How To Apply For Canada Visitor Visa Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Hey guys, do you know that you can apply for a Canada visa from the comfort of your room? Oh yes, you can. It is simple, easy, and fast. Just relax as we walk you through how to apply for Canada Visitor Visa. This step-by-step guide to the Canada visa online application is designed to save the stress of shuttling from one office to another just to submit a visa application.

Online visa applications are one of the methods of applying for a Canadian visa. However, it is the most convenient, fast, and stress-free. Other methods of applying for a Canada visa include the following:

• Applying in person
• Applying by mail

But in this article, we will walk you through the online Canada visa application process. Just come along with us. Make sure you read to the end to get the full gist.

How To Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Canada visa online from anywhere in the world.

Let us walk you through the steps.

1. Identify The Type of Visa

Select the appropriate visa for your trip.

The first step is to determine which type of visa you require and whether you are eligible to apply for it.

You’ll also need to know what documents you’ll need to submit with your application, how long it might take, and what fees you’ll have to pay. Each application must follow the guidelines for your visa category.

2. Begin Your Application

Begin your visa application. Apply online, by filling out the visa application form.

3. Book an Appointment

Make an appointment at a Visa Application Center.

After you have applied for your visa, you must schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This is referred to as ‘biometric information.’

You will receive an appointment confirmation email along with the appointment letter once you have booked your appointment.

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If you are part of a family or group, you must schedule separate appointments for each member of the family or group.

The appointment letter will include a reference number as well as the date, time, and location of the appointment, as well as other pertinent information.

If you are not required to submit biometrics, you must wait for your application decision and check your MyCIC account for further instructions.

However, if you are required to submit biometrics following the successful submission of an E-Application, you will be notified in the form of a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). After receiving the BIL, you must go to the Visa Application Center to submit biometrics.

4. Pay Your Non-refundable Visa Application Fees

Find out how much you need to pay. After completing your application, you must pay your visa application fee.

You must pay the Government of Canada Fee and the Biometric Fee (if applicable) as directed on the IRCC website.

5. Visit The Visa Application Center.

After completing biometric enrolment, you will receive a receipt confirming that your biometric has been collected at the Canada Visa Application Centre.

Once your visa application has been approved, you will be notified via email to submit your passport using a Passport Request Letter. If you are unsure whether or not emails from IRCC are being delivered to you, please check your my CIC account for updates on a regular basis.

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After receiving the Passport Request Letter, you must submit your original passport, along with the Passport Request Letter, passport bio page (2 copies), and VFS Global consent form, to the Visa Application Centre.

Step-by-Step Canada Visitor Visa Application Processes

To access the online immigration and citizenship services, you must first create a secure account.

Your account allows you to start an application, submit and pay for it, receive application-related messages, check the status of your application, and update your information.

Follow the steps listed below to apply for Canada visa online:

1. Go to Canada visa application website here
2. Click on Sign in or create an account
3. Scroll down and click on “Register” under “Don’t have an account”?
4. But, if you have already created accounted account before, click on sign in with GCKey to sign in with your GCKey user ID and password.
5. Then follow the instruction therein to complete the online application.

How to Register for an Account – Apply For Canada Visitor Visa

There are two ways to register.

• Register with a GCKey: Anyone can use this simple method to gain access to our online services.
  Here, you create a username and password.
  OR
• Register with a Sign-In Partner:  Register for an account using your online Canadian banking credentials. You must have an online bank account with one of the Sign-In Partners.

How to Register with GCKey – Apply For Canada Visitor Visa

A GCKey allows you to securely access the online services of the Government of Canada.

It comes with a username and password that you create. You should also develop security questions. These steps protect your data and allow you to regain access to your account.

Steps To register with GCKey

1. Click Register with a GCKey.
2. Click Sign Up.
3. Read the Terms and Conditions of Use, then click I Accept.
4. Create a username and click Continue.
5. Create a password and click Continue.
6. Then, create your security questions and answers. Click the Continue button.
7. To proceed to the Sign Up Complete page, click Continue.
8. Please review the Terms and Conditions. Click I Accept.
9. Fill in your information and proceed through the steps to create your account.

Register with a Sign-In Partner – Apply For Canada Visitor Visa

This is a safe way to access your online account using the information you already have.

Sign-in partners are organizations like banks and credit unions that work with SecureKey Technologies (a company that provides online identity services). If you are a customer of a bank or credit union, you can use the same sign-in information to access Government of Canada services.

Steps to Register with a Sign-in Partner: Canada Visitor Visa

• Click Register with a Partner Sign-In
• Select your financial institution
  • However, if you don’t see your financial institution listed, you need to register with GCKey
• Enter your banking sign-in information and click Continue.
• Read the Terms and Conditions of Use, then click I Accept.
• Enter your information and follow the steps to create your account.

If you’re unsure how to register, learn more about GCKey and Sign-In Partner.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Visitor Visa

Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions about the Canada Visitor Visa:

1. What is a Canada Visitor Visa?
   • A Canada Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows individuals to enter Canada for a temporary stay.
2. Who needs a Visitor Visa for Canada?
   • Citizens of certain countries require a Visitor Visa to enter Canada. However, citizens of visa-exempt countries may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead.
3. How do I apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?
   • You can apply for a Canada Visitor Visa online or on paper. The application process involves providing personal information, travel details, proof of funds, and supporting documents.
4. What documents are required for a Visitor Visa application?
   • Commonly required documents include a valid passport, proof of financial support, travel itinerary, letter of invitation (if applicable), and other supporting documents to demonstrate ties to your home country.
5. How long does it take to process a Visitor Visa application?
   • Processing times vary, but it generally takes a few weeks. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
6. How long can I stay in Canada with a Visitor Visa?
   • The length of stay granted on a Visitor Visa varies. It can range from a few weeks to several months. The immigration officer at the port of entry will determine the specific duration.
7. Can I extend my stay in Canada as a visitor?
   • In some cases, you may apply for an extension of your stay as a visitor. However, it’s essential to apply before your current status expires.
8. Do I need health insurance for my visit to Canada?
   • While health insurance is not a mandatory requirement for a Visitor Visa, it is highly recommended. Canadian healthcare can be expensive, and having insurance will help cover medical expenses.
9. Can I work or study with a Visitor Visa?
   • No, a Visitor Visa does not allow you to work or study in Canada. If you wish to do so, you will need to apply for the appropriate work or study permit.
10. What should I do if my Visitor Visa is denied?
    • If your application is denied, you may consider reapplying, addressing the reasons for the initial refusal. It’s crucial to carefully review the refusal letter for guidance.

It’s important to note that immigration policies can change, and it’s advisable to check the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or consult with a qualified immigration professional for the latest information.

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