TRAVELLING TO CANADA

Non-Canadians entering Canada

When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if you need one.

Please find out if you need a visa to enter Canada before you leave your home country. Visas are issued by Canadian government offices abroad.

VISA APPLICATIONS

Submission of Applications:
Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that participants visit the website of the visa office responsible for processing their visa application for information on how to submit an application for a TRV and the documentation required to support the application. To view a list of visa offices and the countries they serve please go here.

Visa Application Centres (VACs):
In some countries Citizenship and Immigration Canada has engaged the services of a private service provider to assist individuals applying for CIC services.

Visa Application Centres (VACs) agents are available to help applicants fill out their forms and answer questions about the application process. They ensure applications are complete, which reduces the rate of returned applications and ultimately leads to faster processing. This low-cost service lessens the potential for people to fall victim of fraud.

The VAC sends applications to Visa offices and transmits decisions to applicants in a confidential manner.

VACs play no role in the decision-making process. The use of VAC services is completely optional. Applicants can continue to apply directly to the visa office if they prefer.

Participants should be encouraged to submit their visa applications through a VAC if this service is available in their country of residence. They should be invited to check their visa office website for information on the services available at the VAC serving their area and the costs.

Instructional Videos on how to complete TRV applications:
CIC has available on its internet site instructional videos on how to complete the TRV application on line. Participants should be encouraged to watch the video to ensure the applications are completed correctly. The videos are available here in English, French and Spanish.

Visa Applications Processing Times:
Processing time for TRVs vary depending on the office and the time of the year. Participants should be encouraged to apply early for their visa, if one is required, and to submit complete applications including all supporting documents. Summer is normally the busiest time.

For your information, general processing times at the various visa offices are available here. For more accurate processing times, applicants should consult the website for the visa office responsible for processing their application.

Source: Citizenship and Immigration Canada