1. Determine Visa Type
- Visitor Visa: For short visits (tourism, family visit, business).
- Study Permit: For studying in Canada.
- Work Permit: For employment opportunities in Canada.
- Permanent Residency (PR): For living permanently.
Note: Ensure you know which visa applies to your situation before starting the application.
2. Create an IRCC Account
- Visit the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Create an account using GCKey or sign in with a partner (banking sign-in partner if applicable).
- Use the following link: IRCC Account Creation
3. Complete Eligibility Check
- Use the Come to Canada Tool on the IRCC website to check your eligibility.
- Based on your answers, the tool will provide you with a personal checklist code.
4. Gather Required Documents
Typical documents required include:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
- Photographs (as per visa requirements).
- Proof of funds (bank statements, income proof).
- Purpose of visit (invitation letter, flight bookings, etc.).
- Supporting documents (educational, professional documents for study/work visas).
- Travel history (past visas, stamps).
5. Submit Online Application
- Sign in to your IRCC account.
- Start the application by selecting the visa type.
- Upload the documents as per your personalized checklist.
- Fill in the necessary forms (e.g., IMM5257 for visitor visas).
6. Pay Visa Fees
- Pay the applicable visa processing fees using a credit/debit card.
- You will receive a receipt with a tracking number for future reference.
Example Fees:
- Visitor Visa: CAD 100.
- Study Permit: CAD 150.
- Work Permit: CAD 155.
7. Biometrics Appointment
- Once the fee is paid, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL).
- Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) (VFS Global in India).
- Attend the biometrics appointment with your passport and BIL.
8. Track Application
- After submitting biometrics, track your application status on your IRCC account.
- You can also use the Visa Tracking Tool provided by VFS Global.
9. Wait for Visa Decision
- Visa processing times vary depending on the type of visa.
- Once approved, you will receive a Passport Request Letter (PPR).
10. Submit Passport
- Submit your passport to the designated VFS Global center for visa stamping.
- Wait for your passport with the visa sticker to be returned.
11. Prepare for Travel
- After receiving your visa, you can plan your travel to Canada.
- Ensure you carry all necessary documents for immigration at the port of entry.
