Things You Should Know Before Applying for a Canadian Visa

Good luck!
by Desiree Pore | June 01, 2018

Applying for a visa is no easy task; the number of requirements and documents needed to be fulfilled will consume most of your time. Certain criteria should also be completed in order for you to be eligible for a visa. These requirements may be a hassle, but it’s best to check everything beforehand rather than being rejected upfront.

It’s a known fact that obtaining visas from certain countries is a pain in the back, but Canada is an exception; well, easy in a way that it’s simple yet should be taken seriously. Here are things you need to know in order to obtain that coveted Canadian visa.

REQUIREMENTS:

Application Form (Visitor Visa: IMM5257)

The application form is available online and should be filled out; no need to print it.

Application Form (Family Information: IMM5654E)

Same as the Visitor Visa form, the Family Information form is available online and should be filled out digitally; no need for a printed version.

Passport

Scanned copy of your bio and visa stamps pages to show travel history.

Digital Photo

Scan a passport-sized (35mm x 45mm) photo with a white background. Click here for more photo specifications.

Proof of Means of Financial Support

Documentations that support your current financial status are required. What you need to present: Bank statement for the past four months, Certificate of employment, income tax reports, pay slips, and proof of assets (land titles, businesses).

Proof of Purpose of Travel

Documents such as wedding invitations, hotel bookings, travel itinerary, and airplane tickets can be submitted as proof that you’re traveling to Canada for a temporary visit.

Letter of Explanation (Optional)

If there’s a need to further discuss your intention to visit the country and your travel itinerary, feel free to express it in words and write a letter of explanation.

PROCESS:

Creating a GCKey Account

GCKey lets you access the online website of the Government of Canada. CIC or the Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship) will handle your application. Click here to register an account.

Uploading of Documents

Once you’re able to complete all the requirements aforementioned and after registering an account, upload all your documents. Only PDF, JPG, TIFF, PNG, DOC, DOCX files are accepted. NOTE: Each file should not go beyond 4MB.

Payment

Application fee is $100 (Canadian Dollars). Accepted cards are the following: American Express, Mastercard, and Visa.

Submission of Passport

You will be notified once your application got denied. But if your application is the other way around then you’ll also be notified to submit your passport.

Remember to apply early if you’ve already booked your flight so as you can reapply should your application be denied. Good luck!