Canadian Visitor Visa Assistance

In order to visit Canada, you must:

• have a valid travel document such as a passport
• be in good health
• satisfy the immigration officer that you have ties such as a job, financial assets, family etc., that will encourage you to return to your country when your visa expires. This is the most important factor in your application for a visitor visa and more important than the financial position of the person inviting you to Canada.
• satisfy the immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit
• prove that you have enough money for your stay. The amount needed will vary according to the length of your visit, whether you will stay with friends or relatives or in a hotel.

In addition, citizens of certain countries and territories require visas to visit or transit through Canada. Please check the CIC website for an updated list of countries whose citizens require visas to visit Canada.

Citizens of certain countries will need to submit biometrics i.e fingerprints and photograph, as part of their application for a visitor visa. You may also need a medical examination as well as a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

The person writing the letter of invitation is not legally responsible for you in Canada, but the letter should still be written in good faith. The letter must include the biographical and contact information about the person being invited as well as the purpose of the trip, how long the person plays to stay, where he or he will stay in Canada, and how she/he will pay for expenses.

There are two kinds of visitor visas: a single entry visa and a multiple entry visa. Both are valid for fixed periods and cannot be used after they expire.

A multiple entry visa allows visitors to enter and leave Canada for six months at a time, without having to reapply for a new visa each time. It may be valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever is earlier. You must enter Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa.

A single entry visa allows you to enter Canada only one time. Once you leave, excluding travel to the US and St Pierre and Miquelon, you will need a new visa to re-enter Canada.

After you submit your application, the visa office will review it to make sure it is complete. A visa officer will decide if you need an interview and if so, you will be informed of the time and place.

If your application for a visitor visa is denied, your passport and other documents will be sent back to you along with reasons for the rejection. There is no formal appeal process. If you wish to re-apply, you must show that your situation has changed substantively or you have significant new information to submit.

Note that having a valid visitor visa does not guarantee entry into Canada. A Canadian official might find that you are no longer admissible to Canada because your circumstances have changed or there is evidence that you lied on your visa application.