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After checking that you have all documents and forms required, our office will send your application to the. Canadian High Commission. IMM 5257 Form (Application for Temporary Resident Visa). Last updated:.
About Canada Visa Form
Form IMM 5257 is used by individuals who want to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada for a temporary purpose such as tourism, visiting family or friends, or business trips.
A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to indicate that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, a student, or a worker).
Note: Individuals must obtain a TRV before departure from their home country. Individuals cannot obtain a TRV upon arrival in Canada.
Who Should Apply for a Canada Visa
Form IMM 5257 is for individuals who wish to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa from abroad to visit Canada.
Individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may require a visa to enter Canada. The requirement for a visa also applies to temporary residents who are transiting in Canada. Please visit the IRCC (formerly known as CIC) site at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/guides/5256ETOC.asp for more information on individuals who are exempt from obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada.
Canada Visa Requirements
In order to qualify for a Temporary Resident Visa, individuals must show the officer that they meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and that they will be in Canada for a temporary stay.
Individuals must also:
- satisfy an officer that they will leave Canada at the end of their stay;
- show that they have enough money to maintain themselves and their family members in Canada and to return home;
- not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so;
- be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity;
- not be a risk to the security of Canada;
- provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish their admissibility;
- be in good health (complete a medical examination if required).
Forms you may also have to file
Last updated:
Canada tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. The entire visa application process is online. Canada typically issues long-term multiple-entry visas valid for 5 to 10 years.
Even if you are not planning on traveling to Canada right away, getting a Canadian tourist visa can be useful in two ways –
- Canada visitor visas are typically long-term visas (5 to 10 years). Apply for one now and you will have it for the next 10 years.
- Quite a few countries including Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama EXEMPT visa for those with a Canadian multiple entry visa.
BONUS: Click here for a cheatsheet for Canada tourist visa requirements.
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Canada Tourist Visa Requirements
Visa EXEMPT passport holders (eTA is NOT REQUIRED)
United States of America
Canadian permanent residents
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Visa EXEMPT passport holders (eTA is REQUIRED if traveling by air)
Andorra
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Cayman Islands
Chile
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Falkland Islands
Finland
France
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Cayman Islands
Chile
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Falkland Islands
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Montserrat
Netherlands
New Zealand
Gibraltar
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Montserrat
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Papua New Guinea
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Samoa
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Soloman Islands
Spain
St. Helena
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Turks and Caicos Islands
United Kingdom
Vatican City (Holy See)
Papua New Guinea
Pitcairn
Poland
Portugal
Samoa
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Soloman Islands
Spain
St. Helena
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Turks and Caicos Islands
United Kingdom
Vatican City (Holy See)
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Visa REQUIRED passport holders
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo (Dem. Rep. of)
Congo (Republic of)
Costa Rica
Cuba
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Argentina
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Botswana
Brazil
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo (Dem. Rep. of)
Congo (Republic of)
Costa Rica
Cuba
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guatemala
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Libaria
Libya
Macao
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Guyana
Haiti
Honduras
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ivory Coast
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kosovo
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Libaria
Libya
Macao
Macedonia
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Kitts and Nevis
Sudan
Surinam
Swaziland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Panama
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Sao Tome and Principe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sri Lanka
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Kitts and Nevis
Sudan
Surinam
Swaziland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Venezuela
Vietnam
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe
NOTE
The above visa REQUIRED passport holders are visa EXEMPT if they are permanent residents or green card holders in the United States. Canadian eTA is still REQUIRED if traveling by air.
The above visa REQUIRED passport holders are visa EXEMPT if they are permanent residents or green card holders in the United States. Canadian eTA is still REQUIRED if traveling by air.
BONUS (FREE eBook Download): Travel 56 countries VISA-FREE with a visa from the US, Canada, Schengen, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Singapore
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Application Process
Check if you need a visitor/tourist visa to travel to Canada in the “Visa Requirements” section above.
Alternatively, you can check your visa eligibility and requirements at the Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) website.
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
If you have a visa EXEMPT passport and you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you must apply for eTA online before your travel to Canada.
NOTE You cannot use ESTA (United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization) to enter Canada. Even if you have ESTA, you would still need to apply for Canadian eTA
Who does not need an eTA?
- Canadian dual citizens
- Canadian permanent residents
- United States passport holders
- Passport holders with a valid Canadian visa (tourist, student, work, etc)
Where to apply for eTA?
Apply for eTA online at Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) website. Fee for eTA is currently $7 CAD. ETA application usually takes a few minutes but sometimes it can take a few days for approval.
Flight tickets and hotel bookings are not required for eTA. Therefore, apply for eTA before you purchase your flight tickets.
Application
The first step in Canada visitor visa application is to create a Government of Canada (GC) login called GCKey
Once you have created your GCKey and signed in, you will be shown options to apply for different visas in the system. Choose visitor visa. You can save an incomplete application and come back later to complete.
Steps for Canada visa application
- Create a GCKey and sign into CIC website
- Choose visitor visa
- Fill in the mandatory details and save
- Download all Canada visa application forms
- Fill and electronic sign the visa application forms
- Upload filled and signed applications forms
- Upload supporting documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Submit the application
- Check status of your visa application
- On approval, mail your passport (dropbox and in-person facilities available at your nearest Visa Application Center VAC)
Documentation
The following documentation is needed for Canada visitor visa online application
- Completed and signed Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Application “Form IMM5257” (download from your application page)
- Proof of means of financial support (last 4 months bank statements or pay slips or employment letter)
- Copy of your passport (first, last pages along with pages that have stamps/visas)
- Purpose of travel (round trip flight tickets and hotel bookings)
- Completed family information “Form IMM5645” (download from your application page)
- Travel history (all pages with visas/stamps from your old and new passport in the last 10 years)
- Digital photo (in JPG format around 240KB)
- Completed “Schedule 1 Form 5257” (download from your application page)
- Letter of explanation of your trip (optional, explaining your purpose of travel to Canada)
All forms can be downloaded from your application page. Provide all pages of your passport that has stamps/visas. This will ensure you have a considerable travel history.
NOTE
Applications from Indian nationals who have traveled to the US and/or Canada in the last 10 years may be processed much quicker (2 to 5 days) under the new CAN+ expedited visa program.
Applications from Indian nationals who have traveled to the US and/or Canada in the last 10 years may be processed much quicker (2 to 5 days) under the new CAN+ expedited visa program.
In CAN+ program, additional documentation is not required and the application is processed within 2-5 business days.
Visa fee
Visa fee for Canadian visitor visa is $100 CAD. You can pay this fee using a credit card online during the submission of your application.
Biometrics
Passport holders of the below countries have to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) when applying for the visa.
You will be given instructions on where and how to give the biometrics on your application submission.
Egypt
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Laos
Haiti
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Laos
Lebanon
Libya
Nigeria
Pakistan
Palestine
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Libya
Nigeria
Pakistan
Palestine
Saudi Arabia
Somalia
Processing Time
Processing time for Canada visa can be anywhere from 5 to 50 days depending on where you are applying from. For current visa processing times, check the appication processing section of the CIC website.
Application Tracking
You can track your visa application status by signing into your visa application page or using the application status section of the CIC website.
Apply in person
You can apply for Canada tourist visa at your nearest Visa Application Center (VAC). The staff at the VAC also assist in filling the applications and submitting them online.
Apply by mail
Visa Application Centers accept visa applications sent via mail. Please check with your nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) for details..
Apply through visa/travel agency
You cannot apply for Canada visitor visa from a visa/travel agency. You can either apply online or from your nearest Visa Application Center (VAC).
Priority visa service
There is no priority visa service. Check processing times and apply in advance. You can apply for Canada visitor visa up to 3 months in advance.
If you hold an Indian passport and have traveled to the US and/or Canada before, your application MAY BE expedited under CAN+ program where your application will be processed in just a few days.
Considering your application for CAN+ expedited program is completely at the discretion of CIC and many other factors. Do not count on that. Instead, follow the timeline and apply for Canada visitor visa at least 3 months before your travel.
![Schedule Schedule](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125516642/782797143.png)
Mail passport
When your Canada tourist visa application is approved, you will be notified via email. You must then mail your original passport to your nearest VAC. VAC will then send your passport to the Consulate of Canada for the visa.
Alternatively, you can also submit or drop off your original passport at your nearest VAC in-person.
Customer service
There is no dedicated customer service. You can track your application status online. If you have to contact CIC for some reason, use their Web Form. For other inquiries, you can contact your nearest VAC.
Application withdrawal
There is no formal procedure to withdraw your Canada tourist visa application. You can just abandon it. If you do not send your passport within 30 days of application approval, your application will be void anyway.
Also Read: 14 ways to get a travel itinerary for visa application
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Immigration and Customs
Start
Most airlines do not let you check-in online if you need a visa to travel to the destination country.
If you check-in online or at the airport, either way, make sure to arrive at the gate a bit early and see the airline staff. They sometimes have to go through the visa requirements again, verify the documents and put a “Docs Ok” stamp on your boarding pass.
Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the day of travel.
Entry
At your first port of entry in Canada, you have to go through the Customs and Immigration. You will be asked about your purpose of travel and the number of days you will be staying in Canada.
As always, carry a copy of your return ticket and hotel/hostel/Airbnb booking for just in case.
Exit
Nothing needs to be done on exit. Just make sure to stop by the gate to check with the staff if they have to verify your documents.
The United States has set up its Customs and Immigration in some of the Canadian airports. If you are traveling to the United States from Canada, depending on the airport you may go through the United States Customs and Immigration.
When you land in the US, you will just walk out as if it was a domestic flight.
Return
You may have to go through immigration and customs on your return to your home country or the country you are flying back to. If you are flying back on an Airbus A330/A340/A380 or Boeing 747/777, expect long lines at the immigration and customs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: What documents are required for Canada Tourist Visa
The following documents are needed in order to apply for Canada tourist visa
The following documents are needed in order to apply for Canada tourist visa
- Completed and signed Canada visitor visa application form IMM5257 (download from your application page)
- Proof of means of financial support (last 4 months bank statements or pay slips or employment letter)
- Copy of your passport (first, last pages along with pages that have stamps/visas)
- Completed family information form IMM5645 (download from your application page)
- Travel history (all pages with visas/stamps from your old and new passport in the last 10 years)
- Digital photo (in JPG format around 240KB)
- Completed Schedule 1 Form 5257 (download from your application page)
- Letter of explanation of your trip (optional, explaining your purpose of travel to Canada)
FAQ: What is GCKey on CIC website?
The Government of Canada Key (GCKey) is needed to access any of the Government of Canada’s online services, including Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) website. Therefore, you need a GCKey to sign into CIC website to apply for Canada tourist visa. GCKey is basically a username and password.
The Government of Canada Key (GCKey) is needed to access any of the Government of Canada’s online services, including Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CIC) website. Therefore, you need a GCKey to sign into CIC website to apply for Canada tourist visa. GCKey is basically a username and password.
You can create your GCKey here via CIC website.
FAQ: What is the current Canada visitor visa processing time?
Canada visitor visa application processing time depends on where you have submitted your application. It can be anywhere from 15 days to 45 days. Follow the below steps to check the current application processing times in your location
Canada visitor visa application processing time depends on where you have submitted your application. It can be anywhere from 15 days to 45 days. Follow the below steps to check the current application processing times in your location
- Goto CIC Check application processing times page
- For question “What are you applying for?”, select “Visiting, studying, working temporarily”
- For question “Which temporary residence application?”, select “Visitor visa (from outside Canada)”
- For question “Where are you applying from?”, select the country where you applied from
- Click on “Get processing time”
FAQ: How to track Canada visa application status?
You can check the status of your Canada visitor visa application from your application page on CIC website. When there is a change in the status, you will receive an email alert.
You can check the status of your Canada visitor visa application from your application page on CIC website. When there is a change in the status, you will receive an email alert.
If your application has been pending for too long (over 30 days), you can contact CIC using their IRCC Webform. Follow the below steps to contact CIC.
- Go to IRCC Web form
- Click on “Tell us more”
- For question “Have you submitted an application for”, select option “Yes”
- For question “Is your application being processed by an office OUTSIDE Canada”, select “Yes”
- For question “Choose the visa office processing your application.”, select the country and city where you have applied
- Click on “Go to Web form”
- Then fill in the details and submit
FAQ: What is CAN+ visa
CAN+ is not a visa. It is an expedited program for Canada visitor visa applicants from India.
CAN+ is not a visa. It is an expedited program for Canada visitor visa applicants from India.
FAQ: What is CAN+ expedited program
CAN+ is an expedited program for tourist visa applicants from India. Applicants with India passport who have traveled to Canada or the US within the last 10 years are processed under the CAN+ expedited program. In this program, additional documents are usually not required and the application will be processed within 2-5 working days.
CAN+ is an expedited program for tourist visa applicants from India. Applicants with India passport who have traveled to Canada or the US within the last 10 years are processed under the CAN+ expedited program. In this program, additional documents are usually not required and the application will be processed within 2-5 working days.
This program was introduced by Chris Alexander, Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration Minister in July 2014. In his words –
Our government is committed to facilitating trade and travel for genuine visitors and business people from India who contribute positively to the Canadian economy. We are pleased to officially launch the CAN+ program in India, making it faster and easier for Indians to come to Canada to do business, visit family and friends, or to bolster Canada’s tourism industry. We value our strong relationship with India and this initiative will further enhance our economic and cultural ties.
FAQ: Why is my application is not being processed in CAN+ expedited program?
There is no way to choose/force CAN+ expedited program for your Canada visitor visa application. It is completely at the discretion of CIC officials whether or not to consider your application under this program. I have known many applicants who have traveled to the US and/or Canada in the last 10 years and still, their applications took more than 30 days to process.
There is no way to choose/force CAN+ expedited program for your Canada visitor visa application. It is completely at the discretion of CIC officials whether or not to consider your application under this program. I have known many applicants who have traveled to the US and/or Canada in the last 10 years and still, their applications took more than 30 days to process.
There may be several factors influencing your application to be NOT considered in CAN+ category. Only CIC officials know these factors.
Keep in mind that if you have traveled to the US or Canada in the last 10 years, you have a fair chance of your application to be considered in CAN+ category but there is no guarantee.
FAQ: How relevant is travel history for Canada visa?
Travel history can speed up and increase your chances of approval. If you are an applicant with India passport, you will have a fair chance of being considered for CAN+ program if you have traveled to the US or Canada in the last 10 years. Travel history provides the necessary proofs of your previous visits to the US and/or Canada.
Travel history can speed up and increase your chances of approval. If you are an applicant with India passport, you will have a fair chance of being considered for CAN+ program if you have traveled to the US or Canada in the last 10 years. Travel history provides the necessary proofs of your previous visits to the US and/or Canada.
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![Form Form](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125516642/967415089.jpg)
Overall
Canada’s incredible geography attracts millions of tourists every year. Canada tourist visa requirements are clear and easy to understand. The application process is online. Canada typically issues long-term multiple entry visas for 5 to 10 years.
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