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Frequently Asked Questions: |
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1. Do I need a Visa? |
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If you are a citizen of any of these Countries /territories you require visas to visit or transit Canada : |
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A
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
B
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
C
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Rep.
Chad
Chile
China, People’s Rep. of
Colombia
Comoros
Congo, Democratic Rep. of the
Congo, Rep. of the
Costa Rica
Croatia
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M
Macao S.A.R.
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives Islands
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Micronesia , Fed. States
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar ( Burma )
N
Nauru
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
O
Oman
P
Pakistan
Palau
Palestinian Authority
Panama
Paraguay |
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D
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Rep.
E
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
F
Fiji
G
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
H
Haiti
Honduras
Hungary
I
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Israel
(only Israeli citizens holding valid Israeli
“Travel Document in lieu
of National Passport”)
Ivory Coast
J
Jamaica
Jordan
K
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Korea , North
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
L
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Lithuania
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Peru
Philippines
Poland
Q
Qatar
R
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
S
Sao Tomes e Principe
Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Slovak Rep.
Somalia
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Surinam
Syria
T
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
U
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
V
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Y
Yemen
Z
Zambia
Zimbabwe |
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2. I am working in Switzerland do I have a Visitor Visa Exemptions? Many people do not require a visa to visit Canada . These include:
- citizens of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, Brunei, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of ), Latvia (Republic of), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, and Western Samoa;
- persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in possession of their alien registration card (Green card) or can provide other evidence of permanent residence;
- British citizens and British Overseas Citizens who are re-admissible to the United Kingdom ;
- citizens of British dependent territories who derive their citizenship through birth, descent, registration or naturalization in one of the British dependent territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, St. Helena or the Turks and Caicos Islands;
- persons holding a British National (Overseas) Passport issued by the Government of the United Kingdom to persons born, naturalized or registered in Hong Kong;
- persons holding a valid and subsisting Special Administrative Region passport issued by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China ; persons holding passports or travel documents issued by the Holy See.
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3. I would like to visit Canada, can I apply?
If you plan to visit Canada , you must:
- have a valid travel document, such as a passport
- be in good health
- convince an immigration officer that you have ties, such as a job, home and family, that will take you back to your country of origin
- convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit and
- have enough money for your stay. The amount of money you will need can vary with the circumstances of the visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives. For more information, ask the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
You may also need:
- a Temporary Resident Visa, depending on your citizenship
- a medical examination and
a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada . | |
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4. What is inadmissibility? Some people are inadmissible—they are not allowed to come to Canada . Several things can make you inadmissible, including involvement in criminal activity, in human rights violations or in organized crime. You can also be inadmissible for security, health or financial reasons. | |
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5. What is criminal inadmissibility? If you have committed or been convicted of a criminal offence, you may not be allowed to enter Canada .
Criminal offences include both minor and serious offences, such as theft, assault, manslaughter, dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For a complete list of criminal offences in Canada , consult the Canadian Criminal Code.
If you were convicted of a crime when you were under the age of 18, you can probably still enter Canada . | |
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6. How can I apply?
If you want to visit Canada , you may need a visa. Canada requires citizens from some countries and territories to get a visa before they can enter Canada . Before you plan your visit, you should find out if you need a visa. |
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7. How to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa?
- Obtain a Temporary Resident Visa application kit.
- Read the guide.
- Complete the Application form and attach the necessary documents.
- Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
- Mail the application form and necessary documents
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8. From where do I get a visa application kit?
It can be easily downloaded. Or if you are outside Canada , all you need is to contact the Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate responsible for your area to have an application mailed for you. | |
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9. As soon as I complete the form, what are the necessary documents that I should attach with it?
You should attach the application form that contains all instructions. Read the instructions and be sure to provide the required documents. If you do not provide all the requested information or documents, your application may be delayed.
You can use the same application form for your spouse or common-law partner and for dependent children under 18 if they will be traveling with you.
All required documents must be included with your application:
- You must have a valid travel document (such as a passport) for each family member on the application.
- Two recent passport photos of each family member are required. Make sure these photos meet the requirements.
- Enclose the application fee and the IMM 5401 receipt of payment. Your fee will not be refunded, even if your application is not accepted.
- You must provide proof that you have enough money for your visit to Canada . The amount of money may vary, depending on the circumstances for your visit, how long you will stay and whether you will stay in a hotel, or with friends or relatives. You can get more information from the Canadian visa office in your country or region.
- You may need to include other documents. These documents could be identification cards, proof of employment, a letter of invitation from relatives or friends in Canada , or a proposed itinerary.
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10. How much does it cost for a Visa?
The fee per person is $75 for a single entry visa, $150 for a multiple entry visa or $400 for a family (multiple or single entry). | |
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11. To whom should I mail the application form and necessary documents? When you have completed the application form, make sure you sign and date it, and that all required documents and fees are included in the envelope. In most countries, application fees must be paid in Canadian dollars. You must send your application to the Canadian visa office in the country or region where you live. Check the guide in your application kit for instructions. | |
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12. What time does it take to process?
The processing time of your application varies depending on the visa office where you applied. | |
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13. Do I need an interview with a visa officer?
You may need to go for an interview with a visa officer |
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14. Do I need a medical examination? You might need a medical examination to be allowed to enter Canada . If you do, a Canadian immigration officer will tell you and will send you instructions about what to do. A medical examination can add more than three months to the processing time of your application. | |
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15. Is there any need to keep a representative? You do not need a representative to help you apply to visit or immigrate to Canada . Whether you use a representative is a personal choice. | |
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| 16. Why do I need a letter of invitation?
A letter of invitation is not a legal document. Sometimes a person applying for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada is asked to provide a letter of invitation from someone in Canada . A letter of invitation does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. Visa officers assess the applicant to determine whether they meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Some visa offices may require that your letter be notarized by a Notary Public. Send your letter (notarized if necessary) to the person you are inviting to Canada . They must then submit this letter to the Canadian Embassy or Consulate outside of Canada when they apply for their Temporary Resident Visa.
17. What should I do after applying?
Most applications for Temporary Resident Visas are processed within a month or less. Processing times vary depending on the visa office.
18. I have a plan to change my address. What should I do? If you move or change your address, telephone number or any other contact information after you send your application to the Canadian visa office in your country or region, you must notify the visa office.
19. How the application is processed? After you send your application, it will be reviewed at the visa office to ensure it has been completed correctly and that it contains all the required documents. A visa officer will decide if an interview with you is necessary. If an interview is required, you will be notified of the time and place.
If your application is refused, your passport and other documents will be returned to you. You will also receive an explanation why your application was refused. If you sent fraudulent documents, they will not be returned.
If your application is approved, your passport and documents will be returned to you with your visa.
20. As soon as I reach Canada, what are the proceedings? When you arrive in Canada , you will be greeted by an officer of the Canada Border Services Agency ( CBSA). The CBSA is responsible for protecting the borders and points of entry to Canada .
The officer will ask to see your passport or travel documents. Make sure that you have them with you, and that they are not packed in your luggage. This will speed up your entry to Canada .
Even if you do not need a visa to enter Canada , the officer will ask you a few questions. The officer will confirm that you meet the requirements for admission to Canada . This should only take a few minutes. Children under the age of 16 should have valid identification with them. If you are travelling with a child and you are not the child’s parent or guardian, you should have a letter from the child’s parent or guardian authorizing entry into Canada . If you are the child’s only guardian, you should have documents to show there is no other guardian. For example, a birth certificate that does not identify the father would be suitable.
The officer will stamp your passport or let you know how long you can stay in Canada . Ask questions if you are unsure about anything.
21. Am I able to work or go to school in Canada ? If you have a permit, you are eligible to work as well as study. You cannot work or go to school in Canada without the proper permit. You will be asked to leave Canada if you work or study without a permit, or if you violate the conditions of your visa.
Most people asked to leave Canada have the right to an impartial hearing to review the decision.
22. What should I do to extend my stay?
It happens quite often, this is possible in special cases. If you decide you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension. You must send your application to extend your stay at least 30 days before your Temporary Resident Visa expires. If you stay longer than you are allowed by your visa, you will lose your temporary resident status and you could be asked to leave Canada .
23. What if I want to change my status after coming to Canada as a visitor? After you arrive in Canada , you may want to change the conditions of your visit. This is possible in special cases.
Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for no more than six months but, in some cases, visitors can stay longer. The date that you must leave Canada will be stamped in your passport. If you have a study permit or a work permit, the same expiry date will also be stamped in it.
If you decide you want to stay longer, you can apply for an extension. You must send your application to extend your stay at least 30 days before your Temporary Resident Visa expires. If you stay longer than you are allowed by your visa, you will lose your temporary resident status and you could be asked to leave Canada .
You must apply to extend your stay if you want to:
- visit, study or work longer in Canada
- change the type of your permit (for example, from studying to working in Canada ) or
- change the conditions of your stay (for example, if you are studying or working in Canada , and you want to change schools or jobs).
24. How to apply to extend my stay?
- Obtain a Temporary Resident Visa application kit.
- Read the guide.
- Complete the Application form and attach the necessary documents.
- Pay the fee and get the necessary receipt.
- Mail the application form and necessary documents.
25. How can I become a permanent resident of Canada ? If you wish to stay in Canada as a permanent resident, you must leave the country and apply from outside Canada . To become a permanent resident, you must meet the requirements for immigration to Canada . However, you can apply to become a permanent resident from inside Canada if you are:
- a refugee or a protected person
- a spouse or common-law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- a live-in caregiver or
- you hold a valid Temporary Residence Permit (formerly called a Minister's Permit).
26. What is there to see and do when I visit Canada ?
The expanse of Canada 's natural beauty, from mountains and glaciers to secluded lakes and forests, is almost unparalleled worldwide. But Canada 's allure is not just the great outdoors, Canada has cosmopolitan cities that are clean, safe, friendly and multicultural. In fact, Canada repeatedly is lauded as one of the world's most livable countries. Whether your interests are river rafting or live theater, Canada won’t disappoint.
Although it’s doubtful you’ll get to all of them in one trip, the following cities are the most popular destinations for visitors to Canada . Vancouver . Calqary, Niagara Falls, Toronto ,
Ottawa , Montreal , Quebec City, Halifax and Victoria are some of them.
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| 27. What is my money worth in Canadian dollars?
One Canadian dollar is equal to Rupees 39 at the time of this document going to press(january or 2008).
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