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As one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, Canada always captivates tourists with its majestic nature, modern cities intertwined with ancient charm, and diverse and rich culture. It’s easy to understand why millions of people choose Canada as their destination every year.
However, to begin your journey to experience this wonderful country, you need to complete the Canadian tourist visa application process. This is an important step that requires careful preparation of documents, information, and time. Follow this article to get the latest updated experience in applying for a Canadian tourist visa, making your trip smoother and more fulfilling!
How Many Types of Canadian Tourist Visas Are There?
Canadian tourist visas consist of two main types: single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas. The key difference between these two visa types is the number of times you are allowed to enter Canada during the visa’s validity period.
Importantly, you don’t need to choose a specific visa type when applying. Authorities will review your application based on your information, purpose of travel, and itinerary to determine the most suitable visa for your individual case. Understanding the differences between these two visa types will help you plan your trip to Canada more effectively.
Single-Entry Canada Visa
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A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once during its validity period. After leaving Canada, you will need to apply for a new visa if you wish to return. However, there is an exception: if you leave Canada to travel to the United States or Saint Pierre and Miquelon and return within the valid period, you can still re-enter Canada without needing a new visa.
Single-entry visas are typically granted in specific cases, when the purpose of the trip is for a single visit, such as attending an event, a special program, or short-term visits.
In fact, Canada now grants multiple-entry visas for the majority of applications, so single-entry visas are less common and are only granted when appropriate for each specific case.
You can refer to the official information on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website for the latest regulations!
Canada Multiple-Entry Visa
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A multiple-entry visa allows visitors to enter Canada multiple times during the visa’s validity period, usually lasting up to 10 years or until the passport or biometric data expires, whichever comes first.
Each entry allows visitors to stay for a maximum of 6 months, suitable for those who need to travel frequently for business, visiting relatives, or tourism. When applying, you do not need to choose a visa type. The Canadian immigration authorities will review your application and issue the most suitable visa based on the purpose of your trip.
What Documents Are Included in a Canadian Visa Application?
Personal Documents
Personal Information: The Canadian tourist visa application form (IMM 5257) and the family information form (IMM 5645) must be completed fully, accurately, and signed. If using a representative, you must also complete form IMM 5476. The signature on all forms must match the signature on your passport.
Passport: Original passport valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of departure from Canada, with enough blank pages for visa stamps. Certified copies of the personal information page, pages with previous visa/entry stamps (if any), and all old passports (if any).
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Photo: One 3.5 x 4.5cm portrait photo, taken within the last 6 months, with a white background, clear, without smiling or frowning, and facing straight ahead. If wearing glasses, ensure clear vision.
Personal documents: Including certified copies of your national identity card or citizen identification card, notarized birth certificate, and a complete certified copy of your family household registration book, including blank pages.
Marital status: Marriage certificate (if married), divorce decree (if divorced), death certificate (if spouse has passed away).
Financial Documents
Bank Account: Bank statements for the last 3-6 months, clearly showing account balances and transactions. The minimum recommended balance is USD 5,000 or equivalent, but a higher balance is better.
Savings Account: Copy of savings account passbook, confirmation of current balance.
Assets: Documents proving ownership of real estate (land title deed, land use right certificate), vehicles, stocks, shares, bonds… (if any).
Credit Card: Photo of MasterCard or Visa Card (if any).
Personal Employment Documents
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Employee: Employment contract, recruitment/appointment/salary increase decision, leave application, salary slips for the last 3 months.
Business owners: Business registration certificate, tax payment receipts for the last 3 months, company/personal bank statement for the last 3 months.
Retirees: Retirement decision, retirement card/book, pension statement.
Self-employed: Proof of employment (photos, contracts, invoices, etc.) and bank statements for the last 3 months.
Students: Confirmation of enrollment and leave of absence request.
Sales agents: Agency contract with documents proving revenue or profit.
Documents for Children Under 18 Years Old
Child’s birth certificate: Certified copy.
Parents’ identification documents: Copies of parents’ national identity cards.
Letter of consent: Letter of consent from one parent (or both) if the child is traveling with one parent or another parent, certified by the local authorities.
In addition, you should also prepare the following documents to increase your chances of getting a Canadian tourist visa:
Flight tickets: Confirmation of round-trip ticket booking.
Hotel: Hotel reservation confirmation or proof of address in Canada.
Itinerary: Detailed itinerary for your stay in Canada.
Many people worry that booking flights or hotels before receiving a visa can be costly if the application is not approved. To minimize risk, you can refer to the following tips:
- Only book flight reservations instead of buying actual tickets. Many airlines or travel agencies allow reservations for a certain period of time.
- Choose hotels with free cancellation policies, which are common on booking platforms like Booking or Agoda.
- Prepare a tentative itinerary; it doesn’t need to be overly detailed, but it should clearly show the cities you plan to visit and the length of your stay.
Guide to Filling Out a Canada Tourist Visa Application
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To apply for a Canada tourist visa, filling out the application correctly is a crucial step to increase your chances of being granted a visa. The application requires complete personal information, purpose of travel, and supporting documents such as financial means and itinerary. Follow the content below for detailed steps on how to fill out a Canada tourist visa application!
Step 1: First, you need to access the official website of the Government of Canada. Here, you will log in to your GCKey account to fill out the visa application form. If you don’t have an account, please register a new one following the instructions available on the page.
Step 2: After successfully logging in, scroll down and select “Start an application”. Next, select “Apply to come to Canada” to begin submitting your tourist visa application. Next, select “Visitor visa, study and/or work permit” to continue filling out the tourist visa application form.
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Step 3: On the first page of the form, you will encounter several questions to determine if you are eligible for a Canadian tourist visa. These questions include:
- What would you like to do in Canada? (What is the purpose of your trip?): Select “Visit” if you are going to Canada solely for tourism or to visit relatives.
- How long are you planning to stay in Canada? (How long do you plan to stay in Canada?): Select the appropriate duration (less than 6 months or more than 6 months).
- What is your current country/territory of residence? (What is your current country of residence?)
- Do you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? (Do you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident?): Select “Yes” if yes, or “No” if no.
- What is your date of birth?
After completing the above questions, click “Next” to continue, and the system will create a document checklist for your visa application.
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Step 4: Next, the system will ask you to provide personal information such as your date of birth and family relationships. If you have relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, you will need to answer a confirmation question and describe your relationship.
Step 5: In this step, you will be asked to declare your marital status (married, divorced, single) and information about the province or territory you will be visiting in Canada. If you are visiting multiple places, select the place where you will spend most of your time.
Step 6: Next, the system asks you to identify the main purpose of your trip. You need to select “Tourism”.
Step 7: You will be asked to answer some questions related to your employment and financial situation. At this step, the system will ask you to answer some questions related to your employment status, finances, and travel history. This information helps immigration authorities better understand your personal circumstances and assess your application.
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Some common questions include:
Do you have a job in the country where you currently live? Do you own a business in the country where you currently live? Do you depend on someone for financial support?
In addition, you will also be asked to declare your travel history for the past 10 years, including the countries you have visited. This information helps immigration authorities assess your past travel history and compliance with visa regulations.
Step 8: The system also requires you to declare social security issues. If you have ever committed a crime, been arrested, or been convicted in any country, you must answer truthfully. Additionally, if you have had a health checkup within the last 12 months from an IRCC-authorized doctor, please declare this information.
Step 9: Next, you need to upload the required documents, including a copy of your passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of financial means and employment. Note that these documents must be clearly scanned and in the correct format as required.
Step 10: After completing the above steps, you will be asked to pay the visa application fee. The fee can be paid online via international credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Please ensure you have an international payment card to make the payment.
Step 11: Finally, after completing the information and uploading the necessary documents, simply click the “Submit” button to complete the application process. The system will send you a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application. The results will be sent to you within the waiting period.
How Much Does a Canadian Tourist Visa Cost?
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The cost of applying for a Canadian tourist visa includes several specific fees that need to be carefully prepared to ensure a smooth process:
Visa fee: 100 CAD/person (approximately 1,800,000 VND).
Fingerprint biometric fee (if required): 85 CAD/person (approximately 1,500,000 VND).
Document translation and notarization fee: From 500,000 VND to 700,000 VND, depending on the number of documents.
Travel insurance: Approximately 300,000 VND to 600,000 VND, depending on the duration and package.
Additional services at the Visa Application Centre (if used): Express delivery, SMS, photocopying: From 50,000 VND to 100,000 VND.
Based on the above, the cost of applying for a Canadian tourist visa ranges from approximately 5,000,000 VND per person. However, this cost may change depending on the exchange rate or current regulations.
Note: To avoid unnecessary costs, please check the latest information from the relevant authorities and prepare all necessary documents from the start. This amount is non-refundable even if your visa application is rejected.
How Long Does a Canadian Visa Processing Time Take?
The processing time for a Canadian tourist visa typically ranges from a few weeks to a few months after you complete the biometric procedures (fingerprinting and photo). The specific processing time may vary depending on the country of application and the volume of applications at any given time.
In some cases, if the application requires additional documentation, further verification, or falls under a category requiring special consideration, the processing time may be longer than expected. Additionally, during peak periods such as the summer travel season or holidays, visa processing times may be affected due to a significant increase in the number of applications.
To ensure your travel plans are not disrupted, you should begin applying for a Canadian visa at least 6 months before your planned departure date. This will allow you sufficient time to address any issues and avoid last-minute delays. For accurate processing times, you can check the official Canadian government website.
Where to Submit Your Canadian Visa Application?
Currently, Canadian visa applications are submitted entirely online through the Canadian government’s system. After completing the online application, you need to go in person to a Canadian Visa Application Centre to have your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) taken. Below are the addresses for submitting Canadian visa applications in Vietnam.
Application Submission Address in Hanoi
Address: 2nd Floor, Hong Kong Tower, 243A De La Thanh Street, Lang Thuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi.
Business Hours:
- Biometric data collection: 09:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
- Visa result collection: 13:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
Application Submission Address in Ho Chi Minh City
Address: 9th Floor, Cienco 4 Tower, 180 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
Working Hours:
- Biometrics Collection: 09:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
- Visa Result Collection: 13:00 – 17:00 (Monday to Friday).
(*) Important Note:
- These centers are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
- Remember to call ahead or check the appointment schedule to avoid wasting time.
Please prepare all necessary documents, arrive on time, and always check the latest information on the Center’s official website for a smooth visa application process!
Detailed Steps for Obtaining a Canadian Tourist Visa for Self-Guided Groups
1. Determine the Right Type of Canadian Tourist Visa
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Before starting the process, you need to determine the type of visa you need, including single-entry or multiple-entry visas. To choose the right visa, you need to thoroughly research the requirements, conditions, and purpose of your trip. Check this information on the official website of the Canadian Government for more details and to prepare the appropriate documents.
2. Fill Out the Online Canadian Visa Application Form
After determining the type of visa you need, you will proceed to fill out the online visa application form. The Canadian tourist visa application can be submitted through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. This form requires you to provide complete personal information and details of your trip. After completing it, you need to print it out on a high-quality white paper, ensuring the barcode is clearly printed and easy to read.
3. Preparing Your Canadian Tourist Visa Application Documents
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A tourist visa application requires important documents such as your passport, passport-sized photos, proof of financial means, and other supporting documents. All these documents must be notarized and translated into English or French and scanned in color for online submission through the Canadian government system.
4. Submitting Your Online Visa Application and Paying the Fee
After preparing all the necessary documents, you will upload the entire application to the Canadian Government portal. Please note that you need to pay the visa application fee through online payment methods such as credit cards (Visa, MasterCard). After submitting your application and paying the fee, you will receive confirmation of your application status and can track the processing progress online.
5. Scheduling and Biometric Data Collection
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If your application is submitted and confirmed, you will receive a notification requesting biometric data collection, including fingerprints and a photograph. You need to schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to have your fingerprints and photograph taken. Go to the Visa Application Centre on the scheduled date to have your biometric data collected. Be sure to bring the necessary documents such as your passport, passport photo, and completed application forms.
6. Tracking Your Application and Receiving Your Canadian Visa Result
Once all procedures are completed, you can track the status of your application online. Once your visa is issued, you will receive the results and check the information on the visa to ensure it meets the requirements for entry into Canada.
Canada visitor visa application guide: Frequently Asked Questions When Applying for a Canadian Tourist Visa
Normally, when applying for a Canadian tourist visa, you will not have to attend an interview. However, in some special cases, the authorities may require you to attend an in-person interview. If this happens, don’t worry! Be prepared by referring to some frequently asked questions below:
1. What is the purpose of your visit to Canada?
I am coming to Canada for tourism and to visit famous landmarks.
2. How long do you plan to stay in Canada?
I plan to stay in Canada for about 2 weeks, from [X] to [Y].
3. Are you traveling alone or with someone?
I am traveling alone, but I have planned to participate in guided tours.
4. Do you have any relatives in Vietnam?
I live with my family in Vietnam, including my parents and siblings.
5. Do you have any relatives in Canada?
No, I don’t have any relatives in Canada.
6. What do you plan to do in Canada? Tell me about your itinerary.
I plan to visit Toronto, see the CN Tower, Banff National Park, and explore other famous tourist attractions in Canada.
7. How much do you plan to spend on this trip?
I estimate around 20,000 CAD for the entire trip, including airfare, accommodation, food, and sightseeing activities.
8. Who will pay for your trip?
I will pay for it myself using my personal savings.
Tips for answering Canadian visa interview questions:
- Always answer honestly, confidently, and concisely.
- Bring relevant documents to prove your information if needed, such as itinerary, flight tickets, accommodation confirmation, or bank statements.
- Always maintain a professional and friendly attitude to make a good impression.
Thorough preparation will help you pass the interview easily and increase your chances of getting a visa!
With its majestic natural landscapes and attractive tourist destinations, Canada will surely give you memorable experiences. Therefore, applying for a Canadian tourist visa is an essential first step to exploring this beautiful country. Hopefully, through this article, you have gained more confidence and knowledge to prepare your application and successfully obtain a visa.
Prepare your Canadian tourist visa application and visit the land of the maple leaf now!
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