Steps to Get an Easy Entry into Canada

Canada is a beautiful land of incredible opportunities. Boasting miles of pristine wilderness, it is full of outdoor wonders popularly known for its serenity. The varied coastlines on the other are hand are no less, making it home of the longest coastline in the world which stretches from Pacific to the Atlantic. Canada also has more lakes than any country in the world and undoubtedly offers mesmerising sights to capture. While the national parks and city attractions are full of great insights and scenery.

Canada welcomes millions of visitors every year. People across the world travel Canada to enjoy a memorable vacation, find job opportunities, attend business meetings, and conferences, and to pursue higher education. The country forms an excellent base by providing advance amenities that contribute in a high-quality life. So, you need a Canada visa to visit the country but do you know how to apply for it?

This article includes a brief guide on steps to get easy entry into Canada such as process, steps, and more.

Canada Visa

You must apply for a Canada visa depending on your nationality. Canada issues visa polices which includes visa-must, visa on arrival, and e-visa categories. If you are one of the national of the country which requires you to apply for a Canada visa, you must obtain one in advance. And types of such visas usually depends on the purpose of your travel and the length of your stay in Canada. For instance, if you want to travel to Canada as a visitor, you must apply for a Canada visitor visa.

So, who requires a visitor visa for Canada?

Any foreign national wish to visit Canada for:

• Tourism and leisure purposes

• Visiting friends or family in Canada

• Business purposes such as meetings, seminars, conferences, etc.

All the mentioned reasons require you to apply for a Canada visitor visa which is also a type of temporary resident visa to Canada.

What are the minimum requirements or eligibility for a Canada visitor visa?

Before you proceed to apply for a Canada visa do check for these basic minimum requirements for an applicant:

• You must hold a valid passport

• You must be in a good health condition to travel

• You must not hold any previous criminal record

• You must have enough funds to cover your stay in Canada

• You must submit your entire travel itinerary and in and out of flight tickets

• You must provide various proofs such as job, financial balance, and more

• Necessary documents required for a Canada visa

As per the visa policy for Canada, the requirements always differ depending on your age. Whether you are a major who is above the age of 18 years or a minor who is 17 or below. Please note that only adults can be termed as primary applicants on the visa application while the minors are attached as dependents.

In case a minor travelling alone, the requirements are different.

• Passport:

You must hold a valid passport or any other travel documentation. While applying for a Canadian visa, you have to submit photocopies of the bio-page of the passport. It must include:

1. Passport number

2. The date of issuance and expiry

3. Personal details such as name, age, gender, nationality, address, etc.

• Forms and documents:

As you apply for a Canadian visa, you have to download an Application Package from the official website of IRCC. Once you are on the portal, you will find an instructional guide, the forms you have to complete, and the documents checklist. Make sure to complete the form with valid information and it is error-free.

You must submit all the documents you find on the checklist. These include pictures, passport copies, fee receipts, and identity proofs. Do keep in mind that they are not limited only to the portal.

Additionally, apart from the documents mentioned on the checklist, different countries are required to submit supporting documents. For these documents, you may have to contact your nearest visa office for further details.

• Photos for visa

You have to submit two recently clicked passport-size photos that line with the Canada visa photo requirements. if the photos do not meet the guidelines of the government of Canada, your application might get rejected.

• Proof of sufficient balance

You have to submit evidence of financial stability along with your visa application. This states that you have enough balance to cover your and your dependent’s stay during your entire trip. The documents are:

• Recent bank statements

1. Letter of employment demonstrating annual earnings

2. Proof that you have a back-up source for financial support from family or friends

3. Proof of income of your sponsor or family member in Canada

• Proof of returning to your home country

You have to prove that you will return to your home country once the visa expires. You can do one of the following to convince it:

1. Evidence of employment including employment contract and a letter of employment that showcase you as a permanent employee and will return to work.

2. Evidence of owning a property by submitting title deeds or lease agreements

3. Proof of family ties that you need to take care of

• Proof of payment made to Canada visa

You will have to pay for necessary fees for a Canada visa and submit the receipts along with the application. The prices are subject to change and differ on the purpose of travel.

These include two types:

1. Application processing fee

2. Biometric fee

• Identity and Civil Status

The identity and civil status documents such as birth certificate or marriage or divorce certificate should be submitted along with the visa application.

You may also have to submit the National IDs of registries of family households.

• Criminal records

You have to prove that you are clean with no previous criminal records and are not a danger to society. You can provide a police certificate to prove so.

• Medical Clearance

You should be in good health to apply for a Canadian visa. So, you have to submit medical examination reports showcasing that your health condition is good.

If you plan on staying for less than six months medical certificate is usually not necessary, unless you will work with people.

• Purpose of travel

The requirements include:

1. An invitation letter from the sponsor or family member

2. Relevant documents that support your travel purpose

3. Information on the people who support your travel

• Letter of Invitation

In specified cases, you may have to submit a Letter of Invitation from a sponsor in Canada. The sponsor must be either a citizen or Canada of hold a permanent residence.

Please note that the person writing the letter is not legally responsible for you. They will provide you a letter which must be included in your visa application.

These were the standard document required for a Canada visa. As mentioned, they may change or may ask for additional documents as per your nationality and reason to travel to Canada.

Steps to apply for Canada visa:

1. Download the visa application from the official website of IRCC

2. Attach the necessary documents that support your application for the visa

3. Proceed with the payment of visa fees that include application and biometric fees

4. Submit your Canada visa application

5. Submit your biometrics such as fingerprints and photographs by visiting the Canadian embassy or consulate

6. Once they review your application and documents and do the background verification, you will receive a response.

At the time of reviewing your application, the immigration officer may ask for additional documents.

The processing time for a Canada visa is around 10 to 15 working days. It includes time for:

• Time to provide biometrics

• Application transfer between VAC and visa office

Canada is one of the best place for vacation and global opportunities. You can enjoy, experience, seek, and study in such a vibrant and vast country with a Canada visa. so, these were the necessary steps to get an easy entry into Canada.

Make sure you submit accurate documents that are valid and match your visa application and you are good to go!