🇨🇦 Canada for 🇸🇯 SJ citizens

IRCC requires a valid passport or travel document to issue a temporary resident visa; many visa offices recommend at least 6 months validity beyond the end of the stay, but the core legal requirement is validity for the stay duration. Passport must contain at least one blank page for the visa counterfoil; some visa offices may require two blank pages. IRCC requires a valid passport or travel document to issue a temporary resident visa; many visa offices recommend at least 6 months validity beyond the end of the stay. Passport should contain at least one blank page for the visa counterfoil; some offices may require two blank pages.

Online applicants complete the form electronically in their IRCC secure account; paper applicants must validate the form to generate barcodes before printing and signing. Information must match the passport and supporting documents. Online applicants complete the form in their IRCC account; paper applicants must validate to generate barcodes before printing and signing. All answers must be complete and consistent with supporting documents.

Paper applications usually require 2 identical photos; online applications require a digital upload. Applicants should follow the instructions in IMM 5484 and any country-specific checklist.

Most visitor visa applicants must give biometrics unless exempt; biometrics are generally valid for 10 years and can be reused. Applicants must pay the biometrics fee and book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre or other designated location.

IRCC officers assess whether applicants can support themselves and any accompanying family members and pay for return travel. Evidence may include several months of bank statements, pay slips, employment letters, tax returns, or proof of assets.

IRCC requires official translations for documents in other languages when used to support a visa application. Applicants should consult their local visa office instructions for any additional legalization or notarization requirements. UNHCR and IRCC guidance emphasize that all documents must be in English or French or accompanied by an official translation. Applicants should ensure translations clearly reference the original documents and include translator credentials where required.

If staying with family or friends, IRCC may request a letter of invitation and proof of the host’s status in Canada. Hotel bookings or tour confirmations are commonly used for tourism visits.

IRCC generally advises not to purchase non-refundable tickets before a visa is issued, but officers may request proof of intended travel plans. Itineraries can include flight bookings, tour schedules, or a day-by-day travel plan. IRCC generally advises not to purchase non-refundable tickets before visa issuance, but may request proof of intended travel plans. Itineraries can include flight bookings or a detailed travel plan.

IRCC guidance states that applicants must convince an officer they will leave Canada at the end of their stay; strong ties help satisfy this requirement. Examples include employment contracts, employer letters, school enrollment, marriage or birth certificates for close family, and property or lease documents.

The letter should include the host’s full name, contact details, address in Canada, relationship to the applicant, purpose and duration of visit, and details of financial support, if any. Hosts may need to provide proof of their status in Canada (e.g., Canadian passport, PR card, or work/study permit).

Some applicants must undergo a medical exam, particularly if they have lived in certain countries for more than 6 months in the past year or plan to stay for more than 6 months in certain roles (e.g., health care, child care). Applicants usually upload the eMedical information sheet or receipt provided by the panel physician.