Are you applying for a tourist visa to Canada? Here’s all the information you need to know about the application process. Canada welcomes tourists from all over the world. With its breathtaking scenery, hospitable communities, and famous landmarks, Canada has become a favoured destination for visitors worldwide. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step procedure for Canada tourist visa apply, ensuring you are equipped with all the necessary details to embark on your journey to Canada.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada Tourist Visa
You must know whether you are an eligible candidate or not before applying. Below are the eligibility criteria to apply for a tourist visa to Canada.
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Valid Passport:
You must have a valid passport to apply for a tourist visa to Canada. It should have a validity that extends beyond your planned visit to Canada. It is important to ensure that your passport is not damaged and has sufficient blank pages for the visa stamp.
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Proof of Good Health:
You should provide proof of good health as part of the visa application process. It usually involves a medical examination carried out by an authorised physician. The medical examination aims to verify that you do not have any infectious diseases or medical conditions that could pose a risk to public health in Canada.
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No Criminal Record or Immigration-Related Convictions:
To qualify for a tourist visa to Canada, you must have a clean criminal record and no immigration-related convictions. It is crucial to truthfully disclose any past criminal or immigration-related incidents in your application, as failure to do so can result in visa rejection.
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Proof of Strong Ties to Your Home Country:
To show that you intend to return to your home country after you visit Canada, you must provide evidence of strong ties, such as a job, a residence, financial assets, or family. It can include employment letters, property ownership documents, bank statements, or letters of invitation from family members residing in your home country.
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Proof of Financial Capability to Sustain Your Stay:
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada. It can be done through bank statements, proof of employment and income, sponsorship letters, or other documents demonstrating your financial stability.
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Intended Duration of Stay and Temporary Residency:
In your application, you must specify the intended duration of your stay in Canada. Whether you plan to visit for a few weeks or several months, providing accurate information about your temporary residency is important. It can include details about your accommodation arrangements, such as hotel bookings or a host’s invitation letter.
Step-By-Step Process to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa
Here is the step-by-step process to apply for a tourist visa to Canada. Ensure you go through these steps carefully and understand the application process.
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Opt for either online or offline mode of application:
Determine your preference for applying for a Canada Visitor Visa either online using the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or by submitting a hard copy application via post. Online applications usually result in quicker processing times and greater convenience.
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Provide the visa application form with the requested particulars and documentation:
Accurately complete the application form by providing all the necessary personal particulars, itinerary, and supporting documentation like passport copies, photographs, and evidence of connections to your home country. Ensure you include all the required information to avoid delays or refusal.
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Pay the visa processing fee through a certified cheque or bank draft:
Pay the appropriate visa processing fee. You can pay through a certified cheque or bank draft payable to the Receiver General for Canada. The fee varies based on the visa type and processing location.
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Head to the nearest Canadian visa application centre with your passport, pictures, and other necessary papers:
Depending on the selected application process, you can visit a Canadian visa application centre (VAC) in person or submit your application through the mail. Carry your original passport, passport-sized photographs, and all supporting papers for authentication and submission.
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You must provide your biometrics, including fingerprints and a digital photo:
To apply for a visitor visa, you should provide biometric information. Head to a designated biometric collection service centre to complete this procedure. Biometrics remain valid for up to 10 years.
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Submit Your visa application form at the Canada visa application centre:
Submit your completed application form, supporting documents, and biometric receipt to the visa application centre staff. They will assess your application to ensure it is complete before accepting it for processing.
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Get the receipt from the application centre with the unique tracking code:
After the approval of your application, the visa application centre will provide you with a receipt. This receipt includes a unique tracking code that enables you to oversee the development of your application on the Internet.
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Monitor your application online using this code:
Take advantage of the unique tracking code mentioned in your receipt to verify the status of your application on the internet. The IRCC website offers a tracking mechanism that allows you to observe the advancement of your application and the anticipated processing duration. Keep updated regarding any new information or additional prerequisites throughout the processing.
Processing Time for Canadian Tourist Visa
The processing time for a Canada tourist visa from India is around 3-4 weeks. However, it’s important to note that various factors can affect processing times, including the volume of applications and individual circumstances. It is advisable to check the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most up-to-date information on processing times specific to your location.
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Extending Your Tourist Visa to Canada
You can request an extension if you are in Canada and intend to prolong your stay beyond your tourist visa’s expiry date. Complete the application for an extension by filling IMM 5708 Form. You will be granted a tourist record upon approval, which permits you to extend your stay in Canada lawfully. Be sure to follow the correct process to maintain your legal status.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the process of Canada tourist visa apply is simple if you meet the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents. It would be best to visit an immigration consultant to get a tourist visa to Canada. Besides assisting you in getting a tourist visa, immigration consultants also provide other services like getting a Canada business visa from India and much more. But, it is essential to check all the information and be prepared before you apply for any visa for an effortless application procedure.