How Apply for a Canada visa Online – Step-by-step guide
Identify visa type
Make sure that you have the appropriate visa for your trip.
The first thing you need to do is identify the kind of visa you require and determine whether or not you meet the requirements to apply for it.
You will also need to be aware of the documents that you will be required to submit along with your application, the length of time that the application process could take, and the fees that you will be required to pay.
Each application must be in accordance with the guidelines that are applicable to the category of visa being sought.
Visit Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) website for detailed guidelines.
You can click on the following links to obtain detailed information:
Permanent Resident Travel Document
Begin your application
Make an initial start on your application for a visa. You can also submit your application by filling out the visa application form through the website.
Book an appointment
Choose a Visa Application Centre and make an appointment.
Once you have applied for your visa, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’.
Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the appointment letter.
If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group.
The appointment letter will have a reference number along with provide details of the date, time and location of the appointment, along with other relevant information.
If you are not required to submit biometrics, you’ll have to wait for the decision of your application and check your MyCIC account for further instructions.
If you are required to submit biometrics after successfully submitting an E-Application, you’ll receive a notification in the form of a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). Upon receipt of the BIL, you’ll be required to visit the Visa Application Centre to submit biometrics.
Pay your fees
Find out the amount you need to pay
Once you have completed your application, you’ll have to pay your visa application fee.
You’ll have to pay the Government of Canada Fee and Biometric fee (if required) as per instructions on the IRCC website.
Visit a visa application centre
Attend your scheduled appointment
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You’ll have to submit your complete visa application form online.
Find out what happens at the Visa Application Centre.
Upon completion of biometric enrolment, you’ll receive a receipt confirming that your biometric has been collected at the Canada Visa Application Centre.
Once a decision has been taken on your visa application, you will be notified via email to submit your passport through a Passport Request Letter. If you are unsure of emails from IRCC getting delivered to you, please check your my CIC account periodically for updates.
Upon receipt of the Passport Request Letter, you’ll have to submit your original passport, along with the Passport Request Letter, passport bio page (2 copies) and VFS Global consent form, at the Visa Application Centre.
For complete guidance on how to submit passport and other supporting documents, please view the tab at the top of this page.