Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor)
What documents do you need and how much does it cost?
Home > Visit Canada > Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor)
|
Depending on your nationality, you may need to give your biometrics:
|
|
If you are a citizen of a TRV-required country, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. This article explains the two options available to you for applying, the documents needed and the cost of the visa and how to pay for it. |
Application Options
You have two options to apply for tourist TRV, either (i) online, or (ii) on paper.
Honestly, applying in paper is way easier and reassuring than online for the following reasons:
- To apply online, you need to have access to a scanner or camera, and a credit/debit card. You can begin your application here. You will have to create a GCKey account (make sure you memorize your 4 questions and answers you choose, as each time you connect to your account, you will be asked one of these questions after entering your login and password). You can then choose to begin a visitor TRV application in your account. You will need to fill in the forms, sign them, scan them and upload them. You will also have to upload all required supporting documentation.
- To apply on paper, you will need to fill in the forms and sign them. Then find your country's Visa Application Center (Vfs.Global) and bring them with all required supporting documentation.
Honestly, applying in paper is way easier and reassuring than online for the following reasons:
- Visa Application Centers can answer questions in local languages and make sure that applications are complete.
- Visa Application Centers can provide application photographs and photocopies for a fee, thus making sure your photographs are acceptable.
- You can pay in cash in Visa Application Centers.
- If applying online, you will still need to bring your passport to the Visa Application Center (for them to send it to the Canadian Consulate) and pay a fee almost the same as when applying directly with them. You will just be able to save a few bucks (less than $5), it is not worth it.
Check if you need to provide Biometrics
Depending on the country of nationality on your passport, you may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints scanning and photograph) to a Visa Application Center, for a fee of $85. You can check here if you need to provide them.
Fill out the Application Forms and Gather Supporting Documents
You need to fill and sign the following forms:
You need to provide the following supporting documents:
Other forms:
If you apply through a Visa Application Center, you will need to fill a waiver and consent forms that you can find in your country's Vfs.Global website (each country has its own waiver and consent forms).
Translation:
You must add the following for any document that is not in English or French:
- Application for Temporary Resident Visa: IMM5257. You need to download the form and fill it on your computer. If you open it on your browser, the form might not be displayed. You will need to validate the form after finishing (button at the end of the form), it will make sure you did not forget anything and will create barcodes at the last page of the form.
- Family Information form for every person 18 years or older: IMM5645 or IMM5707 depending on your region.
- Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union form if you are in a Common-law Union: IMM 5409.
- Use of a Representative form if you are using the services of a representative: IMM5476.
You need to provide the following supporting documents:
- Fee payment in an acceptable format. Please ensure to include the application processing fee and, if applicable, the biometric fee. If you apply on paper at a Visa Application Center, you can pay the $100 fee there. You can check your country's means of payment here.
- Photocopy of the information page(s) of your valid passport or travel document which includes: passport number, issuance and expiry dates, photo, name, date and place of birth.
- Two photos meeting the requirements. On the back of the two photos, write your name and date of birth. If you need your biometrics to be taken, you will no need to bring the two photos.
- Proof of financial support. Examples of supporting documents are provided here.
- Photocopy of your Marriage License/Certificate if married.
- Purpose of travel. Letter of Invitation for example.
- Photocopy of your current immigration status if your country of residence differs from the country of citizenship listed on your passport.
- Minors travelling alone or with one parent must provide custody documents or a letter of authorization from the other non accompanying parent or a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians.
Other forms:
If you apply through a Visa Application Center, you will need to fill a waiver and consent forms that you can find in your country's Vfs.Global website (each country has its own waiver and consent forms).
Translation:
You must add the following for any document that is not in English or French:
- the English or French translation; and
- an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (see below for details); and
- a certified copy of the original document.
Processing Times
Processing times for a visitor Temporary Resident Visa depend on the country from where you are applying.
You can find out your country's processing times here. You need to select "Visiting, studying, working temporarily", then "Visitor Visa (from outside Canada)", then choose the country you are applying from.
You can find out your country's processing times here. You need to select "Visiting, studying, working temporarily", then "Visitor Visa (from outside Canada)", then choose the country you are applying from.
Check here if you are eligible for a Super Visa.
