Getting a Canada visa might sound like a challenging process, but when well explained it is easier to follow. Canada is a very attractive country in all aspects such as culture, health and education. It is common to aspire to visit or live in Canada for several reasons such as tourism, study or employment.
However, to enter Canada, most persons require a visa and this is where the conflict arises. Well, fear not because this guide is here to offer you some basic guidelines on how you can obtain a Canadian visa.
Are You Even Eligible for a Visa to Canada?
Bear in mind that the whole process of getting a Canadian visa begins with identifying your eligibility for the same. The kinds of visas available in Canada include visitor visa, study permit, work visa and immigrant visa. The general requirements will apply to each type of visa and each type of visa has its own specific requirements.
Some of the general qualification requirements applicable to most visas include:
- Having a valid passport.
- Being in good health.
- Having no criminal record.
- Presenting identification showing that you will be able to financially support yourself while in Canada.
- Prove that if applying for a temporary visa that you will depart from Canada when your authorized period expires.
However, there can be some additional and more concrete requirements depending on some particular types of visa. For instance a person seeking a study permit must produce an acceptance letter from the institution of learning in Canada. In most cases, to get a work permit, you must have received an offer of employment from a company in Canada. It’s important to use the research and specific visa you are applying to make sure you qualify then go ahead.
Next up, Create an Online Account
The first move is to ascertain eligibility, and then the next step is to open an account at the available online sites. Canada immigration has now gone mostly online, making it easy for most applicants from different parts of the world. First of all, you need to register on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Here we are going to explain the steps on how to create an account:
- Visit the IRCC website.
- Select whether you wish to use your GCKey, an account with the Government of Canada or through your partner (your financial institution).
- Continue as instructed to create your login credentials and security questions.
Once you have created the account, you are good to go; you will be able to access all the forms and documents required for your visa.
Signing up for this online account will enable you to:
- Submit your application.
- Pay fees.
- Monitor the status of your application.
It is also necessary to note that some may choose to apply in person rather than online. If that is the case then the applicant can go to the nearest Canadian visa application center in his or her country of residence. However, do not forget that application for a job online is made easier and usually takes less time as compared to other methods; besides it can be tracked easily.
After Successfully Creating an Online Account or Applying in Person, Start Collecting the Required Documents
In case, you have created an online account or selected the option of applying for the card personally, the next step is to prepare the necessary documents. These documents are important as if any of them are missing you will find yourself unnecessarily extending your visa period.
Some of the usual documents recommended are:
- A valid passport.
- Passport-sized photos.
- Proof of financial support such as a bank statement.
- Itinerary of travelling if any required.
- An invitation letter where one is visiting a person in Canada.
Original documents for the visa type you have applied for example, a letter of employment offer, or a letter of acceptance to an institution.
Make sure all documents presented today and in the future are clear and valid. They also suggested making copies of all of it in case some of those items are requested down the line.
Pay the Necessary Fees
The next process that follows the collection of your documents is the payment of the fees for the visa application. The cost is different depending on the type of visa you want to be granted with or the type of visa you will be applying for.
For instance, a visitor visa is CAD 100 while a work permit might be as expensive as CAD 155. If the candidate applies via the internet, the payment could be made by credit card or via an affiliated institution.
Always make a copy of the payment slip you make since it will help you know if the authorities are processing your application or not. It is important that you pay the stated fees on time to avoid having your application being held back or declined.
Wait for Visa Processing
Once you have completed the application and made the payment of the fees, it is now time to wait for your visa. Time taken to process visas depends on the type of visa and the country of application as mentioned before. When it comes to visitor visas, the time frame taken to process the same usually takes between a few weeks or at most a couple of months. Whereas study and work permits take longer time to be processed depending on the number of visa offices.
At this time, you can monitor your application status through your account information. At other times, you may be required to contact the visa office or it may contact you for extra information or an interview. Ensure that you reply as soon as possible in order not to occasion any delay.
After that your visa application is processed you receive a notification for the same and the visa is stamped on your passport.
You are now ready to visit Canada!
Let me assure you that, by following these steps you will make your Canada visa application a seamless process.
I wish you good luck and hope to see you in Canada soon!
