How to Apply for a Canadian Visa: Full Guide 2025

1. Understand Which Type of Canadian Visa You Need

Canada offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of travel:

• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): For tourism, business visits, visiting family, etc.

• Super Visa: Allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years per visit, valid for up to 10 years total. Canada.ca

• Student Visa: For studies in Canada (not detailed here).

• Work Permit / Work Visa: For temporary employment (not covered in-depth).

• Transit Visa: For layovers in Canada. IRCC

Also, some travelers may be eligible for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) instead of a visa — e.g., citizens of specific countries with prior Canadian visas or valid U.S. non-immigrant visas traveling by air. Wikipedia

2. Check If You Need a Visa or eTA

Visit the Government of Canada’s official site to confirm whether your nationality requires a visa to enter Canada. Select your country to see requirements. Travel.gc.ca

3. Gather Required Documents

For Visitor Visa, typical documents include:

• Valid Passport or Travel Document (with visible personal info, stamps, visa pages). Canada.ca

• Proof of Travel Purpose: Itinerary, event bookings, accommodation, invitation letters (if visiting family or business). Canada.caCanada Immigration Services

• Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements (6 months), proof of income, pay slips, etc. Canada.caCanada Immigration Services

• Travel History: Copies of previous visas or passes, entry/exit stamps. Canada.ca

• Additional Documents (as needed):

  • Invitation letter—if visiting friends, family, or on business. Canada.caCanada Immigration Services

  • Forms:

    • IMM 5645 (Family Information) for applicants aged 18+. Canada.ca

    • IMM 5476 (Use of a Representative) if applying through a third party. Canada.ca

    • IMM 5475 (Release personal information to a designated person). Canada.ca

  • For children under 18: Travel consent letter, custody docs, etc. Canada.ca

For Super Visa, additional requirement:

• Proof of Private Medical Insurance (minimum $100,000 coverage) valid for at least 1 year from Canadian insurer. The Times of IndiaCanada.ca

• Letter of Invitation & Proof of Relationship from your Canadian child or grandchild; plus their financial documents. Canada.caThe Times of India

4. Biometrics: Are You Eligible?

Most non-Canadian applicants must submit biometrics (photo + fingerprints), valid for 10 years. Exceptions include:

• Children under 14 or applicants over 79

• Diplomats, U.S. citizens, holders of eTA

• Those who have provided biometrics recently (within 10 years) Wikipedia

5. Application Method: Online vs. Paper

Online Application (recommended):

• Create an account on the IRCC portal.

• Upload documents scanned or photographed.

• Pay application and biometrics fees electronically.

• Submit and get a confirmation receipt. IRCC

Paper Application (only if online not available):

• Download Guide 5256, complete required forms.

• Submit physically to your local Visa Application Centre (VAC). Canada.caIRCC

6. Pay Fees and Book Biometrics Appointment

Fees vary depending on visa type and number of applicants:

• Visitor Visa: Application fee + CAD 85 per person for biometrics (CAD 170 max for family). IRCC

• Super Visa: Includes visitor visa fee plus additional coverage requirements. The Times of India

Once paid, if biometrics are required, schedule an appointment to submit them at a VAC or designated center.

7. Submit Application & Wait for Processing

After submission:

• Track your application online through the IRCC portal. secure.cic.gc.ca

• Processing times vary by country—check IRCC for current estimates.

• You may be asked for additional documents (e.g., a letter of explanation, updated bank statements).

8. What Happens After Approval?

If your visa is approved:

• You’ll be instructed to submit/send your passport for stamping at the VAC.

• Once stamped, you’ll receive your visa and passport back.

• If biometrics or interview is required, complete that before final approval.

9. At the Canadian Port of Entry

When arriving:

• Present your passport with visa, return ticket, and supporting documents (e.g., proof of funds, itinerary).

• The Border Services Officer will assess admissibility and issues entry permission. Entry is at their discretion. Wikipedia

10. Additional Tips & Best Practices

• Apply Early: Give yourself extra time for document preparation and processing delays.

• Be Consistent: Ensure consistency between your purpose, itinerary, and documents.

• Letter of Invitation: Should include host’s status, relationship, travel dates, purpose, and financial support info.

• Check Passport Validity: Passport must remain valid beyond your intended stay. Canada.ca

• Keep Copies: Maintain copies of all submitted documents and forms.

• Biometrics Validity: If you've previously submitted biometrics within 10 years, you may not need to repeat them. Wikipedia

Quick Recap Table

Step	What to Do
1	Determine visa type (visitor, super visa, eTA)
2	Check eligibility based on nationality
3	Gather documents (passport, financial proof, invitation, forms)
4	Check if biometrics are needed
5	Apply online (preferred) or via paper if required
6	Pay fees; book biometrics appointment
7	Submit and track application
8	Send passport if visa approved
9	Present documents at Canadian entry point
10	Follow best practices for a smoother process

Conclusion:

Applying for a Canadian visa — whether a standard Visitor Visa or a longer-term Super Visa — involves careful preparation: gathering documentation, completing forms accurately, paying fees, and possibly submitting biometrics.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to handle each stage with confidence. For accurate and current information—including fee changes, processing timelines, or form updates—always refer to the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website. Wikipedia