To apply for a Canada visa, follow these key steps:
- Determine the correct visa type for your purpose of travel (visitor, study, work, etc.).
- Gather all required documents, which may include passport, invitation letters, proof of finances, employment info, travel itinerary, and other supporting documents depending on visa type.
- Create an account and apply online on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.
- Complete the application form carefully, answering all questions honestly.
- Upload electronic copies of the required documents in the specified formats.
- Pay the applicable visa fees online.
- Schedule and visit the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) if required.
- Wait for processing; you may be requested to submit your passport for visa stamping after approval.
- Follow instructions to send your passport, and upon return, receive your visa sticker.
Processing times vary depending on the visa type and applicant nationality, ranging from weeks to several months. The visitor visa application process, for instance, can take 2 to 8 months when applied from outside Canada.
