Are you looking to visit Canada? Perhaps to work, study or live? Well, if the answer is yes, you definitely need a Canadian VISA to enter Canada.
Now, depending on the purpose for which you want to visit or enter Canada, there are different types of VISAs available.
There’s a visa for those looking to work in Canada, There is a visa for those looking to study in Canada and there’s also a visa for those looking to stay in Canada. Interestingly, there’s also a visa for those looking to invest in Canada.
We understand this can seem like a lot but, I’m sure you’d understand it at the end of the day, especially after reading this article and possibly other articles/resources we will be referencing.
In this article, we will take you through how to apply for Canada Visa. Precisely, the ideal way to go about it, especially if you intend to do the process yourself.
How To Apply For Canada VISA
Again, as earlier mentioned, whilst there are different types of Canada Visas depending on the purpose, the basics are the same.
For this reason, we will be talking about the basics of applying for a Canadian visa here. Not to worry, if you intend to travel to Canada for a different purpose, we’ve also got the guides for that.
Now, let’s talk about the basics of applying for a Canadian visa.
Check For Eligibility To Apply For Canada VISA
The first step in your process of applying for a Canadian visa is to check if you are eligible. Not everyone is eligible to apply for a visa hence, this part is crucial.
You can check for Eligibility on Canada’s Immigration official website here: https://www.canada.ca/en.html
The website is pretty self-explanatory and you shouldn’t have a problem navigating through the options.
Basically, you should select the immigration and citizenship option. Thereafter, choose the “My application” option. There, you should find the information for the different categories of visas. We advise you to choose your preferred option which could be either visit, work, study, immigrate, or permanent residency, depending on what your interest is.
Having decided on your preferred option, you are to begin your application. Your eligibility is determined after you’ve answered the questionnaire you are shown. We advise that you try to be completely truthful when choosing your answers.
If you are eligible, you will be taken to the appropriate page where you can proceed. Basically, if found eligible, a reference code will be sent to the email you provided alongside the required documents for your preferred visa type.
Create An Online Account
If you’ve been deemed eligible for the Canadian VISA option you are interested in, the next step would be creating an online account.
An online account is the same as creating a profile. You can do this either online or offline. However, we recommend doing this online.
To proceed with this, you will need the reference code that was sent to your email as mentioned above. Hence, you should make sure that you use an active Email account that is actively being checked by you.
Alongside the reference code, is usually the required documents needed for the application. You are to upload the required documents to your profile online into the Canadian embassy system. And if choosing the offline option, these documents are still required.
Pay The Necessary Fees
Canada’s VISA process isn’t completely free. Of course, there are required fees.
If your application is being done online, you will be notified of the fee required for the application. Bare in mind that the fees are often required after uploading the required documents.
After payment has been made, you can then proceed to submit your visa application.
Visa Processing Time
If you are wondering how long this process will take, it can take between 14 days and 148 days. That’s how long the visa processing time can be. However, bear in mind that this is dependent on a lot of factors and as such, there are few cases where it exceeds the estimated number of days.
Basically, the visa processing time does not include:
- The time you need to submit your biometrics
- The time it takes to send an application between a visa application and their office.
Also, please note that you may be required to submit your biometrics with your application.
During the application process, we recommend that you often check your account on the Canada immigration embassy website as well as your emails for any updates. This is due to the fact that further questions or information may be needed from you.
If your visa application gets approved, you will be required to take your passport to the Canadian embassy to get stamped and returned to you.
If you are interested in getting a Canadian study visa, we recommend reading how to get Canada Student visa.
