A visitor visa is needed to come to Canada as a tourist, make a quick trip to visit family or do business for individuals from many nations. Here’s all you need to know about the Canada visitor visa checklist. 

Anyone who is not a permanent or temporary resident of Canada will need a visitor visa to enter the nation. However, citizens of certain nations do not need a visitor visa & can instead pursue an eTA. eTAs are a more streamlined form of travel authorization available to nationals of nations that have visa-free travel agreements with Canada. 

What Is Needed To Obtain A Canadian Visitor Visa? 

Applicants must prepare a Canada visitor visa checklist before coming to Canada. Here’s what is included in it: 

  • Completed The Required Forms 

Depending on whether you are applying inside or outside of Canada, you will need to fill out different forms. Those applying outside of Canada will require: 

  • Application for a temporary resident visa 
  • Family information form
  • Statutory Declaration of common-law Union 
  • Use of representative – Note this is only required if you have used the services of a representative or if you are appointing or canceling the use of a representative
  • Authority to release personal/ private information to a designated individual – Note this form is only required if you authorize IRCC or CBSA to release information/ data from your case file to someone other than yourself

  • Collect The Required Documentation

Another aspect included in the Canada visitor visa checklist includes collecting the required documentation. 

Along with the above forms, candidates for a visitor visa will need the following documentation in support of their request: 

  • Receipt of fee payment
  • A photocopy of the information page of your passport, including the passport number, issuance/ expiry dates/ photo/ name/ issue date, place of birth, etc. 
  • Two photos meeting the necessary requirements of the visa application photograph specifications. On the back of these two photos, candidates must write their name & date of birth. If candidates are required to provide biometric fingerprints, & photo, they do not have to attach these photos
  • Proof of financial support, proving that you can support yourself & any family member accompanying you while you are in Canada
  • Photocopy of your marriage certificate/ license 
  • Letter explaining the purpose of your travel 
  • Photocopy of your current immigration status
  • Minors traveling alone or with one parent should provide custody documents or a letter of authorization from the other non-accompanying parent of a letter of authorization signed by parents/ legal guardians
  • Any other additional documents required by the responsible visa office in your region

Note that application forms completed online must be completed & validated with the generation of a barcode. If completed on a computer, these barcodes will be automatically attached to the immigration forms. Otherwise, they must be printed & placed at the top of an application if applying by paper.  

How To Pay Required Fees & Prove Fee Payment To IRCC 

There are two kinds of fees that candidates for visitor visas might need to pay. These are application processing fees & biometric fees. Those who do not need to provide biometrics might be exempt from the second set of fees.

Moreover, application processing fees for visitor visas are CAD 100 per person & CAD 500 for a family. 

On the other hand, biometric fees are CAD 85 per person & CAD 170 per family. These fees might be subject to change & cannot be refunded, irrespective of the decision reached on your application. In addition, the only accepted method to pay these fees is online. 

After following the given instructions & completing the process, you must wait until an official IRCC receipt is issued with a barcode. Applicants are advised to save this file & attach a copy of it to their application. 

How To Provide Proof Of Financial Support 

You can use numerous documents to prove that you can support yourself & any dependents that accompany you while you are visiting Canada. 

Some instances include cash, certified cheques, bank drafts, or money orders in a large enough amount to cover all reasonable expenses incurred during your stay in Canada. 

Moreover, written or verbal statements can also be used, provided that they satisfy an officer that enough financial support from friends & family has been arranged & can cover reasonable incurable expenses during your stay. 

Other documents include bank statements, a letter of employment, or previous tax filing information.

How To Write A ‘Purpose Of Travel’ Letter 

Another significant thing in the Canada visitor visa checklist is writing a purpose of travel letter.

All foreign nationals entering Canada must be able to study as an officer at their time of entry so that they have legitimate reasons to enter & reside in Canada. In the context of a visitor visa, this can often also include proving that you will leave Canada once the period of your authorized stay expires. 

In certain cases, visitor visa candidates might also need a letter of invitation from a permanent resident or Canadian citizen. 

Applying With Family Members

Visitor visa applications wishing to bring their family with them on their trip to Canada must complete an application form for each family member. All applications might be submitted together online or at VAC, where you will send your application on paper. A single receipt might also be given for all included applications. 

Finally, all family members & dependents must meet all requirements for temporary residence in Canada.