
Processing Time Reality: Visitor visa processing ranges from 17 days to 139 days depending on your country. Check current processing times on the IRCC website for your location before planning travel.
1
Application Received
Confirmation that your application and documents have been received by IRCC
2
Under Review
Officers are assessing your eligibility, documents, and background information
3
Additional Documents
You may be asked to provide more information or clarification—respond within the deadline given
4
Decision Made
Final decision reached. You'll receive notification via email and in your online account
Respond immediately to any requests for additional documents or information. Delays in responding can significantly extend processing times or result in application refusal. Set up email alerts and check your account weekly.
Receive Passport Request and Submit Your Passport
Congratulations! A passport request means your visa has been approved. This letter instructs you to submit your physical passport for visa counterfoil (sticker) placement. Act quickly to complete this final step.
Steps After Passport Request
Read instructions carefully in your passport request letter. Note submission deadlines—typically 30 days from the letter date.
Prepare required documents: original passport, passport request letter, and any additional items specified in your letter.
Submit to VAC or visa office using the method specified. Some countries allow courier submission; others require in-person drop-off.
Keep tracking information and receipts. Most VACs provide tracking numbers for passport status monitoring.
Processing Timeline
Passport processing and return times vary by location, ranging from 2 days to 2 weeks. Peak travel seasons experience longer delays. Plan your travel dates conservatively and don't book non-refundable flights until you have your stamped passport in hand.
Choose secure courier options offered by VACs for passport return. While this adds cost (typically $15-30), it provides tracking, insurance, and faster delivery compared to standard mail.