Canada

Requisite Documents and Fees

Name: Canada

Visitors to Canada for a multiple-entry visa, starting on February 6, 2014. Multiple-entry visas allow qualified visitors to come and go from Canada for six months at a time for up to 10 years without having to reapply each time. There will as well be a single fee of $100 CAD for the processing of either an application for a single or multiple-entry visa. The fee for the temporary resident visa (TRV) program will now be reduced from $150 to $100 for the processing of either a single- or multiple-entry visa.

Tourist/ Visitor

An Authorization Letter is mandatory now.

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity. The passport, specifically the bio-page laminate, should be in good condition. Please note that the Canadian High Commission does not accept additional pages inserted into passports. Include all cancelled or expired passports, if applicable.
• Application for a Temporary Resident Visa made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257). A separate application form IMM5257B must be filled on the system and submitted for each family member, regardless of age. Each applicant 18 and over must complete and sign their own application form. Those applicants under age 18 must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms. After filling up the visa form you need to click on the Validate Button, a Bar Code is generated which is mandatory for two original bar code print outs page to be submitted along with the visa form. Photocopy of the bar code is not acceptable
• Family Information from (IMM 5645).
• A separate application form IMM5257B must be completed and submitted for each family member inclusive of spouse and underage children. Each applicant over 18 years must complete and sign their own application form. Applicants under 18 years must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms.
• Two passport photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) for each applicant (full face, taken against a white or light blue background, 2” x 1.5 – 2” in size). Write the name and birth date of the individual on the back.
• Confirmed return/onward air ticket (if available).
• A covering letter from the Applicant.
• Detailed itinerary including proof of air ticket and hotel booking.
• Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) if someone is assisting you in completing your application or you would like someone to do business with our office on your behalf.
• Proof of Employment such as:
  • Letter from employer confirming salary and length of employment and/ or employment contract.
  • Leave granting letter from employer.
  • Salary statements.
  • Business licenses and/or registration.
• Proof of Personal Funds such as:
  • Income Tax Returns from the past two years and/or bank statements from the past six months.

Note: In order to ensure timely processing you must include a one page summary of the financial information you are submitting.

If you are visits to Family and/or Friends* recommended documents:

• Letter of invitation and/or statutory declaration (affidavit) of support.
• Proof of immigration status of inviter (copy of Canadian permanent resident card, passport, citizenship card or work/study permit.
• Financial documentation of the inviter such as:
  • Notice of Assessment.
  • Income tax documents (T4).
  • Proof of employment.
  • Proof of inviter’s existing funds (bank statements, bank books).

Note: Some hosts/sponsors may prefer not to provide their personal information directly to the applicant for submission to the Visa Office. In this case, please enclose a note to this effect. Please be advised that this may lead to slower processing in some cases.

Minor Children:

• Minors travelling alone or with a person other than their parents or legal guardians should have a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians. It should also include the name of the adult who will be responsible for the children in Canada.
• Minors travelling with only one parent or legal guardian should have a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or guardian.
• A copy of the page of the passport or other government-issued identification document showing the name, photo and signature of each non-accompanying parent should be submitted with the application.
• These documents should be available for presentation at the Canadian Port of Entry.
  
  

Note:

• Canada visa fee, Biometric fee and VFS service charge will no longer be accepted in Demand Draft. All the fees has to be submitted in cash only at Canada visa application centres (all locations).
• VFS Global Service charge of INR 748 per applicant.
• VFS provides a courier return facility for INR 373 per passport to return it back to the specified (home/office) address.
• The fees and charges once paid are not refundable even if the application is refused or withdrawn. The Visa Fee is subject to change without notice.

Business:

An Authorization Letter is mandatory now.

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity. The passport, specifically the bio-page laminate, should be in good condition. Please note that the Canadian High Commission does not accept additional pages inserted into passports. Include all cancelled or expired passports, if applicable.
• Application for a Temporary Resident Visa made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257). A separate application form IMM5257B must be filled on the system and submitted for each family member, regardless of age. Each applicant 18 and over must complete and sign their own application form. Those applicants under age 18 must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms. After filling up the visa form you need to click on the Validate Button, a Bar Code is generated which is mandatory for two original bar code print outs page to be submitted along with the visa form. Photocopy of the bar code is not acceptable
• Family Information from (IMM 5645).
• A separate application form IMM5257B must be completed and submitted for each family member inclusive of spouse and underage children. Each applicant over 18 years must complete and sign their own application form. Applicants under 18 years must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms.
• Two passport photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) for each applicant (full face, taken against a white or light blue background, 2” x 1.5 – 2” in size). Write the name and birth date of the individual on the back.
• Confirmed return/onward air ticket (if available).
• A covering letter from the Company.
• Letter of invitation from the Canadian Business / correspondence.
• Proof of ongoing business activities between the Canadian company and applicants such as contracts, shipping orders, invoices and/ or bills of lading.
• Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) if someone is assisting you in completing your application or you would like someone to do business with our office on your behalf.
• Proof of Employment such as:
  • Letter from employer confirming salary and length of employment and/ or employment contract.
  • Leave granting letter from employer.
  • Salary statements.
  • Business licenses and/or registration.
• Proof of Personal Funds such as:
  • Income Tax Returns from the past two years and/or bank statements from the past six months.

Note: In order to ensure timely processing you must include a one page summary of the financial information you are submitting.

If you are visits to Family and/or Friends* recommended documents:

• Letter of invitation and/or statutory declaration (affidavit) of support.
• Proof of immigration status of inviter (copy of Canadian permanent resident card, passport, citizenship card or work/study permit.
• Financial documentation of the inviter such as:
  • Notice of Assessment.
  • Income tax documents (T4).
  • Proof of employment.
  • Proof of inviter’s existing funds (bank statements, bank books).

Note: Some hosts/sponsors may prefer not to provide their personal information directly to the applicant for submission to the Visa Office. In this case, please enclose a note to this effect. Please be advised that this may lead to slower processing in some cases.

Minor Children:

• Minors travelling alone or with a person other than their parents or legal guardians should have a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians. It should also include the name of the adult who will be responsible for the children in Canada.
• Minors travelling with only one parent or legal guardian should have a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or guardian.
• A copy of the page of the passport or other government-issued identification document showing the name, photo and signature of each non-accompanying parent should be submitted with the application.
• These documents should be available for presentation at the Canadian Port of Entry.

Note:

• Canada visa fee, Biometric fee and VFS service charge will no longer be accepted in Demand Draft. All the fees has to be submitted in cash only at Canada visa application centres (all locations).
• VFS Global Service charge of INR 748 per applicant.
• VFS provides a courier return facility for INR 373 per passport to return it back to the specified (home/office) address.
• The fees and charges once paid are not refundable even if the application is refused or withdrawn. The Visa Fee is subject to change without notice.

Transit:

A transit visa is required for travel through Canada to another country, by Nationals of Countries who require a visitor visa, and who will be in Canada for less than 48 hours.

• Passport containing valid visa for final destination after transit.
• Temporary Resident Visa Application form completed and signed by Applicant.
• Personal Information Form and Consent Form (photocopy allowed).
• A separate application form IMM5257B must be completed and submitted for each family member inclusive of spouse and underage children. Each applicant over 18 years must complete and sign their own application form. Applicants under 18 years must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms. After filling up the visa form you need to click on the Valiadate Button, a Bar Code is generated which is mandatory. You need to take two original bar code print outs it needs to be submitted along with the visa form. Photocopy of the bar code is not acceptable.
• 2 recent identical passport-size color photographs (full face, taken against a white or light blue background, 2” x 1.5 – 2” in size). Write the name and birth date of the individual on the back.
• Confirmed airline ticket (photocopy allowed).
• A covering letter from the Applicant.
• Specific evidence of travel arrangements from the Transportation Company or travel agent, like travel tickets etc.
• There is no charge for processing a transit visa.

Seamen

Visa is required:

• Indian seamen traveling to Canada to join ships as crew members will require a valid passport for entry as well as a seamen identity document.
• They will also require a temporary resident visa.

An Authorization Letter is mandatory now.

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity. The passport, specifically the bio-page laminate, should be in good condition. Please note that the Canadian High Commission does not accept additional pages inserted into passports. Include all cancelled or expired passports, if applicable.
• Application for a Temporary Resident Visa made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257). A separate application form IMM5257B must be filled on the system and submitted for each family member, regardless of age. Each applicant 18 and over must complete and sign their own application form. Those applicants under age 18 must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms. After filling up the visa form you need to click on the Validate Button, a Bar Code is generated which is mandatory for two original bar code print outs page to be submitted along with the visa form. Photocopy of the bar code is not acceptable
• Family Information from (IMM 5645).
• A separate application form IMM5257B must be completed and submitted for each family member inclusive of spouse and underage children. Each applicant over 18 years must complete and sign their own application form. Applicants under 18 years must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms.
• Two passport photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) for each applicant (full face, taken against a white or light blue background, 2” x 1.5 – 2” in size). Write the name and birth date of the individual on the back.
• Copy of Seamen’s Book.
• Cover letter from employing company that includes local phone number and address.
• Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) if someone is assisting you in completing your application or you would like someone to do business with our office on your behalf.
• Proof of Employment such as:
  • Letter from employer confirming salary and length of employment and/ or employment contract.
  • Leave granting letter from employer.
  • Salary statements.
  • Business licenses and/or registration.
• Proof of Personal Funds such as:
  • Income Tax Returns from the past two years and/or bank statements from the past six months.

Note: In order to ensure timely processing you must include a one page summary of the financial information you are submitting.

If you are visits to Family and/or Friends* recommended documents:

• Letter of invitation and/or statutory declaration (affidavit) of support.
• Proof of immigration status of inviter (copy of Canadian permanent resident card, passport, citizenship card or work/study permit.
• Financial documentation of the inviter such as:
  • Notice of Assessment.
  • Income tax documents (T4).
  • Proof of employment.
  • Proof of inviter’s existing funds (bank statements, bank books).

Note: Some hosts/sponsors may prefer not to provide their personal information directly to the applicant for submission to the Visa Office. In this case, please enclose a note to this effect. Please be advised that this may lead to slower processing in some cases.

Minor Children:

• Minors travelling alone or with a person other than their parents or legal guardians should have a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians. It should also include the name of the adult who will be responsible for the children in Canada.
• Minors travelling with only one parent or legal guardian should have a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or guardian.
• A copy of the page of the passport or other government-issued identification document showing the name, photo and signature of each non-accompanying parent should be submitted with the application.
• These documents should be available for presentation at the Canadian Port of Entry.

Note:

• Canada visa fee, Biometric fee and VFS service charge will no longer be accepted in Demand Draft. All the fees has to be submitted in cash only at Canada visa application centres (all locations).
• VFS Global Service charge of INR 748 per applicant.
• VFS provides a courier return facility for INR 373 per passport to return it back to the specified (home/office) address.
• The fees and charges once paid are not refundable even if the application is refused or withdrawn. The Visa Fee is subject to change without notice.

Religious Workers

An Authorization Letter is mandatory now.

• A valid passport with at least 6 months validity. The passport, specifically the bio-page laminate, should be in good condition. Please note that the Canadian High Commission does not accept additional pages inserted into passports. Include all cancelled or expired passports, if applicable.
• Application for a Temporary Resident Visa made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257). A separate application form IMM5257B must be filled on the system and submitted for each family member, regardless of age. Each applicant 18 and over must complete and sign their own application form. Those applicants under age 18 must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms. After filling up the visa form you need to click on the Validate Button, a Bar Code is generated which is mandatory for two original bar code print outs page to be submitted along with the visa form. Photocopy of the bar code is not acceptable
• Family Information from (IMM 5645).
• A separate application form IMM5257B must be completed and submitted for each family member inclusive of spouse and underage children. Each applicant over 18 years must complete and sign their own application form. Applicants under 18 years must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms.
• Two passport photographs (35 mm x 45 mm) for each applicant (full face, taken against a white or light blue background, 2” x 1.5 – 2” in size). Write the name and birth date of the individual on the back.
• Invitation letter from host organization.
• Relevant educational, training and employment documentation.
• Use of a Representative form (IMM 5476) if someone is assisting you in completing your application or you would like someone to do business with our office on your behalf.
• Proof of Employment such as:
• Letter from employer confirming salary and length of employment and/ or employment contract.
• Leave granting letter from employer.
• Salary statements.
• Business licenses and/or registration.
• Proof of Personal Funds such as:
• Income Tax Returns from the past two years and/or bank statements from the past six months.

Note: In order to ensure timely processing you must include a one page summary of the financial information you are submitting.

If you are visits to Family and/or Friends* recommended documents:

• Letter of invitation and/or statutory declaration (affidavit) of support.
• Proof of immigration status of inviter (copy of Canadian permanent resident card, passport, citizenship card or work/study permit.
• Financial documentation of the inviter such as:
• Notice of Assessment.
• Income tax documents (T4).
• Proof of employment.
• Proof of inviter’s existing funds (bank statements, bank books).

Note: Some hosts/sponsors may prefer not to provide their personal information directly to the applicant for submission to the Visa Office. In this case, please enclose a note to this effect. Please be advised that this may lead to slower processing in some cases.

Minor Children:

• Minors travelling alone or with a person other than their parents or legal guardians should have a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians. It should also include the name of the adult who will be responsible for the children in Canada.
• Minors travelling with only one parent or legal guardian should have a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or guardian.
• A copy of the page of the passport or other government-issued identification document showing the name, photo and signature of each non-accompanying parent should be submitted with the application.
• These documents should be available for presentation at the Canadian Port of Entry.

Note:

• Canada visa fee, Biometric fee and VFS service charge will no longer be accepted in Demand Draft. All the fees has to be submitted in cash only at Canada visa application centres (all locations).
• VFS Global Service charge of INR 748 per applicant.
• VFS provides a courier return facility for INR 373 per passport to return it back to the specified (home/office) address.
• The fees and charges once paid are not refundable even if the application is refused or withdrawn. The Visa Fee is subject to change without notice.

Students:

• Application form fully completed (all questions answered), dated and signed, indicating your personal mailing address, reliable phone contact, and your personal email address (if you agree to e-mail communications).
• Applicant should hold a passport with at least 6 months validity. If possible, The passport must be valid for the duration of study in Canada, as the validity of a study permit cannot exceed the validity of the passport. The passport, specifically the bio-page laminate, should be in good condition.
• One visa form IMM 1294, Personal Information Form, Study Permit Questionnaire.
• IELTS test results taken within last 24 months
• Family Information Form and Student Questionnaire (leaving no gaps).
• Use of a Representative form IMM 5476 (if applicable).
• Study Permit Visa Application form with two recent, original passport sized photos ( 2 x 1.5 to 2 inches).
• Personal documentation of Applicant like marriage certificate, birth certificates of children (whether accompanying or not)
  Letter of acceptance from concerned Canadian Institute accompanied by information on the exact amount of tuition fees that the Applicant will be required to pay and the anticipated starting and finishing dates.
• In the case that a portion of the fees has been prepaid to the Institute in Canada, a copy of the official receipt or letter needs to be submitted. Please note that pre-payment of fees to the school is not required in order to submit a Study Permit application.
• Educational Certificates/ diplomas/ degrees (including mark sheets).
• Form 16 for salaried employees or income tax return document.
• Applicant’s less than 18 years of age need to submit a notarized declaration signed by the parents or legal guardian, stating that arrangements have been made for a guardian in Canada to act in place of the parent in the occasion of an emergency.
• Subsequently, a notarized declaration signed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of at least 19 years of age that they will serve as the guardian in lieu of the Applicant’s parents.
• If the proposed course is at Quebec, a Certificat d’Acceptation du Quebec (CAQ) is mandatory.

Proof of Funds:

Complete information indicating the finance of studies for at least the first 12 months, supported by documents showing the accumulated funds needs to be provided. This can include

• Family banking records for the past 2 years, accompanied by bank certificates not more than three months old.
• The loan sanction letter, in case a study loan has been availed.
• Fixed deposits.
• Income Tax documents of the Applicant and/or the parents for the past two years.
• If family income is from agriculture, land documents and agricultural income receipts for the past two years are required.
• If Applicant’s or parent’s income is from Business ownership, due proof needs to be submitted in the form of partnership, business license(s), bank statements and tax documents from the business for the past two years.
• Proof of employment from each of the parent’s Employer’s like salary fund statements, provident fund statements and employment contracts. Also required are letters of employment from each of the parent’s Employer, including the Company’s full name, address, telephone number, the length of service and salary details.
• If applicable, the same information is to be provided for the prospective student/ Applicant.
• If funding is arranged from an Institute in Canada or a Canadian Governmental Organization, letter from the funding body detailing the amount to be received during each year of proposed study is required.
• If someone other than the Applicant or his/her parents is funding, the relationship and reason for funding needs to be identified. Information regarding the number of persons in their household, evidence of their financial ability, including documentary evidence of their liquid assets as well as their financial obligations such as mortgages, loans, etc need to be identified. If they are living in Canada this should include:
• Proof of their Immigration Status in Canada (permanent resident card, passport copy or citizenship card).
• Proof of their relationship to the Applicant (birth/marriage/school certificate).
• Proof of the number of persons residing in their household.
• Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment (NOA) for Income Tax (for the past two years). Please note that T4 and T1 forms are not acceptable for this purpose.
• Proof of the sponsor’s financial liquidity, indicating the sponsor’s income, debts, obligations and overall financial capacity to provide for the Applicant’s education for the duration of studies.

Note:

• Canada visa fee, Biometric fee and VFS service charge will no longer be accepted in Demand Draft. All the fees has to be submitted in cash only at Canada visa application centres (all locations).
• VFS Global Service charge of INR 748 per applicant.
• VFS provides a courier return facility for INR 373 per passport to return it back to the specified (home/office) address.
• The fees and charges once paid are not refundable even if the application is refused or withdrawn. The Visa Fee is subject to change without notice.

Temporary Workers:

• Applicant should have a passport in good condition with at least six months validity. The Canadian High Commission does not accept additional pages inserted into passports. In the absence of a blank page, a new passport should be procured before submitting the visa application.
• Application for a Work Permit made Outside of Canada (IMM 1295) Note: If this application form is completed.
• Two passport photographs for each applicant. Write the name and birth date of the individual on the back.
• Family Information from (IMM 5645).
• Personal Information Form.
• Application for Temporary Resident Visa made Outside of Canada (IMM 5257 – Schedule 1), if applicable.
• A separate application form IMM5257B must be completed and submitted for each family member inclusive of spouse and underage children. Each applicant over 18 years must complete and sign their own application form. Applicants under 18 years must have a parent or guardian complete and sign an individual application form on their behalf. For example, a family of 2 adults and two young children must submit a total of 4 application forms. After filling up the visa form you need to click on the Valiadate Button, a Bar Code is generated which is mandatory. You need to take two original bar code print outs it needs to be submitted along with the visa form. Photocopy of the bar code is not acceptabl
  Use of a Representative form IMM 5476 (if applicable)
• Current passport, (if using a new one).
• HRSDC confirmation.
• If destined to Quebec, Applicant must possess a Certificat d’acceptation du Quebec (CAQ).
• Offer of employment or Contract for the job in Canada, stating the duration and nature of employment and salary.
• Proof of education like Certificate/Diploma/ Degrees and mark sheets.
• Proof of work experience including copies of appointment letters, relieving letter from current and previous employers, salary slips, form 16 and bank statements. Letter/s of reference (with accurate contact name and details) must outline the duration, specific nature, and exact duties of the work.
• Proof of personal funds like Income Tax Returns for the past two years, bank statements/ books, property documents and other proof of income or investments are required.

IT WORKER:

• Educational documents related to your IT / Computer studies, including marks sheets.
• Copies of appointment and relieving letters from current and previous employers, salary slips, form 16 and bank statements.
• Copies of marriage certificate and children’s birth certificates for accompanying dependents.
  
  

Live-In-Caregiver:

• Proof of caregiver training course and/or proof of a one year experience related to the work of a caregiver.
• Valid Labour Market Opinion (LMO).
• Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP) Contract.
• Applicant’s educational diplomas, school certificates or transcripts listing the courses taken.
• Financial confirmation of the Employer’s capacity to hire a full-time live-in-caregiver. This should include:
• Independent, third-party documentation from a Canadian source which is reliable and easily verifiable (Notice of Assessment (NOA) of Canadian employer and spouse).Note that affidavits are not acceptable.
• Information regarding the number of persons in the employer’s household (LCP Contract) and evidence of their financial ability, including documentary evidence of their income, liquid assets and financial obligations (Mortgages, loans, etc.).

Note: Use of Representative

As a Federal Government department, the Immigration and Visa section is bound by the Privacy Act not to discuss the details of any case with anyone except the Applicant and certain authorized persons. Before the High Commission or Consulate General authorities can release information, the Applicant must provide specific written permission to the representative. Only a Canadian citizen, permanent or temporary resident in Canada can be authorized.

All persons, other than Canadian citizens and permanent residents, are required to have an employment authorization before they can accept employment in Canada.

• A job offer from a Canadian employer must be presented by the Employer to Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC).
• If HRDC agrees that no qualified Canadian resident is available to fill the job, HRDC will notify the visa office abroad and Applicant will be called to attend an interview and to submit an application.
• The interview will determine whether the Applicant qualifies for temporary entry, and if approved, he/she will receive a visa and employment authorization for a specific time.
• Medical examination may be required.

Software Workers:

The Software Pilot Project is an initiative set up by the Human Resources Development, and Citizenship and Immigration departments in order to expedite the entry of skilled software development workers on a temporary basis to meet the current demands of the Canadian labor market, where there is an insufficient supply of qualified Canadian workers to fill these positions. The program, since its inception in May 1997 has been very successful and its initial six month target period has been extended a number of times. It has also expanded to include the spouses of worke

The Citizenship and Immigration Department has developed the website, www.cic.gc.ca, for the project which outlines the procedures, job descriptions, frequently asked questions, and other related programs (i.e. the spousal employment program).

Returning Residents:

Permanent residents of Canada who have good reason to be out of Canada for more than a total of 183 days in a twelve month period, but who have no intention of making their permanent home elsewhere, can make their intentions known to an Immigration officer and protect their status by applying for a Returning Resident Permit either before they leave or while outside Canada.

Additional information regarding visiting or emigrating to Canada is available at http://cicnet.ci.gc.ca or www.cic.gc.ca.

Immigration

Important Words to Know:

Important Words to Know:

Accompanying dependent. is a spouse or child of the principal Applicant who intends to immigrate to Canada.

Arranged employment relates to a guaranteed job offer by a Canadian employer that has been suitably validated by Human Resources Development, Canada.

Background check. is conducted by Immigration Canada in all countries where the Applicant and his/her dependents have lived, to determine any arrests and convictions or if he/she poses a security risk to Canada.

Close relative. is the brother, sister, mother, father, grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew of the Applicant or of the Applicant’s spouse. Documents proving the relationship are required.

Dependent children are defined as those under 19 years of age and, for those 19 and over, unmarried and financially dependent on the parents by virtue of full time studies or physical/mental disability.