A Canadian Transit Visa is a required travel document for Chinese citizens transiting through Canada while en route to destinations such as the United States or South America. This visa is issued by Canadian embassies and consulates in China, allows for a maximum stay of 48 hours within Canada, and is valid for 3 months from the date of issuance.
Conditions for Visa Exemption
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, Chinese citizens traveling to or from the United States who need to transit through Canada do not need to apply for a Canadian transit visa if they meet all of the following conditions:
1. Hold a valid Chinese passport;
2. Hold a valid U.S. visa;
3. Travel on a flight operated by Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Philippine Airlines, or Air China;
4. Transit through Vancouver International Airport or Lester B. Pearson International Airport (Toronto) (Terminal 1 only);
5. Depart from Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Manila, or Taipei in Asia on a direct flight to Canada.
Those who do not meet the above conditions must apply for a Canadian transit visa. Applicants are required to complete one visa application form and submit one photograph. The Canadian authorities will only issue a transit visa allowing for a 2-day stay.
The following materials are required to apply for a Canadian transit visa:
1. Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257). You must click the "Validate" button at the end to generate a barcode; this must be regenerated every time a change is made;
2. Family Information Form (IMM 5645);
3. Education and Employment Details Form (must be filled out by hand);
4. Two 35mm x 45mm white-background photos taken within the last six months;
5. Passport;
6. Photocopy of national ID card (both sides);
7. Two adhesive labels with the applicant's current address written in Chinese (the Visa Application Centre will provide these labels; please fill them out there);
8. Photocopy of flight tickets and/or travel itinerary (you can call the airline directly to request this; I received a PDF confirmation with seat numbers from a very helpful representative);
9. Valid visa for the final destination country (U.S. visa);
10. An invitation letter from the inviting party in the destination country, or a study plan explaining the purpose of the trip (students may use their school admission letter and a copy of their I-20);
11. Proof of previous travel (such as used passports, etc.);
12. If employed, a leave approval letter signed by the employer on company letterhead, including the following information:
a. Applicant's name, position, current salary, and date of hire;
b. Employer's full name and address in Chinese, as well as telephone and fax numbers.
Note:
There is no fee for applying for a Canadian transit visa at Canadian embassies and consulates in China. If submitting the application at a Canadian Visa Application Centre, a service fee of 250 RMB is required. The processing time at the embassy is 1 month, while the processing time at the Visa Application Centre is 5-8 working days.
2. Funding studies through family-owned business profits.
① Notarized copy of the company's business license.
② Notarized statement of operating terms for all company shareholders, indicating their capital contribution ratio and positions within the company.
③ The company's most recent tax returns and financial audit reports, indicating business revenue and liabilities (CPA report).
④ Notarized statement from the owner on company letterhead indicating the company's opening date, current number of employees, and scope of business.
⑤ Notarized financial guarantee letter from the company, indicating its willingness to cover all expenses for the applicant's studies in Canada.
⑥ Original bank deposit certificate for the family, with each certificate accompanied by the corresponding deposit slip and a photocopy of the bank passbook. (The longer the account opening date shown on the deposit certificate, the better; large deposits made within the last 6 months should be accompanied by an explanation of the source of funds.)
3. Funding studies through family members other than parents (sponsorship by other relatives).
① Proof of relationship between the sponsor and the applicant (or a notarized certificate of kinship).
② Notarized declaration of sponsorship from the sponsor, stating their willingness to cover all expenses for the applicant's studies in Canada free of charge, and specifying the method of funding and the total amount.
③ Notarized employment certificate of the sponsor: use company letterhead, stating the sponsor's position and length of employment.
④ Notarized income certificate of the sponsor: use company letterhead, stating the sponsor's annual income (including bonuses) for the last two years.
⑤ Original bank deposit certificate of the sponsor, with each certificate accompanied by the corresponding deposit slip and a photocopy of the bank passbook. The longer the account opening date shown on the deposit certificate, the better; large deposits made within the last 6 months should be accompanied by an explanation of the source of funds.
⑥ Notarized copy of the business license of the company where the sponsor is employed.
⑦ Notarized statement from the owner on company letterhead indicating the company's opening date, current number of employees, and scope of business.
⑧ Notarized statement of the sponsor's family background.
Tip: All Chinese-language materials must be accompanied by an English or French translation.
Through this summary of Canadian study visa materials and the introduction of the Canadian study visa checklist, those planning to study in Canada can prepare their visa application materials in advance based on the information above.