Canada Visa Application and Tracking Process 2024

As a popular study and tourist destination, Canada enjoys the reputation of being the most sought country in the world.

Being a pioneer in technological advancements, Canada hosted around 8.3 million foreign nationals in 2021.

As Canada is a great place for those who look for career advancements and immigration, many people around the globe aspire for a life in Canada.

Visa being a prerequisite for your fly-abroad dreams, this blog will exclusively clear all your doubts regarding the Canada visa application process.  

CANADA VISA APPLICATION AND TRACKING PROCESS in 2023
A Brief Overview of Canada Visa

Canada Visa - A Brief Overview

Are you planning to fly to Canada?

Then you would have made your plan to apply for a Canada Visa. But how to apply for a Canada Visa?

This blog is an answer to all your daunting doubts regarding the Canada Visa application process.

With the following topics, you will get a clear understanding of all your doubts.

Does Canada Want a Visa?

Yes. Any non-resident or non-citizen of Canada requires a Visa to enter the territory of Canada except those countries that are exempted or require only Electronic Travel Authorization.

Who Needs a Canadian Visa?

Anyone who wishes to travel to Canada requires a Visa to enter the country. Though there are some exceptions given to some countries, people coming under below mentioned categories must have a visa to enter Canada.

Does Canada Require Visa From Green Passport Holders?

No. As US Green Card holders are considered permanent residents of Canada, they can travel to Canada without a visa and can remain in Canada for up to 6 months. But this entry doesn’t allow you to work or study for a long period in Canada.

Does Canada Give Visa Easily?

No. Getting visa approval from Canada can be tough and can be time-consuming as well.

Though Canada visa approval was pretty easy during pre-Covid times, the onset of Covid has led to the rise of visa rejection tremendously.

Though the situation has improved with the removal of Covid restrictions, still getting visa approval from Canada is not an easy task.

The below table shows the visa approval rate of Canada in recent years.

Which Countries Do Not Need Visa for Canada?

Though possession of a visa is an entry document, some countries that possess eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) can enter Canada without a visa.

Though an eTA is required to enter Canada by air mode, these countries can enter Canada through land or water mode even without an eTA.

Citizen of British overseas territory who obtained citizenship through birth, descent, registration, or naturalization in one of the British overseas territories of:

Also read: Our Top SOPs for Canada

Which Countries Can You Visit With a Canadian Visa?

Though the possession of a US visa allows you to travel to 49 countries, being the second-best visa in the world, the Canadian Visa allows you to travel visa-free to 38 countries.  

Here we list the names of countries you can travel to with a Canadian visa.

Know What Are The Canada Visa Eligibility Criterias

Canada Visa Eligibility

Are you planning to study or work in Canada?

It is very important to check your Canada visa eligibility before you start with the paperwork.

Through the following subtopics, this chapter will help you gain an understanding of Canada visa requirements.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a Canadian Visa?

Are you eligible to apply for a Canadian visa?

Below are a few Canada visa eligibility points that can help you understand your Canada Visa eligibility criteria.

What Makes You Eligible for a Canadian Visa?

To understand whether you are eligible to apply for a Canadian visa, visit the official website of the Canadian government and fill out the online questionnaire.

Depending upon the Canada visa type and requirements, you will be asked to fill in the questionnaire and this survey will help you let you know whether you are eligible to apply or not.

Understand The Types of Canada Visa in 2023

Types of Canada Visa

As there are different types of visas in Canada, it’s very important to understand which type of visa you are in need of.

This chapter will help you gain an in-depth understanding of Canada visa type and duration.

How Many Types of Visas Are There for Canada?

Having a clear idea of your purpose of visiting Canada will help you understand which type of visa you are in need of.

Having an idea of Canada visa types will allow you to streamline your choices and find the right options.

Below are the several types of Canadian visas available.

Types of Temporary Canada Visas

There are several visa categories for Canada.

Out of which, the Temporary Canada Visa allows the person to stay in Canada for a short period of time as determined by the Canadian Consulate or the Border Services Officers.

 A Temporary Canada Visa can either be a Single Entry or Multiple Entry Visa.

Below are the different types of Temporary Canada Visas available:

Types of Permanent Canada Visas

A Permanent Canada Visa, also known as Immigrant Visas will allow you to permanently settle in the country.

They are of different types.

This is for those who will make an investment of at least CAD$800,000 in the Canadian economy.

They must invest at least CAD$400,000 and this will be returned to them after 5 years by the Canadian government.

This type of visa is given to those who will contribute to the Canadian economy individually. They must at least own a net worth of CAD$300,000.

This type of visa is for those people who have proved their skills in athletics, business, culture, farming, etc. and wish to start a business of their own in Canada.

If you have an occupation in the Quebec region of Canada, and you are fluent in French, then you can apply for Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program.

This program helps the spouse and children of Canadian citizens or permanent resident to move to Canada permanently.

This type of visa is given to caregivers who are ready and qualified to take care of elderly, disabled people, children, etc.

Types of Express Entry Visas

Canada Visa Express Entry is an electronic immigration program which allows people from all over the world to immigrate to Canada based on specific skills.

There are different type of Express Entry Visas as discussed below:

The visa coming under this program enables tradespeople who have proved their talents in occupations like

  •       Carpenters
  •       Electricians
  •       Aircraft Mechanics
  •       Welders
  •       Crane Operators
  •       Plumbers
  •       Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics
  •       Ironworkers
  •       Machinists

The visa under the Federal Skilled Worker Program is given to those people who are involved in those professions which are required in Canada.

The visa under Provincial Nomination Programs is given to semi or low-skilled workers who wish to contribute to the Canadian economy with their work.

This type of visa is given to those who have a temporary worker visa or temporary student visa and wish to change to a permanent visa. 

The Complete Steps for Canada Visa Application Process

Canada Visa Application Process

Are you planning to apply for a Canadian Visa?

Well, are you confused about the whole Canada visa process?

Don’t worry, this chapter is the answer to all your questions.

Having a clear idea about the Canada visa application process and Canada visa application processing time is essential before you even think to start the visa application process.

This chapter will cover:

How to Apply for a Canadian Visa?

The application for a Canada visa can be made online. The applications for Canada visitor visas, business visa types, student visas, and travel documents of Permanent Residents have to be done in person through an authorized visa center. IRCC Canada is the only authority authorized for the approval of Canada visa applications. Below are the steps to make the online application for a Canada visa.
  • Visit the official website of Canadian IRCC; https://www.canada.ca/ and register yourself
  • Upload the necessary documents
  • Pay the fees

What are the Documents Required for a Canadian Visa?

Submission of sufficient documents is necessary for the approval of your Canada Visa application.

Below is the list of documents you have to submit for the successful approval of your visa application

As a vital document for international air travel, a Passport is a prerequisite for your Canadian visa application.

You have to be a valid passport holder with all the necessary information stamped.

The visa application form which is downloaded from the website of IRCC must be submitted with credible information.

You have to submit the payment receipt of the application processing fees and biometrics fees.

Proof of your clean criminal record has to be submitted.

Those who are traveling to Canada for a span of more than 6 months require medical proof of health and this has to be obtained by finding the right insurance doctor from the website of IRCC Canada.

Two biometric photographs which are not older than 6 months with a clear face and solid color background has to be submitted by the applicant. 

To prove that you have got enough financial resources to cover your expenses in Canada, you have to submit relevant bank statements, business letters (to show your annual earnings), income certificates of Canadian host family (if you are visiting Canada by invitation), a sponsor letter, (if you have got any sponsors), sponsor’s financial documents.

Document proof that you will return to your home country like proof of employment, title deeds or rental agreements, etc. have to be submitted.

Documents related to your marriage such as a marriage certificate or divorce certificate, birth certificate, and photocopies of your identity proof have to be submitted.

A cover letter stating your purpose of travel has to be submitted along with all the documents related to your travel. Don’t forget to submit the contact information of the person who will support your visit in Canada.

An Invitation letter has to be written by a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident of Canada stating the applicant’s name, date of birth, address, phone number, duration of travel, relationship with the person, details regarding the financial support, etc.

How to Fill Canada Visa Application Form?

The Canada Visa form is filled online using the IRCC system.

If you wish to fill out the form in person, you can download the form in the pdf format from the official website.

The guidelines regarding how to fill out the Canada online visa application form is mentioned in detail in the Canadian immigration website.

How Much Money Should I Have in the Bank for a Canadian Visa Application?

You must have a decent bank balance for a Canada Visa application.

The minimum bank balance for a Canada visa is 1,230 CAD.

Those traveling to Canada as a tourist are expected to maintain a bank balance of 2000 CAD in their bank account for 30 days.

Is There Any Canada Visa Interview?

IRCC has the right to decide whether a visa interview is necessary or not.

Under the skilled worker category of immigration, the selection process is purely objective.

So an IRCC officer assesses an applicant’s qualifications based on the information provided and documents submitted.

So the submission of a perfect and complete application form increases the chances of an interview waiver. 

How to Make Canada Visa Appointment Procedures?

You can make an appointment for the Canada Visa through online mode by visiting the official website of VFS Global. VFS Global is an authorized website which will help you make an appointment for a Canada Visa.
  • Visit the official website of the intermediary institution
  • Make registration in the website
  • Click on the make an appointment option
  • Select online transaction
  • Enter the email id and password.
  • Date will be displayed after the completion of the above mentioned steps.

How Much Are Canada Visa Prices?

No matter which type of visa you apply for, you have to pay a certain amount of money as a Canada Visa fee and processing fees.

Canada Embassy fees depend upon the type of visa you plan to apply for. 

Below is a table that well explains the amount of fees that have to be paid for each type of Canadian visa.

Biometric Requirements for Canadian Visa Applications

Biometric Requirements for Canadian Visa Applications

What is Biometric Appointment For Canada? How to book biometric appointments for Canada?

This might be the question troubling you since you have made up your mind to apply for a Canadian Visa.

This chapter will help you understand what a Canada biometric appointment is and how important it is for your visa application process. 

What Are Biometrics?

Biometrics are body measurements and calculations that are used to define human characteristics.

It is used in computer science for identification and access control.  

For the Canada Biometric Appointment a digital photo and electronic fingerprints of the applicant is taken.

Who Needs to Give Biometrics?

The Canadian Government has got a short questionnaire to determine who all need to submit Biometrics. Generally, those people applying for below mentioned Visas have to submit their Biometrics.
  • A visitor visa
  • Permanent residence
  • A work or study permit (United States nationals are exempted)
  • An extension of your stay in Canada, which is known as a visitor record
  • Refugee or asylum status
  • A work or study permit extension

How long are Biometrics valid for?

If you have given your biometrics for Canada in the last 10 years for a visitor, work or study visa, then you don’t have to give them again.

Your Biometrics is valid for 10 years even if your previous visa application was unsuccessful. 

How to Submit Your Biometric Requirements?

Apply for Biometrics when you fill the visa application form. Below are the steps to submit your Biometrics.
  • Pay the Biometric fees for Canada.
  • After the successful payment of Biometrics Canada fees, you will get an instruction letter.
  • Make an appointment with the Collection Service Point to give your biometrics

How Much is Canada Visa Fee and Biometrics?

The fees for a Canada visa depend upon which type of visa you wish to apply for. If the Embassy demands you to submit your biometrics, then it is a part of your visa cost.

The biometric fees per person is 85 $CAN.

How Do You Pay My Biometrics Fee in Canada?

The payment of biometrics fees can only be done online.

No matter you applied in paper or online mode, biometrics fees have to be paid online by uploading your receipt using a web form in your IRCC account.

Does Canada Visa Processing Start After Biometrics?

Yes. Canada Visa processing starts soon after you have provided your biometrics.

The sooner you give your biometrics, the faster the visa approval process will start.

How Many Days Will it Take to Get Visa After Biometrics Canada?

Canada Visa processing time after biometrics depends upon the type of visa you apply for and the place from where you apply.

If you have applied for a study permit, then it will take 10 weeks to get your visa in hand.

But if your application is for a work permit, then it will take around 25 weeks to dispatch your visa.

If your travel to Canada is for the purpose of tourism, then you can receive your visitor visa within 136 days of working days.

Canada Visa Tracking Guidelines

Canada Visa Tracking Guidelines

After the successful submission of Canada Visa application and biometrics, the next question in your mind will be how to track Canada visa application.

Don’t worry.

This chapter is the answer to all your questions. Reading this chapter will help you understand:

How Do You Know If My Visa is Approved?

If you have made your Canada visa application online, then you can login to your account and check the status.

You will also be notified via email if your visa is approved.

If you have applied for a Canadian visa through the Visa application center, then they, with various tracking services, will let you know about your visa approval status.

Applications made through postal can be tracked once your passport reaches back to you.

If your passport has got the approval stamp, then you can be confirmed about your Canada visa approval.

When Can You Track Canada Visa Application

You can check your Canada visa application status after you have received your email or AOR letter.

Where You Can Track Canada Visa Application?

If you have made your Canadian visa application directly through the website of IRCC, then you can check the status of your Canadian visa application by visiting the official website of IRCC: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html

Applications made through the Visa Application center can be tracked on their official website using the Tracking ID provided.

Rejection Rate and Tips to Overcome

Rejection Rate and Tips to Overcome

The rejection rate for Canada Visa in recent years has been high due to the stringent visa scrutinizing process.

This chapter will help you understand:

What Are The Reasons for Visa Rejection?

With the rise in the number of visa applications, the visa rejection rate for Canada has also increased.

It’s very important to make your visa application error-free, as any single mistake can lead to the rejection of your visa application.

Below is the common Canada Visa rejection reason.

Lack of enough funds or proof to show your financial stability to support your stay and travel in Canada can be a major reason for the rejection of your visa.

A lack of accurate and proper supporting documents can lead to the rejection of your visa application.

Failure to meet international security norms will lead to the rejection of your visa application.

Lack of enough health standards can be a reason for your Canada Visa rejection.

If you have not got enough international travel experience, then this will make your visa application look weak.

If you don’t have a prospective career in your home country, then there are chances for your visa to get rejected as they may doubt the intention of your visit.

Lack of close family ties in your home country will make your application weak and this can lead to rejection.

Lack of proper explanation for your travel to Canada can make the Officials doubt your intention of your travel.

Lack of authenticity of the documents submitted will lead to the rejection of your visa application.

Failure to provide accurate biometric information can lead to visa rejection.

What If Canada Visa is Rejected?

With the rise in Canada Visa application, the number of visa rejection has also increased. If your Canadian visa application got rejected, don’t be upset with what happened, instead find ways to tackle the reason and rectify it. Below are the guidelines to help with your visa rejection and the steps to be taken after the rejection.
  • Assess the reason for the visa rejection
  • If you decide to reapply, justify your reason for the previous rejection and try not to repeat the same mistake again.

What is The Recent Rejection Rate of Canada Visa?

As Canada Visa rejection rate is high, applicants have to be careful to make your application error free.

Below is a table showing the rate of visa rejection in recent years.

Will You Get a Refund if my Canada Visa Application is Rejected?

Even if your Canada visa application got rejected, you will not get your fees refunded. But if you withdraw your application before it starts to get processed, you can ask for a refund. However, you can ask for a refund for any of the following below:
  • The fee for the Right of Permanent Residence
  • The fee for the Right of Citizenship
  • The fee for an Open Work Permit
  • The fee for International Experience Canada
  • The fee for Employer Compliance
Canadian Visa Via Invitation

Canadian Visa Via Invitation

Canadian Visa via invitation will help you get a visa if you have got a family member or friends in Canada.

But what is a Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter?

Read this chapter to get more details on Canada Visa via Invitation and how to write SOP for an invitation letter for Canada visa.

This chapter will help you understand:

What is Canadian Visa by Inviation?

Canadian Visa by Invitation allows you to bring your family members or friends living abroad to come to Canada.

Professional SOP writer and an invitation letter inviting them to the country.

However, writing an Invitation letter doesn’t guarantee the approval of a visa application.

How to Get Canadian Visa by An Invitation?

An Invitation Letter for Canadian Visa can be written by anyone who knows you well.

It can be anyone like a close family member or close friend or even a business partner.

But the person writing the invitation letter has to be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. 

What to Include Canada Visa Invitation?

An Invitation Letter has to be written by someone who is a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.

A Letter of Invitation has to include the following information:

Applications made through the Visa Application center can be tracked on their official website using the Tracking ID provided.

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Their reason to come to Canada
  • Duration of their stay in Canada and when they are planning to leave the country
  • Contact information of the person
  • Your relationship with the person
  • Place where they intent to stay
  • How the expenses will be covered
  • Your full name
  • Date of birth
  • Your occupation
  • Type of your residential status in Canada
  • Your family details
  • Number of people living in your household
How to Extend Your Canada Visa Extension? Here is How!

Canada Visa Extension

Are you planning to extend your stay in Canada?

Then this chapter will help you gain an overall idea about Canada Visa extension.

How Can You Extend Your Stay in Canada?

Are you pondering over how to apply for a visa extension in Canada?

If your visa is about to expire and you wish to stay longer, then you have to apply for a visa extension.

This is known as the Canada Visitor Record.

You have to apply for an extension at least 30 days before the expiry.

You can apply for Visitor Record by following the below mentioned steps:  

Open the official website to apply for Visitor Record

Visit the official website of Canadian Immigration to apply for Visitor Record

☛ Read the instruction guide

Reading the instruction guide will help you understand how to fill each part of the form correctly and accurately.

☛ Answer the questions

Prepare answers for the questions asked in the form and answer them correctly.

☛ Create an account

Create and sign in to the account to submit your form.

☛ Pay your fees

After all the above mentioned steps, you can pay your fees online. 

What Happens If You Overstayed Your Canada Visa?

If you want to stay in Canada after the expiry of your visa, it is advised to apply for a Visitor Record. Though it is not advised to overstay in Canada, if you have done so, then you have to follow below steps to avoid future legal issues.
  • If you overstay in Canada for less than 90 days, then you can apply for Visitor Record and select “Restore my status as a visitor”.
  • If you have overstayed in Canada for more than 90 days, then you are not allowed to apply for a Visitor Record and are advised to leave the country immediately.
You can make an appointment for the Canada Visa through online mode by visiting the official website of VFS Global. VFS Global is an authorized website which will help you make an appointment for a Canada Visa.
  • Visit the official website of the intermediary institution
  • Make registration in the website
  • Click on the make an appointment option
  • Select online transaction
  • Enter the email id and password.
  • Date will be displayed after the completion of the above mentioned steps.
Let’s Conclude CANADA VISA APPLICATION

Let’s Conclude

Applying for a Canada Visa is a long process and can consume a lot of time and effort.

Care must be taken to avoid any single mistake to avoid rejection of your Canadian Visa application.

Hope you find this blog useful.

Are you still confused about the Canada Visa Application process?

Well, don’t worry, you can reach out to us directly.

You can post your query and comments on the comment section below.

Rate us to improve our content.

Also  read:

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Planning to write a SOP for Canada? Then read:

FAQ

The first step is to determine the type of visa you need based on your purpose of travel, whether it’s a tourist visa, study permit, work permit, or permanent residency. Each type has different requirements.

Eligibility depends on various factors, such as your nationality, the purpose of your visit, and your personal circumstances. You can use the Immigration and Citizenship website’s online tool to check your eligibility.

Processing times vary based on the type of visa and the location of the visa office. It can range from a few weeks to several months. It’s essential to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.

In some cases, you may be able to expedite your application for an additional fee. This is typically available for certain types of visas, such as business visas or family emergencies.

You can track your application online through the Immigration and Citizenship website by using your application number and passport details. Regularly checking the status is recommended for updates.

While it’s not mandatory, using a visa consultancy service can help ensure that your application is complete and accurate, increasing your chances of approval and reducing the risk of delays or refusals.

A single-entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once, while a multiple-entry visa permits multiple entries within its validity period. The type of visa you need depends on your travel plans.

vasuki ram - professional and experienced content writer - sopconsultants
VASUKI RAM
Founder/Sr. Writer - SOP Consultants

Vasuki Ram, senior writer and the founder of SOP Consultants is a B-tech Graduate who used to work in an MNC. Starting from 2013, she along with her team has assisted more than 10,000 students. Shift in her career was drastic. Read full story here.

vasuki ram - professional and experienced content writer - sopconsultants
VASUKI RAM
Founder/Sr. Writer - SOP Consultants

Vasuki Ram, senior writer and the founder of SOP Consultants is a B-tech Graduate who used to work in an MNC. Starting from 2013, she along with her team has assisted more than 10,000 students. Shift in her career was drastic. Read full story here.

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