Many people think that the visa application process for European and American countries is quite complicated due to the numerous procedures and the uncertainty of where to start. If so, the following article will definitely provide you with some useful information, especially regarding the visa procedures for Canada. Let’s explore it right now!
1. Canadian Visa Application Procedure
Submission Methods
There are two ways to apply for a Canadian visa: submitting the application directly at the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC – IOM) or applying online. Depending on your time management and personal preferences, you can choose either method.
Process and Submission Address
Direct Submission
Step 1: Prepare the required documents.
Before submitting your application at the CVAC, ensure you have all the necessary documents (listed below). Please note that except for the passport and bilingual documents, all other documents must be translated and notarized. The notarization can be done either by a translation company or the Department of Justice.
Along with the translated documents, you must also submit the original Vietnamese versions for reference.
Step 2: Submit the application.
Once you have prepared all the required documents, you can submit them at the nearest CVAC. You can find the addresses and working hours below:
Ho Chi Minh City
Address: 9th Floor, Cienco 4 Building, 180 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Working Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Application Submission Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Passport Return Time: 1 PM – 4 PM
Support Phone Number: 02838296376
Hanoi
Address: 12A Floor, CMC Building, Duy Tan Street, Dich Vong Hau Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi
Working Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Application Submission Time: 9 AM – 4 PM
Passport Return Time: 1 PM – 4 PM
Support Phone Number: 02437957103
After your documents are checked, you will receive a list of the submitted documents and instructions for biometric data collection. You will then proceed with the biometric data collection procedure, including fingerprints.
Step 3: Pay the fees.
After completing the above steps, you must pay the visa fee and the CVAC fee, along with the receipt and appointment letter. Keep these documents safely as you will need them when collecting your visa.
Step 4: Receive the result.
When your application is approved, CVAC will contact you to collect your passport and visa. When receiving the result, you need to bring the list of submitted documents, your original ID card, and a copy or other photo ID for identification.
For tourist visa applications, the processing time is approximately 42 to 60 days. Therefore, if you are applying for a tourist visa, make sure to plan accordingly to avoid any delays.
Canadian Visa Application Procedure
Online Submission
If you don’t have much time to submit the application in person, you can opt for the online submission method.
Step 1: Create an account.
First, access the website http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/ind to create an account on the system. Please note that each account is valid for 30 days from the registration date. If your account expires, you will need to create a new one before submitting your application.
Step 2: Answer the questions.
After successfully logging in, you will need to answer questions related to your visa application, such as the purpose of your visit, the type of visa you want to apply for, whether you have an invitation letter, etc. Take your time and be careful when filling out the information to avoid any missing or incorrect details.
Step 3: Download and fill out the three required forms.
Download and complete the following forms: Family Information, Application for Temporary Residence, and Application for Visitor Visa. You can find the forms at this link.
Step 4: Prepare all the required documents as specified for the direct submission method.
Online submission does not mean that your application is complete just by clicking the submit button. You still need to prepare the physical documents to submit to CVAC once your online application is finished.
Step 5: Pay the application fee using a Visa or Master Card.
After filling out the information and preparing all the required documents and forms, proceed to make the payment. You can use either a Visa or Master Card for the payment.
Step 6: Wait for the notification to provide biometric data and visit the CVAC to provide your fingerprints according to the scheduled appointment.
After submitting your application and making the payment, CVAC will notify you of the time to provide your biometric data. When providing your biometric data, you must bring the physical documents to submit to CVAC.
Please note that the processing time is 3-5 weeks, and there will be no interview. However, in special cases, you may be required to attend an interview at CVAC, so make sure to bring all the necessary documents.
When providing biometric data, ensure that your fingernails are free of any polish or coatings that may interfere with the process. If you do not receive the biometric data collection notification, you can check MyCIC for further instructions.
Step 7: Wait for the visa result.
Canadian Visa
2. Canadian Visa Requirements
There are different types of visa requirements, such as those for a single or multiple tourist visas, family visas, group visas, etc. However, the basic requirements are similar and typically include the following:
- Original passport with signature (valid for at least 6 months and with blank pages);
- All previous passports (if any);
- Notarized copy of the passport’s bio page and any pages with stamps or visas from other countries;
- Visa photo with a white background, taken within the last 6 months. The photo must clearly show the applicant’s face, with a neutral expression and no frowning. Glasses are allowed as long as they do not obscure the eyes.
- Canadian Visa Application Form (Form IMM5257) (the signature on the form must match the signature in the passport);
- Family Information Form (Form IMM5645) (the signature on the form must match the signature in the passport);
- CVAC acceptance form and VFS service usage form (the signature on the form must match the signature in the passport);
- IMM5257_SCHEDULE 1 form if the applicant has served or is currently serving in the military (the signature on the form must match the signature in the passport);
- In case of using a representative, a representative usage form IMM5476 (if applicable) (the signature on the form must match the signature in the passport);
- Notarized copy of ID card;
- Notarized copy of Birth Certificate;
- Notarized copy of Family Household Registration Book (all pages, including blank pages);
- Marriage Certificate (if married) / Certificate of Single Status (if single) / Divorce Decision by the Court (if divorced) / Death Certificate (if spouse has passed away).
Canadian Visa Requirements
3. Canadian Visa Fees
According to Canadian regulations, the Canadian visa fee includes the administrative fee charged by IOM and the fee for the specific type of visa. The details are as follows:
- Single-entry tourist visa: 75 USD plus a 15 USD administrative fee. The processing time is approximately 4 weeks.
- Multiple-entry tourist visa: 150 USD plus a 15 USD administrative fee. Similarly, the processing time is 4 weeks.
- Family tourist visa: 400 USD plus a 15 USD administrative fee. The processing time is also 4 weeks.
- Student visa: 140 USD, including administrative fees. The processing time for this type of visa is 3 months.
- Work visa: 215 USD, including administrative fees. You will need to wait for 4 weeks to receive this type of visa.
- Temporary residence visa: 200 USD plus a 15 USD administrative fee. The processing time remains the same at 4 weeks.
Passport with Canadian Visa
4. Reasons for Canadian Visa Rejection
Canada is one of the countries that offer favorable immigration policies. However, obtaining a Canadian visa can be challenging. If you have never traveled abroad and your passport has no entry or exit stamps, there is a 90% chance of your application being rejected.
Your application will be viewed more favorably if you have previously visited Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, European countries, Australia, or the United States.
Having a stable job with an attractive income and good relationships can also increase your chances of visa approval, as these factors indicate that you will return to Vietnam and not overstay in Canada.
When submitting your application, ensure that your documents are well-organized and presented neatly. Although it may seem like a small detail, it can make a positive impression on the visa officer.
If you are applying for a tourist visa, provide detailed information about your trip, including the itinerary, flight tickets, etc., to avoid any suspicion of marriage fraud or illegal employment.
Canadian Visa Interview
For more information about procedures and fees, please visit our website.
This article has provided you with some insights into the Canadian visa application process. Hopefully, you have found it helpful.
