Visiting Canada and Visa Application

 

For important information about traveling to Canada and applying for Visas please check the following links:

 

 

• Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site

 

• Information on visiting Canada

 

• Visiting Canada - Important information for visa exempt travellers (including US Citizens)

 

Please note that as of September 4, 2013 citizens from selected countries will be required to provide their biometrics information (fingerprints and photograph) when they apply for a visitor visa, study permit, or work permit. For more information on the biometrics requirement please click here. 

 

Participants who require a visa should be encouraged to apply for their visa as soon as their participation in the event is confirmed (keeping in mind the visa processing times for their country of residence ). 

 

Participants have a choice of submitting a visa application online (e-application), at a visa office or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

 

 

Submission of Applications:
 

Canada does not have a visa office in every country so it is important that participants visit the website of the visa office responsible for processing their visa application for information on how to submit an application for a TRV and the documentation required to support the application.  To view a list of visa offices and the countries they serve please click here. 

 

Visa Application Centres (VACs):
 

In some countries Citizenship and Immigration Canada has engaged the services of a private service provider to assist individuals applying for CIC services. 

 

Visa Application Centres (VACs) agents are available to help applicants fill out their forms and answer questions about the application process.  They ensure applications are complete, which reduces the rate of returned applications and ultimately leads to faster processing.  This low-cost service lessens the potential for people to fall victim of fraud.

 

The use of VAC services is completely optional. Applicants can continue to apply directly to the visa office if they prefer. 

 

To check for a VAC service in your area visit the visa office website.

 

Visa Applications Processing Times:
 

Processing time for TRVs vary depending on the office and the time of the year.  Participants should be encouraged to apply early for their visa, if one is required, and to submit complete applications including all supporting documents.  Summer is normally the busiest time. 

 

For information on general processing times at the various visa offices check the following link.  For more accurate processing times, applicants should consult the website for the visa office responsible for processing their application.

 

Please see the following Important Information on Submitting Visa Applications and Biometrics Information. Please check the following document..