A tourist visa can be granted only to a person who has come to Canada temporarily for the purpose of work, study or a visit. The person visiting the country should not be a citizen, a permanent resident or a holder of the minister’s permit. In order to gain entry into Canada, tourists are required to possess a valid entry document, like a visa. The visa needs to be obtained before reaching a POE (Port of Entry). Here, we will discuss how to go about obtaining a Canada Tourist Visa.
Requirements for Canada Tourist Visa
Individuals who wish to visit Canada must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a valid travel document, like a passport.
- Have a medical certificate that proves they are in good health.
- Attend the interview with an immigration officer and convince him that you have connections in India like a job, family, financial assets, etc., because of which you will return.
- Possess adequate funds for the duration of your stay in Canada.
- Undergo a medical exam.
- You may also need to obtain a letter of invitation from a friend or relative residing in Canada.
How to Apply for Canada Tourist Visa
You can apply for a Canadian tourist visa either online or offline. Applying online is a lot easier than applying offline but you will need to be in the vicinity of certain electronic devices to do so. Either you are applying or offline, getting an approval for a Canadian tourist visa is a two-step process. First, you need to submit your application for the tourist visa to the appropriate Canadian visa office in your region. Your application will be closely scrutinized by the visa officer who may also have a one on one interview with you. Secondly, after getting a tourist visa you might be interviewed at a POE in Canada by an immigration officer.
Applying for Canada Tourist Visa Online
If you wish to apply for a Canada tourist visa online, you will need to follow the following steps:
- You will need access to a camera or scanner to produce electronic copies of the documents you are required to upload.
- You will also need a valid credit card to pay the fees.
- Then, all you have to do is fill out the application form, attest the necessary documents to it and email it to the Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Applying on paper for Canada Tourist Visa
If you wish to take the traditional route to apply for a Canada Tourist visa, you will have to perform the following procedure:
- Download the correct application form from www.canadainternational.gc.ca and fill it out and print it on a laser printer.
- Go through the checklist relevant to the tourist visa and ensure that all documents as mentioned are attested to your application form.
- Check the fees applicable to a tourist visa on www.canadainternational.gc.ca
- Visit the nearest Canada Visa Application Centre along with your passport, two passport-sized photographs, filled out forms, all the supporting documents, and the fees. Submit your application after making the payment.
- Obtain a receipt after paying the fees as the receipt will contain your unique tracking number that must be used to track the status of your application.
How to Track Your Canada Tourist Visa Application Status
You can check the status of your Canada tourist visa application at the Canada Visa Application Centre. All you have to do is to enter your date of birth along with your tracking number and hit Submit and it will tell you how long it will take for your application to be processed.
Types of Canadian tourist visas
A person willing to visit Canada temporarily might apply for a single entry visa or multiple entry visa. A single entry visa is granted to a visitor up to 6 months from the estimated date of travel. A multiple entry visa is effective for a maximum period of 10 years or one month before the visa expires.
Canada Tourist Visa Fees 2018
The Canada Tourist Visa fees for the year 2018 are mostly the same but only with a few modifications with effect from April 1, 2017. The payment can be done by any one of these modes:
- Cash
- Debit Card or Credit Card
Canada Tourist Visa Fee Details
|
| ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) | $7 per person | Rs.354 |
| Visitor Visa (single or multiple entry) | $100 per person | Rs.5,046 |
| Visitor Visa (single or multiple entry) – Family (5+) | $500 | Rs. 25,230 |
Key Points To Remember
- An applicant should be able to pay the entire fee in Canadian dollars.
- The family members should apply simultaneously at the same time and place.
- The children should be eligible as dependents. A dependent’s age limit has been changed from 19 to 22.
The citizens of a few territories and countries have to provide their biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) while applying for a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit.
Biometrics Fee Details
|
| Family | $170 | Rs.8,578 |
| Per Person | $85 | Rs.4,289 |
| Performing Artists Crew (3+ members) | $255 | Rs.12,868 |
How to Apply For a Canadian Visa
Almost all applications for the Canadian visa is done through VFS global. The process is detailed and clear. Let’s take a look at the VFS process here.
- The first step to applying for a Canadian visa is to read the requirements and application form thoroughly.
- Download the correct form and the checklists you require.
- Fill out the form and attach your documents electronically. You then need to print it on a white, non-glossy, bond sheet of paper with a laser printer.
- In case you cannot fulfil the documents required, you can fill out the waiver form and sign it. Then attach it to your application form.
- You are required to read the privacy policy. Fill out the consent form and then attach it to your application form. This is required by VFS to carry out your visa application. If you miss this step, the application will be returned to you.
- After this, you can proceed to pay the fees. The process and instructions are given in detail on the Canadian Visa Office website.
- If you choose to submit your application through the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC), by mail or in person, then additional CVAC service fees must also be paid.
- Keep your passport, photographs, the required documents and filled-in application forms ready. Visit the CVAC with these documents.
- A service charge inclusive of tax will be applicable. This needs to be paid in INR cash.
- You will be given a receipt with a unique tracking number. You will be able to track the status of your application online.
Tracking the Visa Application
At any stage of the application process, the applicants can use the following methods to track the status of their application:
- By Phone - Contact VFS Helpline Number 022-67866002 (Monday - Friday: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M.)
- By Email - Send an email to info.canada@vfshelpline.com (Monday - Friday: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M.)
- Online - Follow these steps
- Visit-https://www.vfsvisaonline.com/Global-Passporttracking/Track/Index?q=shSA0YnE4pLF9Xzwon/x/CQ1P0LBKn66dLdNUfueK+zXVvfCaQtqf4wkl10oKbwhActUUQpLseDw/c2V80Cpow==
- Enter Tracking ID No
- Enter D.O.B. in DD/MM/YYYY format
- Validate Captcha
- Click Submit
Canada Visa Application Centers in India
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi-110001 |
| Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. SCO 186-187, Ground Floor (Front Side), Sector- 8C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh-160018 |
| Office Hours: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 08:30 A.M. to 05:30 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre Aman Plaza, 3rd Floor, 310 Lajpat Nagar, Mahavir Marg, Nakodar Chowk, Opposite to Lovely Autos, Jalandhar-144001 |
| Office Hours: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 08:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 08:00 A.M. to 06:00 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Fagun Towers, Second floor, No 74, Ethiraj Salai, Landmark: Near Ethiraj College Egmore, Chennai- 600008 |
| Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Unit No - 405, Level-4, 3rd Floor, Prestige Atrium, No.1 Central Street, Bengaluru -560001 |
| Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. H.No-1-8-313, Linus, 2nd Floor, Chiran Fort Club Lane, Begumpet, Hyderabad-500016 |
| Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Trade Centre 5th Floor, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East), Mumbai – 400051 |
| Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Gujarat Chamber Building, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad-380009 |
| Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. 4th floor, E core, Marvel edge, Viman Nagar, Pune 411014 |
| Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. |
| Canada Visa Application Centre VFS Global Services Pvt. Ltd. Rene Tower, Building No. 1842, Rajdanga Main Road, Rajdanga, Landmark: Near Geetanjali Stadium Kolkata, 700107 |
| Office Hours: 09:00 A.M. to 05:00 P.M. Application Submission: 09:00 A.M. to 04:00 P.M. Passport Collection: 02:00 P.M. to 04:00 P.M. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is CVAC?
Canada Visa Application Centers (CVAC) are managed by VFS Global to facilitate visa application process for the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Applicants can visit any of the CVAC to apply for a visa to Canada. Additionally, the permanent residents of Canada can utilize the services offered by the CVAC to apply for their Permanent Resident (PR) Card.
- How do I initiate the visa application process?
Applicants can choose either the online or offline method to initiate the application process. The online method involves filling in the application form and submitting the documents online while the offline method requires the applicant to carry out the application on paper. Both the methods offer multiple visa fee payment options based on various factors.
- Do I need to submit my passport?
Yes, in order for the passport to be ready for travel, the visa needs to be stamped with an approval. The process requires the applicants to submit the passport which is returned to them through a secure method.
- How will I receive my passport?
Once the application is approved or rejected due to any reason, the passport can either be collected in person or through a representative. The applicants can also choose to receive their passport through courier services (subject to availability and payment of applicable charges).
- How do I track the status of my visa application?
Applicants of online applications can use their tracking ID and validate it with their D.O.B. to instantly obtain the latest status of their application, however, they can also contact the CVAC through telephone or email for an update.
- How long will it take for the visa application to be processed?
The application processing time varies based on factors such as the applicant’s nationality, the accuracy of details on the application form, authenticity of submitted documents, the status of visa fee payment, visa category, duration of stay, etc.
- Do I need to submit the biometric details?
The applicants may be asked to submit their biometric details based on their nationality and visa application category. Moreover, the applicant may be asked to attend the visa interview.
- Can I contact anyone to address my concern pertaining to the application process?
Yes, you can get in touch with one of the CVACs which will provide you with more information and guidance in carrying out the application.
- How much is the visa fee?
The visa fee varies based on the applicant’s nationality, visa category, duration of stay, and other factors. The following table indicates the visa fee for few of the categories:
Canada Visa Fees
|
| Temporary Residence - Visitor visa (including super visa) or extension of stay in Canada | Visitor visa (including super visa) - per person | 100 |
| Visitor visa – family (5 or more) | 500 |
| Extend your stay as a visitor - per person | 100 |
| Restore your status as a visitor | 200 |
| Electronic Travel Authorization | | 7 |
| Work Permits (including extensions) | Work permit (including extensions) – per person | 155 |
| Work permit (including extensions) – group of performing artists (3 or more) | 465 |
| Open work permit holder | 100 |
| Restore your status as a worker | 355 |
| Study Permits (including extensions) | Study permit (including extensions) – per person | 150 |
| Restore your status as a student | 350 |
| Biometric | Per person | 85 |
| Family | 170 |
| Group of performing artists – 3 or more | 255 |
| Permanent Residence - Business immigration | Your application | 1,540 |
| Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) | 1,050 |
| Include your spouse or partner | 1,040 |
| Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) | 550 |
| Include a dependent child | 150 |
| Permanent Residence - Economic immigration (including Express Entry) | Your application | 1,040 |
| Your application (without right of permanent residence fee) | 550 |
| Include your spouse or partner | 1,040 |
| Include your spouse or partner (without right of permanent residence fee) | 550 |
| Include a dependent child | 150 |
| Permanent Residence - Right of permanent residence fee | Right of permanent residence fee | 490 |
| Permanent resident cards | 50 |
| Permanent resident travel document | 50 |
| Permanent Residence - Citizenship | Adopted adult (18 and over) | 630 |
| Adult (18 and over) | 630 |
| Stateless adult (18 or over) born to Canadian parent | 100 |
| Adopted minor (under 18) | 100 |
| Minor (under 18) | 100 |
| Other citizenship fees and services | Citizenship certificate | 75 |
| Search for your record of citizenship | 75 |
| Resume your citizenship (18 and over) | 530 |
| Resume your citizenship (under 18) | 100 |
| Renounce your citizenship | 100 |
| Right of Citizenship | 100 |
| Other applications and services | Temporary resident permit | 200 |
| Verify your status or replace an immigration document | 30 |
| Inadmissible on the grounds of criminality | 200 |
| Inadmissible on the grounds of serious criminality | 1,000 |
| Authorization to return to Canada | 400 |
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