Here is a comprehensive list of Canada visa application requirements. The complete list of documents needed to apply for all Canada visas, as well as the specific documents required for different categories of applicants are also available here.
If you want to migrate to Canada, you may need to apply for a Canadian visa, depending on your country of residence.
However, if your country is on the list of countries whose nationals require a visa to enter Canada, you must apply for a Canadian visa. Similarly, the type of Canadian visa you require is determined by the purpose and length of your stay.
For instance, if you wanted to travel to Canada, you need a Temporary Visitor Visa. Similarly, a Student Visa would be required if you wanted to study.
What Documents Are Required for a Canada Visa?
The following documents are required for a Canada visa application:
- Your passport.
- Appropriate Canada visa application form.
- Proof of payment of Canada visa fees.
- Evidence of a clean criminal record.
- Proof of being healthy through a medical exam.
- Photographs in line with the photo requirements for a Canada visa.
- Proof of financial means.
- A Proof that you will return to your home country once the Canadian visa expires.
- Identity and Civil Status Documents.
- A cover letter outlining the reason for your trip to Canada.
- Letter of support/invitation to Canada.
#1. Age – Canada Visa Application Requirements
The requirements may vary. However, it depends on whether the applicant is an adult (over the age of 18) or a minor (17 or under). On the application, only adults can be the primary applicant. Similarly, the minors must be listed as dependents.
See Also: Canada Family Sponsorship Visa Requirements and How to Apply
Note that, there are different requirements if a minor is traveling alone. (See below for minor visa requirements.)
#2. Passport – Canada Visa Application Requirements
To apply for a visa, you must have a valid passport and any other necessary travel documentation. Consequently, when applying for a Canadian visa, you must provide photocopies of your passport’s information page. Which must include the following:
- Your passport number.
- The issue and expiration dates.
- Name, photo, birthplace, and date of birth
#3. Documents and Forms
When applying for a Canadian visa, first download an Application Package from the IRCC website. There you will see an instructional guide, a document checklist, and all the forms you must complete and submit.
Note, you must submit all the documents and forms on the checklist. These documents include the following (but are not limited to) passport copies, photographs, fee receipts, and other identification documents.
However, different countries may require additional documents in addition to those ones listed on the IRCC’s checklist page. Therefore, you must check with the visa office in your country to see if you require any additional documents.
#4. Proof of Payment of Canada visa Fees
For you to apply for a Canadian visa, you must pay the required fees and include the receipts with your application. The fees vary depending on the purpose of the trip and the country you are applying from.
The fees are classified into two types:
- Fees for application processing
- Biometrics fees
#5. Canada Visa Photos – Canada Visa Application Requirements
According to Canada’s visa requirements, you must provide two passport photos. If your photographs do not meet the requirements set by the Canadian government, your application may be rejected.
See also: The Canada Family Sponsorship Visa Requirements and How to Apply to
Therefore, it is advisable if you bring the photo requirements to the photo shoot and show them to the photographer.
#6. Proof of financial status/means: Canada Visa Application Requirements
You must show proof that you can financially support yourself and any family members who may accompany you for the duration of your stay in the country. You can prove them by providing the following documents:
- Account statements
- Annual earnings are shown on a letter of employment.
- Evidence that you have arranged for financial aid from friends or family members to cover the duration of your stay in Canada.
- Income documentation from your Canadian host or family member can also be provided.
Note that, this is not a complete list, as different countries may require different types of documentation.
#7. Proof that you will Return to your Home Country when your Visa Expires
You must convince visa officers that you will return to Your home country after your visa expires. There are several approaches you could take, including the following:
- Evidence of Employment. You must show copies of your employment contract as well as a letter of employment that identifies you as a permanent employee, defines when you are expected to return to your work, and clarifies your role at the company.
- If you have any property in your home country, you must provide proof of ownership, such as title deeds or lease agreements.
- If you have family connections in your home country or people to care for, such as elderly family members or children, you must obtain proof of your responsibilities.
#8. Documents showing Identity and Civil Status: Canada Visa Application Requirements
You must attach photocopies of your identity and civil status documents with your Canada visa application. The documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce/annulment certificates.
In most cases, you can be asked to provide National IDs or family/household registries.
For more information on this, contact the visa office in your country.
Post You May Also Like: Canada Visa Requirements And Application Guidelines
#9. Clearances from the Police: Canada Visa Application Requirements
You must show that you have no prior criminal records and are not pose a danger to Canadian society. This is possible if you obtain a police certificate or clearance in your home country before applying.
Similarly, in some cases, you may be required to provide police clearances from any country where you have lived before for more than six months.
#10. Medical Examination: Canada Visa Application Requirements
To get a Canadian visa, you must be in good health. However, to demonstrate this, you may be required to undergo a medical examination and submit the results together with your application.
Sometimes, a medical examination is usually not required if you plan to stay for less than 6 months unless you will be working closely with people.
Your normal doctor, however, will be unable to perform the examination. A Panel Physician will be required.
However, Panel Physicians for each country are listed on the IRCC website.
#11. The Reason for the Travel
When applying for a Canada visa, you must state your reason for visiting Canada. The requirements vary by country, but may include the followings:
- An invitation letter from your sponsor or the family member/friend you will be visiting in Canada.
- Contact information for the people who can help you with your stated reason for visiting the country.
- Any other documents that support your travel purpose.
#12. Letter of Support/Invitation
In some cases, you may be required to provide a letter of invitation from someone in Canada. That person must be a Canadian citizen or must have a Permanent Residence.
However, the person who writes the letter is not legally responsible for you. He/she must provide you with that letter, which must be included in your application.
The letter must contain the following information about you (or the person applying for the visa):
- Name.
- Date of birth
- Phone number and address.
- The relationship you have with the person who is writing the letter must be clearly stated.
- How long do you intend to stay in Canada, where do you intend to stay, and when do you intend to leave?
- How do you intend to financially support yourself?
The following information about the writer must also be included in the letter:
- Their full name and birth date.
- Address and phone number in Canada.
- Their citizenship or permanent residency status, as well as photocopies of documents proving it.
- Their job title.
- Family details (names and birth dates for his/her partner and dependents).
- How many people live in their homes?
Minor Visa Requirements in Canada – Canada Visa Application Requirements
Note that, minors traveling to Canada must follow the same rules as all other visitors. However, there are other additional document requirements for children depending on how they travel. All minors, regardless of the mode of transportation, must have the following documents listed below:
Then, depending on whether they are traveling alone or with someone, they will need to bring along with them the following documents:
- Their passport
- Copy of their birth certificate
If they are Traveling alone: A letter of authorization duely signed by both parents or legal guardians is required. The letter must include the following:
- Be written in either English or French.
- Include the address and phone number of the parents/legal guardians.
- Include the name, address, and phone number of the person who will be taking care of the child in Canada.
If Accompanied by one parent: A signed letter of authorization from the parent who is not traveling with them must be attached, and it must include the following:
- The address and phone number of the parent who is not traveling.
- A photocopy of the parent’s passport and national identity card to be attached.
If the parents are divorced but still share custody: The parent who is present must bring copies of the legal custody documents together with a letter of authorization from the other parent.
If only one parent has custody of the child: He/she must bring a copy of the custody decree.
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If one of the parents has died, the other parent must bring a copy of the death certificate.
However, If you are traveling with legal guardians or adoptive parents: Endeavor to bring a copy of the guardianship or adoption papers.
If the child is traveling with someone who is not their parent/legal guardian: They must have written permission from their parents/guardians to do so. The letter must include the parents’/legal guardians’ addresses and phone numbers.
Specific Visa Requirements
There are specific requirements based on the type of visa you are applying for and the general requirements for a Canadian visa.
Who can Apply For Canadian Visas
Eligibility for Applying for Canada Visa
To get a visitor visa, you must first fulfill some basic requirements such as:
- have valid travel documents, example passport
- be in good health
- have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
- convince an immigration officer that you have ties with your home country, like job, a home, financial assets/properties, or family.
- convince the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and that you have enough money for your stay
- The amount of money required is dependent on how long you intend to stay and whether you intend to stay in a hotel or with friends/relatives.
More so, you may need a medical exam and a letter of invitation from a Canadian resident.
Some people are barred from entering Canada
Some people are can not be allowed to enter Canada, this means they are not permitted to enter. You may be ineligible for a variety of reasons, including involvement in the following:
- Criminal activity
- violations of human rights
- Crime syndicates
You may also be denied entry into Canada for security, health, or financial reasons.
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