Feb 01, 2023
How to Apply For a Visitor's Visa
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Are you a Filipino planning to travel to Canada? Whether you are visiting as a tourist, visiting family, attending a meeting or conference, or just simply transiting through Canada, then you definitely need a Visitor Visa. Well, everyone except parents or grandparents of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.
If you are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, then you may need to apply for a super visa instead.
Everyone else will need a visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa), which is an official document, that will be sticked to your passport, that shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada.
In most cases, most visitors will be able to stay in Canada for up to 6 months, but an officer may allow you to stay longer. At the port of entry, they'll put the date you need to leave by in your passport. They might also give you a document, called a visitor record, which will show the date you need to leave by.
Eligibility
You must meet some basic requirements to get a visitor visa. You must:
- have a passport
- be in good health
- have no criminal or immigration-related convictions
- convince an immigration officer that you have ties—such as a job, home, financial assets or family—that will take you back to your home country
- convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
- have enough money for your stay
- The amount of money you will need depends on how long you will stay and if you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives.
You may also need a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
Step 1: Get the documents that show you meet the criteria for a visitor visa
The required documents may change from time to time, so I believe it will be safer to link you to the list of documents instead. I don't think it would also help if I explain them one by one, but if really need some help and/or clarification, feel free to join our group and ask away.
Step 2: Apply online
To apply online, you'll need to create electronic copies of your documents. You can get it properly scanned, but if you don't have an access to scanner, they accept copies taken by a camera too. Just make sure it is legible.
1. Create an account
After you've collected the required documents, or even while gathering the documents, you can create an account where you'll be applying online.
If it’s your first time using the IRCC Portal, they will ask for your email and give you a code to sign up for an account. If you have already applied before and/or have already an account. You may use that account.
2. Upload your documents
After you answer all the questions, you’ll get a list of documents you need to upload.
This includes the documents that support your visa application.
3. Pay your fees
You will need a credit card or a debit card from Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB® and UnionPay® to pay for the fees. If you're applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application. Otherwise you may experience delays in your application
Step 3: Give your fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
A few days or weeks after you've submitted your application, they'll message you through your account in the IRCC portal and through email, requesting for biometrics. You’ll get a letter confirming that you need to give your biometrics and telling you where you can go.
Book your biometric appointment as soon as you can to avoid processing delays.
On your appointment date, you'll need to go to an official biometric collection site and bring the biometric instruction letter and your valid passport. Below are the Biometrics collections ites in the Phillipines.
If you are not in the Philippines, then use this link below to find a collection site close to you.
After you apply
They will review your application to make sure you have all the documents you need. If it's incomplete, they'll return your application without processing it.
Most applications are processed within a few weeks or less but the processing time will always depend on the visa office and if you need to do any extra steps.
Once your application is approved, they'll ask you to send them your passport for visa stamping. Follow the instructions that they'll be sending you.
Once you received your passport back with your visa. There's nothing else to do but Prepare for your travel to and arrival in Canada.
Yes! That's it with those three simple steps. I hope you find these guide usefull and I hope you have the time to visit me in Canada too. 😜 My daughter really loves Stick-O. I mean if you're thinking about what pasalubong to bring us. 🫣 No obligations tho and you can support our website in some other ways. Anyway, let me wish you Good luck! and hope to see you in Canada soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there medical requirements?
If you plan to visit for six months or less, then you usually do not need a medical exam. If you plan to visit for more than six months, then you will need a medical exam.
Can I work or study during my stay in Canada?
Visitors are not allowed to work or study in Canada. You will have to apply for a work or study permit seperately. Although a temporary resident may also take a program of study up to six months duration without having to obtain a study permit.
Can I look for a job inside Canada during my stay as a visitor?
You should always stay true to your intent in visiting Canada but they have a program allowing certain visitors in Canada to apply for a work permit which expires on February 28, 2023.
Anyway, there's nothing illegal about looking for a job while you are in Canada. But you'll definitely be sent home if you declare this to the Immigration Officer.
If you're really taking this pathway, please make sure to read this article.
Tourist to Work Permit (The Untold Story)
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