Visa for Canada

Applying for a Canada visa solely depends on the purpose of one’s trip. Every visa serves a different purpose so one should be mindful of applying for the right kind of visa. The different types of Canada visas are business visa, study visa, tourist/visitor visa, work visa and permanent resident travel document.

Before one sends a Canada visa application, here are a few more details about the types of Canada visas:

Business Visa: This is a temporary non-immigrant visa that is given to an applicant who wants to travel to conduct business (but not a labour job). This visa is valid for 6 months.

Study Visa: One applies for a student visa to Canada only for educational purposes. The validity may vary depending on the course.

Tourist/visitor Visa: A tourist or visitor visa is given to one who wants to visit Canada for recreational/tourism purposes or wishes to spend some time with relatives or friends. This visa is also a temporary, non-immigrant visa.

Work Visa: This is another type of Canada visa offered to applicants who want to enter Canada to work. This visa is also a temporary one.

Permanent Resident Card: This is a document that states that one has permission by the Canadian authorities to reside in the country as a permanent resident, but not a citizen. The card can be valid for a period of 1 to 5 years.

Documents Required: Some standard documents required for Canada visa application are a passport with 6 months validity, two copies of the first and last page of the passport and a filled and signed Canada visa application form. Along with that, one must also submit two recent colour photographs, a cover letter stating the duration and purpose of stay, invitation letter, financial documents and detailed itinerary including hotel and flight bookings and the past 6 months’ bank statements.

In case one is applying for a business visa, the applicant must also produce documents such as a letter from the current employer confirming company details, employment, title and the duration and purpose of the visit.

Medical Requirements: If one plans to visit or study for 6 months or less, no medical test is required. He/she needs to give a medical examination only if one has stayed in Canada for more than 6 months or if you belong to any of the countries/territories listed on the government website. The medical test for the Canada visa application can be done upfront by contacting a panel physician, or one can wait till his/her form is reviewed and the visa office gives instructions.

Biometric Requirements: It is required if one applies for Canada visa online, by mail or in person. If one applies online/by mail, the biometric test can be done after paying all the fees. If one applies in person, he/she might be able to book an appointment in person and give the test at the time of submitting the application.

Application Process: One can send a Canada visa application online as well as submit it physically. After submission, the application is reviewed if it should be approved or renewed. At a later stage, the applicant will be asked to submit a police certificate, take a medical test and appear for an interview. One can track the Canada visa application status based on the verified phone number, email ID, date of birth as well as the tracking ID.

Canada Visa Fees: While submitting a Canada visa application, one has to fill an application as well as biometric fees. One must make sure to pay the fees in time to avoid any delays in processing. Irrespective of the decision on one’s application, the fees cannot be refunded. One can pay the fees using a credit card.

Canada Visa for Indians: The process for Canada visa for Indians is the same as above. In India, there are many Canada visa application centres such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune. The entire list of centres is on the official website along with the exact address and office hours.

After fulfilling the prerequisites, one can apply for a permanent residence status as well. The categories for Canadian permanent residence are Express Entry Category, Business Immigration, Canadian Experience Class, Provincial Nominee Programs and Family Class Immigration.