Full Visa Registration guild line
Gather documentation in Step 1
What paperwork is needed?
Use the Document Checklist [IMM 5484] (PDF, 1.12 MB) to help you assemble the necessary paperwork if you are applying from outside of Canada.
Some visa offices might need more supporting documents that are particular to your nation. Visit the Application for a Visitor Visa website for further details.
To assemble the documentation necessary to submit your application to the Case Processing Centre – Ottawa, you must utilize the Document checklist – Applicants in Canada [IMM 5721] (PDF, 0.91 MB) (CPC-O).
Important note: The processing of your application may be delayed if you do not include all the needed information or documentation.
Young people traveling alone
A letter of authorization, preferably in English or French and signed by both parents or legal guardians, is required for minors (under 18) traveling alone or with someone other than their parents or guardians. The name of the responsible adult for the children in Canada should also be included. Any minor traveling with only one parent or legal guardian must obtain written permission from the other parent or guardian, preferably in English or French.
document translation
Unless otherwise specified on your document checklist, you must submit the following for any document that is not in either English or French: a certified copy of the original document, the English or French translation, an affidavit from the translator (if they are not a certified translator), and the translation.
warning exclamation point
The applicants themselves, as well as the applicants’ parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or first cousins, are not permitted to translate.
You must submit an affidavit certifying to the accuracy of the translation and the translator’s language proficiency if the translation was not done by a certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial association of translators and interpreters in Canada).
An affidavit is a document on which the translator has professed under penalty of perjury that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document in the presence of a person qualified to administer oaths in the nation where the translator resides.
Affidavits are not necessary for Canadian-certified translators.
The affidavit must be signed in front of:
For Canada:
a public notary
A commissioner of oaths and an affidavit-taking commissioner
Each province and territory has its own certification authority. Consult the provincial or territorial authorities in your area.
External to Canada:
A notary public is a person with the authority to administer oaths. Speak with the local government.
authenticated copies
An authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following information on the photocopy in order to certify the copy.
“I attest that this copy of the original document is a true copy.”
the title of the original document, the certification’s date, the signatory’s name, and their official position or title.
How are copies certified?
Copies can only be certified by authorized parties.
Important information: Neither the applicants themselves nor their parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or first cousins may certify copies.
Among those qualified to certify copies are the following:
For Canada:
a public notary
A commissioner of oaths and an affidavit-taking commissioner
Each province and territory has its own certification authority. To find out who has the power to certify, contact the provincial or territorial authorities in your area.
Beyond Canada:
a notary public Each country has its own requirements for notarizing papers for use abroad. Find out who has the power to certify in your nation by contacting your local authorities.
Finish the application. Step 2
completing the application
The forms that must be completed and filed are as follows:
[IMM 5257] Application for Temporary Resident Visa (PDF, 0.56 MB)
details about the family (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707)
Checklist for Documents [IMM 5484] (PDF, 1.12 MB)
Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] (PDF, 1.53 MB), if applicable Authority to release personal information to a designated individual [IMM 5475] (PDF, 1.52 MB), if applicable Document Checklist – Applicants in Canada if applicable Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 0.78 MB), if applicable
Note: If a visa officer requests it, you might need to complete more supporting paperwork.
Important information: Giving incorrect or misleading information on these forms is a criminal offense. Verification may be done on the data you submit with your application.
Information of importance
Be thorough and precise.
Complete each segment. Except for your name, indicate “Not Applicable” or “NA” if a section does not apply to you (last name and given name[s]). For further information, see questions 1 and 2 under “Personal Details.” The applicant must sign and date the application.
Your application may be denied if it is insufficient, which would cause a delay in processing it.
Print out an extra sheet with the relevant portion on it if you need more room for it, fill it out, and attach it to your application.
application for a visa for a temporary resident (IMM 5257)
Who is required to complete the application form?
Each person requesting a Temporary Resident Visa to enter Canada must fill out this form.
Note
Complete the form.
In the absence of specific instructions, you must respond to every question on this form.
Download the form, then complete it on a computer.
Additionally, you have the choice to store your form and complete it later.
It should be noted that using a computer makes the application procedure simpler and less likely to contain errors. You can complete the form by reading and responding to the questions below.
Also check: How to obtain an temporary Canadian visa
Answer the first question by entering your UCI, if you know it. Leave it blank if not. You won’t have a UCI if this is your first time working with us.
Choose the language (French or English) in which you would like to get your service from the list in response to question 2.
Question 3: From the list, choose the kind of visa you’re requesting.
An official document called a visitor visa, which is kept in your passport and allows you to apply for entry into Canada, is issued by a visa office.
Persons passing through Canada for less than 48 hours on their way to another nation must get a transit visa.
Note: You must have detailed documentation of your travel itinerary from your transportation provider or travel agent in order to receive a transit visa.
Personal Information
First name, please
Write your last name (family name) precisely as it appears on your passport or other travel documentation (even if the name is misspelled). Avoid using initials.
Note: Enter all of your given names here and leave the given name section empty if your passport or other travel document does not list your family name.
Please provide all of your given names—first, middle, and other—exactly as they appear on your passport or other travel documentation (even if the name is misspelled). Avoid using initials.
Please leave this section empty if your passport or other travel document does not list your given name. Not applicable, “NA,” or “*” should not be entered.
Second-choice names or aliases
If you have ever gone by a different name, check the box to let us know. The names you were given at birth, your maiden name, your married name, your nickname, etc.
If “Yes,” provide any additional family names you have ever used.
If “Yes,” provide any other first, middle, or last names that you have ever used.
Option 3: Select your gender (F-Female, M-Male or X-Another gender).
Note: You must complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier form and submit it with your application if you choose a gender identifier that differs from what is currently or was previously listed on your Canadian temporary resident document (visa, electronic traveauthorization, work permit, study permit, or visitor record). You must also fill out the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier form and submit it with your application if you have never held a Canadian temporary residence document but want to apply for one, and your gender identity differs from that of your passport or foreign travel document. There is no need for supplementary paperwork.
Question 4: Please enter your birthdate. Please use ‘*’ (star sign or asterisk) to fill in the appropriate year, month, or day fields if your full date of birth is unknown.
Note: If your passport or other travel document lists your city, town, nation, or territory of birth, please enter it exactly as it does there.
Choose your citizenship by selecting your country or territory. Being a citizen of a nation or territory requires that you were either born there (which is the norm) or that you have received citizenship from that nation or territory. Choose the nation or region that issued the passport you will be using for this trip if you hold citizenship in more than one.
Also check: Family health International and job opportunities
7th question
Select the accurate data:
the name of the nation or region you currently reside in, assuming you were legitimately accepted there.
the following describes your immigration status in that nation or territory:
Citizen
a long-term resident
VisitorsWorker
Other Protected Person: A student
Refugee Application
Other: If you selected “Other” as your status, you must complete this box.
The dates (From – To) that you have resided in your own nation or territory.
8th question
Check the box to let us know whether you spent more than six months living outside of your country of citizenship or your current country or territory of residence (listed above) within the previous five years.
If “Yes” was checked, enter the appropriate details:
Your immigration status throughout your time there, together with the name of the nation or area you called home:
Citizen
a long-term resident
VisitorsWorker
Other Protected Person: A student
Refugee Claimant
Other: If you selected “Other” as your status, you must complete this box.
The time period (From to To) when you resided in that nation or area.
Question 9
If you are applying from the nation or territory where you now reside, check the corresponding box.
If “No” was ticked, make the following selection:
The name of the nation or territory from which you are submitting your application; your immigration status in that nation or territory by selecting one of the options below;
Citizen
a long-term resident
VisitorsWorker
Other Protected Person: A student
Refugee Claimant
Other: If you selected “Other” as your status, you must complete this box.
The time period (From to To) that you have resided in that nation or area.
When submitting your application, if you are not a citizen of the nation or territory where you are applying, you must provide documentation proving your residency there.
Choose your present marital status in question 10:
An annulled union
This marriage has been ruled legally void. An annulment can also be the Catholic Church’s statement that the marriage was not legally binding.
Normative law
This indicates that you have been in a marital-type relationship with your partner for at least a year.
Divorced
This indicates that your marriage has been ended legally and that you are formally separated.
Legally divorced
You are still married, but you no longer reside with your spouse.
Learn: How to Write a good co-operate essay
Married
This indicates that you and your spouse have had a ceremony that solidifies your marriage. Both in the country where the wedding was held as well as in Canada, your marriage must be formally acknowledged.
Single
This demonstrates that you have never been wed and are not living together as common-law partners.
Widowed
This indicates that you have not remarried or established a common-law relationship after your spouse passed away.
Enter the year, month, and day you got married or started living with someone you’re now in a common-law partnership.
Write down your current spouse or common-law partner’s given name and family name.
You must additionally complete and submit the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) form along with your application if you are in a common-law union. A photocopy of your marriage license or certificate must be included with your application if you are married.
Issue No. 11
If you have ever been married or in a common-law partnership, please check the corresponding option. If “Yes” was selected, type:
All given names, all family names
the birthdate,
Common-law or married relationships are the two types.
Dates (From – To) that you were romantically involved with your ex-spouse or previous common-law partner.
Languages
Choose your native tongue in question 1. (mother tongue).
Choose the language you would use most frequently if English or French are not your native tongues.
BothsEnglishsFrenchsNeither
Decide whether to communicate in English, French, or both languages:
EnglishsFrench
BothsNeither
If you have taken a test from a recognized testing organization to gauge your proficiency in English or French, please indicate by selecting Yes or No.
Passport
Answer 1: Enter the exact number from your current, valid passport or other travel document. Ensure that there is no space between any of the letters or numbers.
Choose the name of the nation or territory that issued your passport or other travel documents in response to question 2.
Enter the date when your passport or other travel document was issued in question 3.
4th Question
Enter the expiration date of your passport or other travel document.
Five for this journey: If you have a passport from Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that displays your unique identification number, please check Yes or No to let us know.
Check either Yes or No to indicate, for this trip, whether you are using an Israeli national passport.
Note: Each passport must have at least one blank page in addition to the last page that is usable. Please contact the relevant visa office for your region if you are applying from outside of Canada. A physical copy of your passport is not necessary right away if you are applying from within Canada, but it might be later on.
Venezuelans with passports
When filling out your application, there may be additional procedures that you must take.
national identification card
Question 1: Indicate whether you have a national identity document by selecting Yes or No.
Question 2: Enter the number on your national identification document precisely as it appears on the document.
Inquiry 3
Choose the nation or region that issued your national identification document from the list.
Enter the date that your national identification paper was issued in question 4.
Enter the expiration date of your national identification paper in question 5.
a US PR Card
Check first question If you are a legal permanent resident of the United States, please select Yes or No.
Exactly as it appears on the document, enter your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) number in response to question 2.
Inquiry 3
Indicate the expiration date of your U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) document.
Identifying Data
Inquiry 1
Please enter your current postal address (where information should be mailed). Make sure to incorporate the following details:
If you have a Post Office Box (P.O. Box), please provide it. You must provide the street number if you don’t have a post office box number.
Unit or Apartment, Street Number (No.). If a P.O. Box number was not entered, the street name and number must be typed. Except for directions, avoid shortening nouns like “Street,” “Avenue,” “Boulevard,” and “Drive” (NW, SE, W, etc.)
a town or city
Select the nation or region that contains your current mailing address from the list.
If applicable, your district’s zip code, province, or state.
Unless you provide us with your email address, all messages will be sent to this address.
You must provide us with the email and mailing addresses of your representative in this area and on the Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) form if you want them to be able to represent you in commercial transactions.
Inquiry 2
If your home address and mailing address are the same, please check the box to let us know. If “No,” enter the following data:
If it applies to you, use Apartment (Apt.) or Unit Street Number (No.) Street Name. Except for directions, don’t shorten words like “Street,” “Avenue,” “Boulevard,” or “Drive” (NW, SE, W, etc.)
City, town, country, region, province, or state, if applicable; postcode or zip code; district.
Inquiry 3
Indicate if the phone number is from Canada, the US, or another country by checking the appropriate box (any other country).
Selecting a phone model:
Residence (home)
Cellular (cell or mobile)
Business (work)
Include any necessary area, regional, or country codes when entering your phone number.
If you have an extension, add it under “Ext” after your phone number.
4th Question
Indicate if your second phone number is from Canada, the United States, or another nation by checking the appropriate option (any other country).
Selecting a phone model:
Residence (home)
Cellular (cell or mobile)
Business (work)
Include any necessary area, regional, or country codes when entering your phone number.
If you have an extension, add it under “Ext” after your phone number.
Question 5 Select the appropriate checkbox to indicate if the fax number is from Canada, the United States, or another nation (any other country).
Enter your facsimile (fax) number, along with any applicable country, area, or regional codes, if you have one.
Question 6 If you have an email address, type it in the following format: name@provider.net.
Note: Be careful to regularly check your email. You will receive emails from IRCC that begin with “@cic.gc.ca,” “@canada.ca,” or “@international.gc.ca.”
Please add these to your email program’s “safe senders” list and check the junk mail folder in case any crucial emails are filtered. We will contact you via letter if we discover that your email address is invalid or no longer active. You are giving us permission to transmit your correspondence, including files and personal information, to this address by providing us with your email address.
Information on a trip to Canada
Choose one of the following and describe why you are visiting Canada:
BusinesssTourism
Short-term research (course or program of six months or less)
returning pupil
returning employee
a supervisa grandparents and parents
Other (medical visit, transit, etc.)
family outing
Visit
Note: If you answered “other” to question 1a), please offer more information in 1b).
Question 2 Please enter your intended stay in Canada’s From and To dates.
In response to question 3, list the total amount of money you have available to you during your visit to Canada in Canadian dollars.
4th Question
Write down the following details about the person(s) or place(s), including any schools, that you plan to visit while you are in Canada:
Name (includes the name of a person or a name of an institution)
Your connection to this person or organization (friend, family, co-worker, etc.)
Their Canadian address (street number, street name, city or town and postal code).
Education
If you have any post-secondary education, please check the box (including university, college or apprenticeship training).
Post-secondary education examples include:
an apprenticeship or a trade
finished training in a particular craft, such as carpentry or mechanics.
non-university diploma or certificate
learning a trade that calls for formal education but not at the university level (for example, dental technician or engineering technician).
undergraduate degree
Awarded by a college or university to students who successfully complete an undergraduate program; sometimes known as a baccalaureate. Bachelor’s degrees in science, education, or the arts are some examples.
master’s diploma
academic certificate granted by a graduate program at a university or college. Before earning a Master’s degree, you must first complete a Bachelor’s degree.
Also check out: How to get ready for Canadian education
PhD
The highest university degree often requires a thesis and at least three years of graduate study. A Master’s degree must typically be completed before a PhD can be awarded.
If “Yes,” please provide complete information about your greatest level of post-secondary education:
Enter the months and years of your attendance at the institution.
Also check:How to obtain a temporary vi
areas of study (mechanics, social sciences, medicine, etc.)
Name of the school or facility, along with the city, town, country, or territory (from the list), and province or state.
Employment (Work or job)
Please enter the following details regarding your employment history over the last ten years. Give details on the ten years leading up to your retirement if you are one.
Question 1: What are you doing now?
Give specifics about your present work or activity:
your present job’s start and end dates (year and month), as well as a brief summary of your duties. If you don’t work, describe what you’re doing right now (studying, retired, etc.), along with the name of the facility where you work, your city or town, your country or territory, your province or state, if applicable.
Question 2: Previous employment or activity
Give specifics about your previous work or activities during the last ten years. Include information on the ten years leading up to your retirement if you are already retired.
If you require more room, print out a second page of the application, complete this section, and attach it to your application.
Background Details
This section’s questions all need to be answered, or the application will be rejected and sent back.
Inquiry 1
Check the box to say whether or not:
You or any member of your family has ever had pulmonary tuberculosis or been in close proximity to someone who has it within the last two years.
While your stay in Canada, you will require social and/or health services besides medication for any physical or mental disorders that you may have.
If “Yes” was selected for any of the aforementioned questions, please include more information and, if appropriate, the family member’s name.
Note: Please refer to this guide’s definition of “family members.”
Inquiry 2
Check the box if any of the following apply to you:
You overstayed your visa’s expiration date, went to school or worked without permission while you were in Canada.
been denied entry, rejected a visa or authorization, or told to leave Canada or any other nation or territory.
Prior applications were made to enter or remain in Canada.
Give more information if you answered “Yes” to any of the aforementioned questions.
Inquiry 3
Check the box if any of the following apply to you:
any criminal offense that they have committed, been arrested for, been charged with, or been found guilty of in any nation or territory.
Question 4: Indicate by checking the box whether you have ever served in the military, a militia, a civil defense unit, a security agency, or the police (including non-obligatory national service, reserve or voluntary units).
If your response to question 4a) was “Yes,” please list the countries or territories where you served as well as the dates of your service.
Question 5: Indicate “Yes” or “No” if you have ever belonged to or been involved with a political party, group, or organization that has used or promoted violence to further a political or religious goal or that has ever been linked to criminal behavior.
If you have ever seen or taken part in the mistreatment of detainees or civilians, looting, or the damage of religious structures, check “Yes” or “No” next to this question.
To finish your form:
Click the “Validate” button at the top or bottom of the form once the application is finished. A barcode page (page 5 of 5) will be produced as a result. The barcode page must be placed at the top of your application if it has been filled out on a computer and printed (or if applying as a group, each individual application package).
barcode Note: If you manually complete your application, this barcode page won’t show up.
You must sign your name and the date in the spaces at the bottom of the page if you are 18 years old or older.
A parent or legal guardian must sign the form if the applicant is under the age of 18.
Note: By signing, you attest that you have read and comprehended all of the questions, and that the data you’ve supplied is true and accurate. It will be returned to you if you don’t date and sign the application.
Step 3. Pay the fines.
Fees
Important details: Fees come in two varieties:
a biometric charge; a processing fee for applications.
Ascertain whether you must provide biometrics.
To get the total amount of fees due, use the table below (all fees are in Canadian dollars). Your application must be submitted with the processing fees. If you or a member of your family is needed to give biometric data, the biometric fee should be paid simultaneously with the processing fee in the same manner to prevent delays in the processing of your application.
Please take note that you might have to pay fees in local money.
Your costs
Application $CAN
Per person, visitor visa (including super visa).
Visas for temporary residents with one or more entries This is what?
Visitor visas cost $100 per household (1 fee per family of 5 or more people)
Visas for temporary residents with one or more entries What is this? ; maximum fee for a family applying at the same time and location with five or more applicants
Transit Visa for $500
No charge
$CAN for biometrics fees
85 biometrics per family, or biometrics per individual (2 or more people)
Maximum cost for a family applying at the same time and location with two or more applicants
170 Fees are always subject to modification.
Note: Confirm your eligibility before paying, and gather all necessary paperwork before submitting your application.
Regardless of the outcome, the expenses will not be reimbursed. Ineligibility for a temporary residence visa, for instance, is determined as part of the processing; the fees are not refundable. You will need to pay another processing cost and, if necessary, another biometric fee if you reapply.
Visitors without a visa who are requesting a super visa:
You are not required to pay any processing costs if you are a citizen of a nation where obtaining a visa to enter Canada is not necessary. To acquire a super visa, you must, however, meet all other requirements.
Find out if you require a visiting visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA).
How to submit the application fees
You’ll need the following to submit your application fees:
a working email address, a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt), and a credit card, debit MasterCard® or debit Visa® card are all required.
To pay, click the following link and adhere to the payment instructions:
Navigate to Online Payment.
Observe the internet directions.
Click the button to print the official IRCC receipt with a barcode at the conclusion. Create two duplicates.
A copy of this receipt should be affixed to your completed application.
The second receipt copy should be kept for your records.
hand stop sign Please print the receipt before leaving. Your payment proof is the printed receipt!
a halt sign
Note
Online payment is the sole type of payment that is accepted. IRCC will return your application if you send any other payment method.
incorrect payment of a charge
Payment errors may cause processing delays.
Payment problem – no fee charged
Your application will be returned.
When your application and applicable fees are received, we will begin processing it.
Payment issue: Insufficient fees were included
We will reply to your application and inform you of the cost.
Once your application and the relevant fees are received, we will begin processing it.
Overpayment is a payment issue
We’ll do:
Send you a refund after processing your application.
You don’t need to request a refund; it will happen on its own.
Payment difficulty—the necessary biometric cost is not included
We’ll do:
inform you of the fee’s amount and payment options.
Note: Once you provide the unpaid fees, we will continue processing your application.
Step 4 Submit the application
Either submit your application online or mail it to a local Visa Application Center (VAC).
Where do I go if I have to provide my biometric fingerprints and photo?
At one of Canada’s Visa Application Centers (VAC) locations across the world if you’re not from Canada or the US.
At one of the many Application Support Centers located all around the United States.
As of December 3, 2019, Canadian residents can visit an authorized Service Canada facility.
Those who are entitled to apply for employment and study permits at the port of entry, as well as those who have filed an asylum claim.
Consult the list of locations offering biometric collection services.
You do not need to provide paper pictures with your application if you must provide biometric fingerprints and a photo.
If you need longer time than 30 days or are unable to supply your biometric data (fingerprints and/or photographs), please contact us and be prepared to explain your situation in detail.
Send the list of documents.
Also check out: How to get ready for Canadian education
Include the Document Checklist [IMM 5484] with your application forms and supporting documents, and make sure to fill it out completely.
Which documents must I provide with my application?
Don’t forget to fill out the Document Checklist and submit it with your application materials. Ensure that you attach each and every one of the proofs indicated on the Document Checklist.
You can place all of your family members’ TRV applications in one envelope if they are also doing so.
If you are an overseas permanent resident (PR) and want to renounce your PR status, you must submit your application for PR renunciation [IMM 5782] (PDF, 1.59 MB) in a separate envelope from your application for temporary resident status.
Applications for temporary residents can be submitted online or through a Visa Application Centre (VAC), however applications for permanent residence must be sent separately by mail to the visa office.
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