The Canadian visa is often referred to as the "most difficult visa" to obtain. Why is it called that? It is due to its high rejection rate, long processing times, and frequently changing policies. Many people are overwhelmed by the variety of forms when applying for a visa, and the various guides and application processes available online for different backgrounds often lack specificity. Here, the Worldway Immigration editor has compiled the latest version of the visa guide for you!
I. Background of Canadian Visas
In June 2015, the Canadian government implemented biometric identification, such as fingerprinting, for all foreign travelers holding Canadian visas. Under the new measures, the Canadian government will continue to increase the number of "target countries" subject to biometric identification, with China, India, and others included in the scope. As of May 2016, domestic applicants for Canadian tourist visas are not yet required to provide biometric information. However, as Canadian visa policies change frequently, it is recommended that you consult your local visa application center or visit the official website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) before applying.
II. Visa Types
There are many types of Canadian visas, among which those related to tourism include:
1. Individuals who have previously visited Canada/the United States (those who have obtained a visa and visited Canada or the United States in the past ten years, or those who currently hold a valid U.S. visa);
2. Approved Destination Status (ADS) travelers;
3. Tourism.
When applying for Type 1, relevant materials can be simplified; Type 2 is a group visa, generally handled by travel agencies; Type 3 is an individual tourist visa, suitable for independent travelers. The following text mainly focuses on the application guide for individual tourist visas.
III. Visa Application Methods
The Canada Embassy and various regional consulates do not directly accept visa applications. Applicants can submit their application materials through officially authorized visa application centers, and after the review is completed, the visa center will return the application materials. Currently, the authorized visa centers in China are the four Canada Visa Application Centers (CVACs) established by VFS Global (a global outsourcing company) in Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. Please note the abbreviations of each organization: CIC is the official Canadian visa department, VAC is the Canada Visa Application Center that handles visa business, and CVAC is the Canada Visa Application Center established in China.
There are mainly three ways to apply for an individual tourist visa:
1. Apply online through the CIC website, and then entrust the CVAC to submit the passport and other basic materials by mail or in person;
2. Apply in writing through the CVAC and submit the complete application materials in person to the CVAC for forwarding;
3. Apply in writing through the CVAC and submit the complete application materials by mail to the CVAC for forwarding.
The application fee for Method 1 is slightly cheaper than other methods (about ¥20), and most materials can be submitted via scanning without having to submit originals. However, it requires a large number of questionnaires in the early stages and complex operations on an English website. Methods 2 and 3 require the submission of originals for most materials, such as vehicle registration certificates, but the materials are easier to organize, and the visa center staff will pre-screen the materials, making it easier to get approved. This article mainly introduces Methods 2 and 3.
IV. Visa Fees
1. Visa Fee
The tourist visa fee is 100 Canadian dollars per person, with a maximum fee of 500 Canadian dollars for immediate family members applying together.
2. Service Fee
At the current exchange rate, for Method 1, a submission fee of ¥155.10 must be paid to the visa center. For Methods 2 and 3, a service fee of ¥171.20 must be paid to the visa center. If you choose to have the visa center mail the application materials back after the visa application is completed, you must also pay a mailing fee of ¥44.30 (those who pick it up themselves do not need to pay this fee). A forwarding service fee of ¥22.70 must also be paid for forwarding the visa fee through the CVAC. In addition, if you need the visa center to assist in filling out forms or translating documents when submitting application materials, you must pay an additional service fee. For details, please refer to the table below or check the CVAC official website.