How to apply

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

1. Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
2. Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

Prepare documents and apply

The reason you’re traveling to Canada determines the way you apply and the documents you need to submit with your visa application.

You may be eligible to apply for a Super Visa

A super visa lets you visit your children or grandchildren for 5 years at a time. It’s a visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years.

Step 1 Gather documents

Gather these documents to submit with your visa application and bring when you travel.

About the documents listed

• Not all documents listed below are required—some are optional.
• This is not an exhaustive list of acceptable proof to support your visa application.
• Only submit the recommended documents that prove you’re eligible for a visa.
• Even if you submit all the documents listed, there is no guarantee that we’ll approve your application.
• We may request more information from you in addition to what is listed here.

Tourist

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• name
• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• photo
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this document with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

Submit the completed form with your visa application

Minor children (if applicable)

Documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend or alone.

Details to include

You may need to show

• a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
• other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not

1. Submit these with your visa application.
2. Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Details to include

Include a clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this document with your visa application

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Details to include

Include copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• proof of accommodation
• registration for an event

Submit these with your visa application.

Bank account statement

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Details to include

Bank name and contact
This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account
Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details
At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Submit these with your visa application.

Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)

Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

Submit the completed form with your visa application.

Business visitor

Documents we accept:

• passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
• alien’s passport for stateless persons
• US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
• US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
• other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

Documents we don’t accept:

• any passport issued by Somalia
• non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
• temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
• provisional passports issued by Venezuela

A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

• the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
• any pages with stamps, visas or markings

If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

• name
• date of birth
• document number
• citizenship or residency status
• photo
• expiry date (if applicable)

Submit this with your visa application.

Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

Submit this with your visa application.

Recommended documents Travel history

If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

Details to include

A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

• your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
• entry and exit stamps
• study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside your country
• expired or valid visas

Submit this with your visa application.

Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

Details to include

Copies of any of the following:

• flight details
• proof of accommodation
• registration for an event

Submit these with your visa application.

Bank account statement

This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

Details to include

Bank name and contact
This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

Proof it is your account
Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

Account details
At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

Submit these with your visa application.

A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

Details to include

The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

The letter should include the following:

• date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
• confirmation that you have a job with the employer
• your full name and date of birth
• date you started the job
• brief description of your job
• current salary
• contact information of your manager
• phone number
• email address
• employer information
• company name
• address
• street
• city
• state or province
• country
• signature of employer
  • Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

  Submit this with your visa application.

  Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)

  Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

  The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

  Submit this with your visa application.

  Letter of invitation

  A letter from a business or company in Canada

  It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

  Details to include

  A copy of the letter from the business or company inviting you to Canada

  • • The letter must be written to you from the business or company.

    Visit your spouse or partner who sponsored you for permanent residence

    Proof of relationship

    Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

    Details to include

    This can include a copy of

    • a marriage certificate
    • Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
    • a birth certificate
    • an official document naming you as a parent

    Submit this with your visa application.

    Documents we accept:

    • passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
    • alien’s passport for stateless persons
    • US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
    • US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
    • other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

    Documents we don’t accept:

    • any passport issued by Somalia
    • non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
    • temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
    • provisional passports issued by Venezuela

    A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

    If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

    • the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
    • any pages with stamps, visas or markings

    If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

    • name
    • date of birth
    • document number
    • citizenship or residency status
    • photo
    • expiry date (if applicable)

    Submit this with your visa application.

    Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

    Submit this with your visa application.

    Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

    Submit this with your visa application.

    Minor children (if applicable)

    The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

    Details to include

    You may need to show

    • a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
    • other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on whether the minor child travels alone
    1. Submit these with your visa application.
    2. Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

    A letter written by your family member in Canada

    It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

    Details to include

    A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

    • • The letter must be written to you from your family member.

      Submit this with your visa application.

      If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

      Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

      Details to include

      A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

      • your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
      • entry and exit stamps
      • study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
      • expired or valid visas

      Submit this with your visa application.

      Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

      Details to include

      Copies of any of the following:

      • flight details
      • proof of accommodation
      • registration for an event

      Submit these with your visa application.

      Bank account statement

      This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

      Details to include

      Bank name and contact
      This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

      Proof it is your account
      Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

      Account details
      At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

      Submit these with your visa application.

      A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

      Details to include

      The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

      The letter should include the following:

      • date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
      • confirmation that you have a job with the employer
      • your full name and date of birth
      • date you started the job
      • brief description of your job
      • current Salary
      • contact information of your manager
      • phone number
      • email address
      • employer information
      • company name
      • address
      • street
      • city
      • state or province
      • country
      • signature of employer
        • Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

        Submit this with your visa application.

        Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409)

        Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

        Details to include

        Proof can include

        • joint bank accounts or credit cards
        • joint ownership of a home
        • joint residential leases
        • joint rental receipts
        • joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
        • joint management of household expenses
        • proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
        • mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

        Submit these with your visa application.

        Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)

        Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

        The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

        Submit this with your visa application.

        Faster visitor visa processing for spousal applicants

        If you’re being sponsored for permanent residence (PR) by your spouse or partner, you could benefit from faster processing for a visitor visa.

        You may be eligible if you

        • submitted an application to be sponsored for permanent residence
        • received an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) that confirms the application is in progress

        Applications that need more information, for example custody documents for a child, will take longer to process.

        When your sponsor receives the AOR for your permanent residence application, you can apply for a visitor visa. If you’re eligible, your visitor visa application will automatically receive faster processing. You don’t need to request it.

        You must still meet all of the requirements to be eligible for a visitor visa.

        Visit family (Canadian citizen, person registered under Canada’s Indian Act, or permanent resident of Canada)

        Proof of relationship

        Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

        Details to include

        This can include a copy of

        • a marriage certificate
        • Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
        • a birth certificate
        • an official document naming you as a parent

        Submit this with your visa application.

        Documents we accept:

        • passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
        • alien’s passport for stateless persons
        • US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
        • US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
        • other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

        Documents we don’t accept:

        • any passport issued by Somalia
        • non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
        • temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
        • provisional passports issued by Venezuela

        A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you’ll use to travel to Canada

        If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

        • the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
        • any pages with stamps, visas or markings

        If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

        • name
        • date of birth
        • document number
        • citizenship or residency status
        • photo
        • expiry date (if applicable)

        Submit this with your visa application.

        Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

        Submit this with your visa application.

        Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

        Submit with visa application

        Minor children (if applicable)

        The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

        Details to include

        You may need to show

        • a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
        • other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not
        1. Submit these with your visa application.
        2. Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

        A letter written by your family member in Canada

        It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

        Details to include

        A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

        • • The letter must be written to you from your family member.

          Submit this with your visa application.

          If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

          Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

          Details to include

          A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

          • your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
          • entry and exit stamps
          • study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
          • expired or valid visas

          Submit this with your visa application.

          Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

          Details to include

          Copies of any of the following:

          • flight details
          • proof of accommodation
          • registration for an event

          Submit these with your visa application.

          Bank account statement

          This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

          Details to include

          Bank name and contact
          This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

          Proof it is your account
          Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

          Account details
          At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

          Submit these with your visa application.

          A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

          Details to include

          The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

          The letter should include the following:

          • date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
          • confirmation that you have a job with the employer
          • your full name and date of birth
          • date you started the job
          • brief description of your job
          • current Salary
          • contact information of your manager
          • phone number
          • email address
          • employer information
          • company name
          • address
          • street
          • city
          • state or province
          • country
          • signature of employer
            • Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

            Submit this with your visa application.

            Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409)

            Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

            Details to include

            Proof can include

            • joint bank accounts or credit cards
            • joint ownership of a home
            • joint residential leases
            • joint rental receipts
            • joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
            • joint management of household expenses
            • proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
            • mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

            Submit this with your visa application.

            Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)

            Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

            The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

            Submit this with your visa application.

            Visit children or grandchildren
            Super visa option

            Letter of invitation

            A letter written by your family member in Canada

            It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

            Details to include

            A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

            • • The letter must be written to you from your family member.

              Submit this with your visa or super visa application.

              Proof of medical insurance

              For super visa applicants only

              Proof that medical insurance for at least $100,000 coverage has been purchased from a Canadian insurance company.

              Details to include

              A copy of the insurance certificate or policy you received for medical insurance coverage for 1 year with a Canadian insurance company.

              Submit this with your super visa application.

              Proof that child or grandchild meets low income cut-off minimum (LICO)

              Documents that show that the super visa applicant’s child or grandchild meets the low income cut-off minimum.

              Details to include

              Submit one of the following documents:

              • a copy of the most recent notice of assessment
                • If the child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment on file, they can view and print their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency My Account online service.
                • a letter from an accountant confirming the child’s or grandchild’s annual income, if they are self-employed.
                • proof of other sources of income (pension statement, investments, etc.)

                Submit this with your super visa application.

                Proof of relationship

                Proof of your relationship with the person or family member inviting you to Canada

                Details to include

                This can include a copy of

                • a birth certificate
                • an official document naming you as a parent

                Submit this with your super visa application.

                Immigration medical exam

                A document confirming that you had an immigration medical exam (IME)

                The exam must conducted by a panel physician authorized by IRCC.

                Submit this with your super visa application, or wait for instructions from the visa office.

                Documents we accept:

                • passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
                • alien’s passport for stateless persons
                • US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
                • US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
                • other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

                Documents we don’t accept:

                • any passport issued by Somalia
                • non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
                • temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
                • provisional passports issued by Venezuela

                A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

                If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

                • the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
                • any pages with stamps, visas or markings

                If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

                • name
                • date of birth
                • document number
                • citizenship or residency status
                • photo
                • expiry date (if applicable)

                Submit this with your visa application.

                Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

                Submit this with your visa application.

                Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

                Submit this with your visa application.

                Minor children (if applicable)

                The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

                Details to include

                You may need to show

                • a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
                • other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not
                1. Submit these with your visa application.
                2. Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

                If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

                Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

                Details to include

                A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

                • your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
                • entry and exit stamps
                • study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
                • expired or valid visas

                Submit this with your visa application.

                Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

                Details to include

                Copies of any of the following:

                • flight details
                • proof of accommodation
                • registration for an event

                Submit these with your visa application.

                Bank account statement

                This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

                Details to include

                Bank name and contact
                This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

                Proof it is your account
                Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

                Account details
                At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

                Submit these with your visa application.

                A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

                Details to include

                The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

                The letter should include the following:

                • date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
                • confirmation that you have a job with the employer
                • your full name and date of birth
                • date you started the job
                • brief description of your job
                • current salary
                • contact information of your manager
                • phone number
                • email address
                • employer information
                • company name
                • address
                • street
                • city
                • state or province
                • country
                • signature of employer
                  • Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

                  Submit this with your visa application.

                  Statutory declaration of common-law union (IMM 5409)

                  Complete the form that declares you and your partner are in a common-law relationship. Also provide proof that you and your common-law partner have combined your affairs and set up a household together.

                  Details to include

                  Proof can include

                  • joint bank accounts or credit cards
                  • joint ownership of a home
                  • joint residential leases
                  • joint rental receipts
                  • joint utilities (electricity, gas, telephone)
                  • joint management of household expenses
                  • proof of joint purchases, especially for household items
                  • mail addressed to either person or both people at the same address

                  Submit this with your visa application.

                  Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)

                  Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

                  The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

                  Submit this with your visa application.

                  Visit family (temporary resident of Canada)

                  Identity document

                  Documents we accept:

                  • passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
                  • alien’s passport for stateless persons
                  • US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
                  • US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
                  • other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

                  Documents we don’t accept:

                  • any passport issued by Somalia
                  • non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
                  • temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
                  • provisional passports issued by Venezuela

                  A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada

                  If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

                  • the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
                  • any pages with stamps, visas or markings

                  If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

                  • name
                  • date of birth
                  • document number
                  • citizenship or residency status
                  • photo
                  • expiry date (if applicable)

                  Submit this with your visa application.

                  Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

                  Submit this with your visa application.

                  Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

                  Submit this with your visa application.

                  The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

                  Details to include

                  You may need to show

                  • a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
                  • other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not
                  1. Submit these with your visa application.
                  2. Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada.

                  A letter written by your family in Canada

                  It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

                  Details to include

                  A copy of the letter from the family member inviting you to Canada

                  • • The letter must be written to you from your family member.

                    Submit this with your visa application.

                    If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

                    Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

                    Details to include

                    A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

                    • your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
                    • entry and exit stamps
                    • study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
                    • expired or valid visas

                    Submit this with your visa application.

                    Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do once in Canada

                    Details to include

                    Copies of any of the following:

                    • flight details
                    • proof of accommodation
                    • registration for an event

                    Submit these with your visa application.

                    Bank account statement

                    This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

                    Details to include

                    Bank name and contact
                    This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

                    Proof it is your account
                    Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

                    Account details
                    At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

                    Submit these with your visa application.

                    A letter from your employer can confirm that you have a stable job and will return to it. It can also show that your employer supports your visit to Canada.

                    Details to include

                    The letter should be printed on your employer’s official letterhead.

                    The letter should include the following:

                    • date, no earlier than 3 months before you apply
                    • confirmation that you have a job with the employer
                    • your full name and date of birth
                    • date you started the job
                    • brief description of your job
                    • current salary
                    • contact information of your manager
                    • phone number
                    • email address
                    • employer information
                    • company name
                    • address
                    • street
                    • city
                    • state or province
                    • country
                    • signature of employer
                      • Your manager or human resources contact should print their name and sign the letter.

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Visit for compassionate reasons

                      Identity document

                      Documents we accept:

                      • passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
                      • alien’s passport for stateless persons
                      • US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
                      • US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
                      • other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

                      Documents we don’t accept:

                      • any passport issued by Somalia
                      • non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
                      • temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
                      • provisional passports issued by Venezuela

                      A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

                      If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

                      • the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
                      • any pages with stamps, visas or markings

                      If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

                      • name
                      • date of birth
                      • document number
                      • citizenship or residency status
                      • photo
                      • expiry date (if applicable)

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Family information (IMM 5645) (opens in a new tab) (if applicable)

                      Each applicant 18 years and older must complete this form.

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Minor children (if applicable)

                      The documents needed depend on whether a child under 18 years of age will travel with only 1 parent, with a relative or friend, or alone.

                      Details to include

                      You may need to show

                      • a letter that authorizes the minor child to travel to Canada
                      • other documents, such as adoption papers or a custody decree, depending on if the minor child travels alone or not
                      1. Submit these with your visa application.
                      2. Show the border services officer when you arrive in Canada

                      A letter written to you from a person or business inviting you to Canada

                      It can confirm that your purpose for visiting Canada is valid.

                      Details to include

                      A copy of the letter from the person or business inviting you to Canada

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Recommended documents Travel history

                      If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

                      Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

                      Details to include

                      A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

                      • your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
                      • entry and exit stamps
                      • study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
                      • expired or valid visas

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

                      Details to include

                      Copies of any of the following:

                      • flight details
                      • proof of accommodation
                      • registration for an event

                      Submit these with your visa application.

                      Bank account statement

                      This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

                      Details to include

                      Bank name and contact
                      This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

                      Proof it is your account
                      Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

                      Account details
                      At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

                      Submit these with your visa application.

                      Seafarer

                      Identity document

                      Documents we accept:

                      • passports (regular, official or diplomatic) from most countries (see exceptions below)
                      • alien’s passport for stateless persons
                      • US Permit to Re-Enter (Form I-327)
                      • US Refugee Travel Document (Form I-571)
                      • other refugee travel documents for non-citizens

                      Documents we don’t accept:

                      • any passport issued by Somalia
                      • non-machine-readable passports issued by the Czech Republic
                      • temporary passports issued by the Republic of South Africa
                      • provisional passports issued by Venezuela

                      A clear, colour copy of your valid passport or travel document that you'll use to travel to Canada.

                      If you have a passport, you must provide a copy of

                      • the page that shows your birth date and country of origin
                      • any pages with stamps, visas or markings

                      If you have a travel document, it must be issued by a government and include your

                      • name
                      • date of birth
                      • document number
                      • citizenship or residency status
                      • photo
                      • expiry date (if applicable)

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Family members or third parties who apply on behalf of the applicant need to complete this form.

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Each applicant 18 years or older must complete this form.

                      Please indicate clearly if family members will accompany you to Canada.

                      Submit the completed form with your visa application.

                      Submit the following documents with your visa application:

                      • digital copy of Seaman’s Book
                      • digital copy of a signed Letter of Invitation from a ship or port agent in Canada
                      • digital copy of an Introduction Letter from recruiter shipping agency or vessel owner
                      • digital copy of the employment contract

                      If you’ve travelled to Canada or to other countries, this can show that you’ve been able to get a visa in the past.

                      Proof of this includes copies of previous visas in your passport.

                      Details to include

                      A clear copy of 1 or more of the following:

                      • your previous passports and/or visas (used within the last 10 years to travel outside your country)
                      • entry and exit stamps
                      • study and/or work permits that indicate your duration outside of your country
                      • expired or valid visas

                      Submit this with your visa application.

                      Documents that show how long you plan to stay and what you’ll do in Canada

                      Details to include

                      Copies of any of the following:

                      • flight details
                      • proof of accommodation
                      • registration for an event

                      Submit these with your visa application.

                      Bank account statement

                      This can help us understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Canada.

                      Details to include

                      Bank name and contact
                      This allows us to contact your bank or financial institution with questions.

                      Proof it is your account
                      Your name and address on the statement show that the account is yours.

                      Account details
                      At least 6 months of account details, including balances, helps us understand your financial situation.

                      Submit these with your visa application.

                      Authority to release personal information to a designated individual (IMM 5475)

                      Use this form if you want to allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to release your personal information to someone you choose.

                      The person you choose will be able to get information on your case file, such as the status of your application.

                      Submit the completed form with your visa application.

                      Step 2 Apply through the IRCC Portal

                      Step 2 Apply

                      To apply for a visitor visa to visit Canada on business, you need to qualify as a business visitor.

                      To qualify, you must show that:

                      • you plan to stay for less than 6 months
                      • you don’t plan to enter the Canadian labour market
                      • your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada

                      Business visitor activities include business meetings, special events or training for a few days or weeks.

                      If your meeting, event or conference is registered with us, include the event code in your application. You should get this code from the organizer.

                      Note: If you plan to stay for more than 6 months, or if you plan to work in Canada, you may be considered a temporary worker and have to apply for a work permit.

                      To apply online, you need a scanner or camera to create electronic copies of your documents, and a valid credit or debit card.

                      Read the instruction guide before you complete your application. As an online applicant, you can ignore steps 3 and 4 of the guide (paying the fees and submitting your application).

                      If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

                      Apply through the IRCC Secure account

                      Apply through the IRCC Portal

                      Only for tourists, visiting for business, family visits, compassionate reasons

                      Apply through the IRCC Portal

                      To apply for a visitor visa to join a vessel as a marine crew member (seafarer), you must

                      • be travelling to Canada to join a ship’s crew
                      • hold a seafarer’s identity document
                      • hold a valid passport or travel document
                      • have proof of employment on a vessel at a Canadian port

                      As a seafarer, you’re not eligible for a transit visa and you must apply for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa).

                      Note: When asked to “Tell us more about what you’ll do in Canada”, include “Join vessel” or “Seafarer”.

                      Applying on paper for specific situations

                      If you need a visitor visa to travel to Canada, you must apply online for one. Only online applications will be accepted and processed. However, you can apply on paper if:

                      • you can’t apply online because of a disability or
                      • you’re travelling with an identity or travel document that was issued to a refugee, a stateless person or a non-citizen

                      The application package includes an instruction guide and all the forms you need to fill out.

                      Read the guide carefully before you complete your application. We will not refund your application fee, so make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply.

                      Each individual applicant must submit a completed application form. Applicants under the age of 18 must have this form signed by a parent or a guardian.

                      Pay your application fees

                      In most cases, your fees will include processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application.

                      If you’re applying for the first time, you must pay the biometrics fee when you submit your application (unless you’re exempt). Otherwise, you may experience delays.

                      Third-party fees

                      Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for

                      • your medical exam
                      • a police certificate

                      Our instruction guides (opens in a new tab) can help you understand which fees apply to you.

                      Submit your application

                      Families should send their individual applications in one package. The principal applicant must send this combined package to the location where their application will be processed.

                      If you need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and you’re applying on paper, submit your application in person. VAC staff will check that it is complete and will confirm that you have paid the correct fees before you can give your biometrics.

                      Credit cards and prepaid cards

                      We accept the following credit cards and prepaid cards:

                      • Visa ®
                      • MasterCard ®
                      • American Express ®
                      • JCB ®
                      • UnionPay ® (for online applications only; debit cards not accepted)

                      If you use a prepaid credit card, keep it for at least 18 months after you pay to make refunds easier. Find more on prepaid cards.

                      We also accept all Visa Debit cards.

                      The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.

                      Debit cards

                      • be from a Canadian bank using INTERAC ® Online
                      • be registered for online banking through your bank’s website

                      We also accept all Debit MasterCard ® and Visa ® Debit cards. If your card has the Visa Debit logo on it, alone or with the INTERAC ® Online logo, select Visa Debit as your payment method.

                      The card you use doesn’t have to be in your name. The cardholder’s name will appear on the receipt but it does not need to match your application.