Canada is a very beautiful country that attracts millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re planning to explore scenic landscapes, visit family or friends, or attend a conference or event, you’ll likely need a Canada tourist visa to enter the country.

The Canada tourist visa application process can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is a step-by-step guide for completing the Canada tourist visa application process. 

Determine eligibility 

Visitors from some countries are visa-exempt, meaning they don’t require a visa to enter Canada. However, you’ll need to apply for a Canada tourist visa if you’re not from a visa-exempt country. Specific requirements must be met to be eligible for a Canadian tourist visa. These include possessing a valid passport, indicating that you will depart Canada after your visit, demonstrating enough financial resources to support yourself during your stay, and providing proof of a clean criminal record.

Gather required documents 

The documents required may vary depending on your circumstances. However, they typically include your passport, travel itinerary, proof of financial means, proof of employment, bank statements and other income sources, hotel reservation confirmation or invitation letter from a host in Canada, a medical certificate (if applicable) and photographs. Submitting all the required documents is essential, as missing or incomplete records may result in a visa refusal. Ensure all supporting documents are in English or French or have an official translation.

Fill out the application form 

When completing the application form, provide accurate, complete and up-to-date information. All the fields must be filled out, leaving none blank. If any information is not applicable, write “not applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided. You may also need supporting documents depending on individual circumstances. Make sure you check with the IRCC website and visa consultancy services regarding these details before submitting your application form. 

Pay for the application fee and schedule an appointment 

The cost of the application fee varies depending on the country of origin and other factors but is typically around CAD 100. Applicants can pay the fee via major credit cards, PayPal, or through their bank account. Once payment has been made, applicants will receive an email confirmation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). 

Scheduling an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) is the next step in completing the Canada tourist visa application process. Appointment times are based on availability and should be booked as early as possible to ensure no processing delays. Applicants must provide all required documents at their scheduled VAC appointment to complete their application process.  

Attend the interview and submit biometrics 

During the interview, they will ask you why you want to visit Canada and assess if your reasons are valid. They will also verify some of the documents you included in your application. After the interview, biometrics must be collected from all applicants aged 14-79 years old. The biometric data includes fingerprints and photographs, which must be captured at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Wait for the application to be processed 

The processing time may vary but typically takes several weeks. You could check the status of your application online, and you’ll be notified once a decision has been made. If your visa application is approved, you’ll receive a letter of introduction, which you’ll need to present to the immigration officer on the day you arrive in Canada. If the visa application is rejected, you will be advised of the reasons for the rejection. The approved travel visas will only be valid for six months from the issue date.

Conclusion

The Canada tourist visa application process requires preparation and attention to detail. All applicants must provide the proper documentation, complete all relevant forms accurately and have a valid passport. It is also important to give yourself enough time to complete your application as processing times may vary. Applying for a Canadian tourist visa can be intimidating but with the help of visa consultancy services, you should be able to make your way through the application process without any problems.