Understanding the Canadian Visitor Visa Fee
The Canadian Visitor Visa is an official permit for foreign citizens to enter and stay in the country for a specific period of time. It is typically issued to individuals who wish to travel for tourism purposes, fulfill business commitments or visit friends and family. In addition to meeting the basic requirements of a Canada visitor visa, applicants must also provide proof that they have sufficient funds for their trip, pass a medical examination and demonstrate that they plan on returning to their home country once their stay ends.
To apply for a Canadian visitor visa, there are various fees associated, such as the visa fee itself as well as additional expenses like IELTS exams and medical tests. The exact amount you need to pay will depend on the type of visa you require, as well as your nationality and the type of visa processing service you select.
Canadian Visitor Visa Fee Structure
Citizenship and Immigration Canada, formerly CIC, charges a fee of about $100 CAD for visitors applying for either a single or multiple entry visitor visa. In addition, if you need to submit biometrics, there is an additional charge of about $85 CAD.
The visa allows individuals to enter the country and stay for a maximum of six months. Those traveling with children need to submit proof that they can support their dependents financially. Applicants should also be prepared to provide documentation of their relationship, financial status, health history, and any other relevant information.
If a visitor is sponsored by a family member, the sponsorship fee and processing fees are added to the cost of the visa. The right of permanent residence fee is also charged if the sponsoring person is a parent or grandparent.
Fee Waivers and Exceptions
Some individuals are exempt from the requirement to obtain a visitor visa for Canada. This includes nationals from countries that have agreements with Canada to allow citizens of those nations to enter without a visa when traveling by air. These individuals will still need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before entering Canada.
Application Process and Payment Methods
When you apply for a Canada visa, you will be required to answer a series of questions that help determine the type of visa you need. This information helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) ensure that you are applying for the correct visa and that you have all of the necessary documentation in place before processing your application.
Once you have submitted your visa application, you will receive a payment receipt via email. From there, you can sign in to your online account and check the status of your application.
Fee Refund Policies
In the event your visa application is denied, or if you cancel your application before the interview date, your fees can be refunded. There is a $2,500 or $5,000 non-refundable fee depending on when your Letter of Offer was issued, and the amount of this fee will be deducted from your refund.
To be eligible for a Canadian Visitor Visa, you must meet several requirements. You must be able to prove that you have ties back home, including family or employment, and that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your stay. You must also have sufficient financial resources to cover your costs during your stay in the country.
Once you have been deemed eligible for a particular type of visa, the system will provide you with a reference code and list of required documents. From here, you can begin your online application through a questionnaire that asks you questions about your personal information, reasons for visiting the country, and other details about your trip. Once the questionnaire is complete, you will be directed to a payment page where you will pay your visa fees.