Applying for a Canadian Tourist Visa
The Canadian tourist visa is issued for activities like exploring tourist attractions, visiting landmarks, or reconnecting with relatives. This visa does not permit work, study, or long-term residency in Canada. In recent years, the demand for this visa has surged due to Canada’s abundant tourist attractions and relatively favorable issuance conditions.
The Canadian government also facilitates family reunions by allowing tourist visits with an invitation letter, enabling those living outside Canada to stay temporarily in the country.
Who Is a Tourist According to the Canadian Government?
From the Canadian government’s perspective, a tourist is a non-citizen who intends to visit the country and requires authorization to enter. Each year, millions of people travel to Canada on tourist visas. This visa is an excellent opportunity for those undecided about immigrating to Canada, offering a chance to experience the country firsthand. Also known as a visitor visa or temporary resident visa, it allows a maximum stay of six months per entry.
Requirements for a Tourist Visa
- Valid passport
- Good physical and mental health
- Sufficient financial resources
- Evidence of short-term stay intentions
- Commitment to leave Canada by the specified date
- Clean criminal record
- Assurance of posing no threat to Canada’s national security
- Medical tests (if required, e.g., HIV test)
Once the necessary documents are prepared and conditions met, you must submit your application and documents to the Canadian embassy. Following an initial review, the embassy will invite you to complete the subsequent steps.
Key Considerations for Obtaining a Tourist Visa
- Fees must be paid in Canadian dollars.
- Under updated regulations, the age of dependent children has increased from 19 to 22, and dependents must meet specific criteria.
- Applications for all family members must be submitted simultaneously and at the same location.
- Some nationalities are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Types of Tourist Visas
- Single-Entry Visa: Allows a stay of up to six months, after which you must leave Canada.
- Multiple-Entry Visa: Permits repeated entries and exits from Canada until one month before your passport expires.
Required Documents for a Tourist Visa
- One recent 3.5×4.5 cm photo
- Passport valid for at least one year, plus previous passports with visa stamps
- Translated marriage certificate
- Translated birth certificate
- Proof of enrollment (for students)
- Individual visa application form for each applicant
- Translated employment documents
- Bank statement with an official English seal and six-month account history
- Social security insurance records
- Permission to travel for those under 18
- National ID card
- Property deed
Visa Application Response
After submitting documents and completing biometrics, you’ll receive the decision within 2–3 weeks via email. If rejected, there’s no formal appeal process, but you can reapply after addressing the reasons for denial.
Issuance of the Tourist Visa
If approved, you must send your passport to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) where biometrics were completed for visa stamping. The passport pickup process typically takes 1–2 weeks and incurs shipping and embassy fees.
Steps to Obtain a Tourist Visa
There are two application methods:
- In-Person: Download forms from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website (ca), fill them out accurately, and submit them with documents to an immigration service center. Errors can lead to rejection.
- Online: Complete forms on the website, pay fees online, and visit a VAC in a neighboring country for biometrics. You’ll receive a tracking code upon registration.
Visa Fees
The cost for a tourist visa (single or multiple entry) is CAD 100, covering document review and biometrics. If you have an invitation letter, include it with your application.
Biometrics
For in-person applications, biometrics are collected during document submission. Since Canada has no embassy in Iran, Iranians must visit neighboring countries like Turkey, the UAE, or Azerbaijan. The process takes up to 30 minutes.
Extending a Tourist Visa
Extending a tourist visa is a common concern for visitors. This visa allows foreigners to stay legally in Canada for a limited period. To extend your stay, you must apply at least 30 days before the visa expires.
How to Extend
Complete Form IMM 5708 for an extension. If approved, you’ll receive a Visitor Record specifying your authorized stay duration. Once it expires, you must leave Canada. Note: This document only extends your stay, not your ability to re-enter Canada, which requires separate conditions.
