A Transit Visa for Canada is a type of Canadian visa required for Chinese citizens transiting through Canada on their way to the United States, South America, and other destinations. This visa is issued by the Canadian consulate and allows for a maximum stay of 48 hours within Canada, valid for three months from the date of issuance.
So how do you apply for a Transit Visa for Canada?
Step 1: Prepare the necessary materials for the Transit Visa for Canada, as follows:
1. Temporary Resident Visa Application Form (IMM5257) must be validated to generate a barcode; it needs to be regenerated each time changes are made;
2. Family Information Form (IMM5645);
3. Education and Employment Details Form (this must be filled out by hand);
4. Two recent 35mm x 45mm passport-sized photos with a white background;
5. Passport;
6. A photocopy of the ID card (front and back);
7. Two sticky labels written in Chinese with the applicant's current address;
8. A photocopy of the flight ticket and/or travel itinerary (you can directly call the airline to request this; customer service will send you a PDF confirmation with the seat number);
9. A valid visa for the final destination country (e.g., U.S. visa);
10. An invitation letter from the inviting party in the destination country, or a plan that explains the purpose of the applicant's trip (students can use a copy of the school admission letter and I-20);
11. Proof of past travel (e.g., previous passports);
12. If employed, a leave letter signed by the employer on company letterhead, including the following information:
a. The applicant's name, position, current income, and start date;
b. The full name and address of the employer in Chinese, along with phone and fax numbers.
Step 2: After preparing the materials, submit the application at the visa center:
Bring the materials and submit them in person at the Canadian Visa Application Center, open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00.
Application locations:
> Canadian Visa Application Center in Beijing
> Canadian Visa Application Center in Shanghai
> Canadian Visa Application Center in Guangzhou
> Canadian Visa Application Center in Chongqing
PS: Here are the conditions under which a Transit Visa is not required:
(1) Hold a valid Chinese passport;
(2) Hold a valid U.S. visa;
(3) Travel on flights operated by Air Canada, Jazz Aviation LP, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Philippine Airlines, or Air China;
(4) Transit through Vancouver International Airport or Toronto Pearson International Airport Terminal 1;
(5) Must depart from Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Manila, or Taipei in Asia on a direct flight to Canada.