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Visitor Visa to Canada

Canadian Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

What is a Visitor Visa

A visitor visa, or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an essential immigration document that foreign nationals must possess to travel to and enter Canada, except for those from visa-exempt countries. Whether you plan to visit Canada as a student, temporary worker, or for leisure, you cannot enter Canada without a visitor visa.

There are two types of visitor visas in Canada: single-entry visas and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa allows only one-time entry into Canada. In contrast, a multiple-entry visa allows holders to enter and leave Canada as frequently as they want as long as the visa remains valid. Applicants are automatically considered for multiple-entry visas, and single-entry visas are only issued under specific circumstances.

Holders of multiple entry visitor visas can visit Canada for a maximum of six months at a time, as many times as they want, as long as their visa is valid. The validity period of a multiple entry visa can be up to 10 years, although the final decision is at the discretion of the visa officer who issues it. If you already have a study permit or a work permit, and you are not from a visa-exempt country, you will receive a visitor visa automatically to enter Canada and receive your permit. This visa is typically a multiple-entry visa. If you temporarily leave Canada during your studies or temporary work, you can re-enter Canada as long as your permit and visa are both still valid and without the need for a new visitor visa application.

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Why obtaining a Visitor Visa is crucial when applying for entry to Canada

Obtaining a Visitor Visa can be a challenging process, especially for those who come from countries that are not visa-exempt. If you are one of these individuals, it is crucial to understand the requirements and demonstrate the temporary nature of your visit to Canada.

First and foremost, research whether your country is considered visa exempt before planning a trip to Canada. If it is not, you will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) to enter Canada. However, keep in mind that obtaining a Visitor Visa is not a guarantee of entry. You must demonstrate that you will exit the country upon the expiry of your authorized period of stay and that your visit is temporary in nature.

Canadian immigration officers are vigilant when it comes to Temporary Resident Visa applications. They scrutinize them more thoroughly than most applications, as some individuals have previously overstayed their welcome and remained in Canada illegally. It is, therefore, essential to provide evidence of ties to your home country, such as community involvement, property ownership or lease agreements, and family ties. By demonstrating these ties, you are showing the officer that you have compelling reasons to return to your home country after your visit to Canada.

It is essential to note that even if you meet all the requirements for a Temporary Resident Visa, failure to adequately demonstrate that you will exit Canada at the end of your authorized stay may result in a refusal. Therefore, it is essential to be well-prepared and organized when applying for a Visitor Visa.

If you have already been refused a Visitor Visa, do not worry. Akrami & Associates has a wealth of experience in dealing with such matters. Our team of experts can help you navigate the application process and maximize your chances of success. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you in obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa for Canada.

To be granted a Canadian Visitor Visa, it is essential to meet specific requirements

In order to be granted entry into Canada, there are several requirements that you must meet. One of these requirements is to satisfy the officer that you have a genuine intention to leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay. This can be done by demonstrating ties to your home country, such as property ownership or ongoing employment.

In addition to demonstrating your intention to leave Canada, you must also show that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself and any family members during your stay in Canada, as well as to return home. This is to ensure that you will not become a burden on Canada’s social welfare system.

It is also important that you do not intend to work or study in Canada unless you have obtained the proper authorization to do so. This is to protect Canadian workers and students, as well as to ensure that the Canadian government has control over who enters the workforce and education system.

To ensure the safety and security of Canada and its citizens, it is imperative that you have no criminal record or history of criminal activity. Additionally, you must not pose a risk to the security of Canada.

You may also be required to provide any additional documentation requested by the officer to establish your admissibility. This can include documents such as proof of employment, travel itinerary, or proof of financial resources.

Finally, it is important that you are in good health and able to maintain your health during your stay in Canada. Depending on the length of your stay and other factors, you may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure that you are not a health risk to Canadians.

Meeting these requirements is essential to ensuring that you are able to enter Canada legally and enjoy your stay without any issues. By taking the time to prepare yourself and provide the necessary documentation, you can increase your chances of being granted entry and enjoying a successful trip to Canada.

Steps to Apply for a Visitor Visa

  • Satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay,

  • show that you have enough money to maintain yourself and your family members in Canada and to return home,

  • not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so,
  • be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity,
  • not be a risk to the security of Canada,
  • provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish your admissibility, and be in good health (complete a medical examination if required).

When it comes to applying for a visitor visa to enter Canada, applicants have a few options available to them. Whether you prefer to apply online, submit a paper application, or apply in person at a Visa Application Center (VAC), the choice is yours. It’s important to note that if you are travelling with family members, each person, including dependent children, must complete their own application. However, you can submit all the applications together to simplify the process. Depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship, biometric information may be required. In such cases, the applicant will need to provide their fingerprints and photograph at a biometric collection service point. The biometrics can be collected either after submitting the visitor visa application when prompted to do so or at the same time as a submission if applying in person at a VAC.

steps you need to follow

If you are planning to apply for a visitor visa to Canada, here are the steps you need to follow:

  • 1

    Step 1: Gather the required documents that prove your eligibility for a visitor visa. The list of documents may vary depending on your situation, so make sure you check it carefully.

  • 2

    Step 2: Apply online by creating an account, uploading your documents, and paying the necessary fees.

  • 3

    Step 3: Give your biometrics, including fingerprints and photos. Due to COVID-19, temporary measures are in place for biometrics if your local visa application centre is not open.

After submitting your application, we will process it and check if you have provided all the required documents. If your application is incomplete, we will return it without processing. If approved, we will ask you to send us your passport to finalize the process.

Once you receive your visa, make sure to prepare for your travel to Canada by bringing the documents you submitted with your visa application or additional documents as requested by the border services officer upon your arrival in Canada.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of a successful visitor visa application to Canada.

Avoid common mistakes when applying for a Canadian Visitor Visa. Ensure you complete every section of your application form, provide accurate information, and don’t misrepresent or submit false documents. Evidence of ties to your home country is essential, and unauthorized representatives should not be used. Always work with authorized representatives and provide as much supporting documentation as possible to demonstrate your intention to return home after your visit to Canada. Follow these tips to increase your chances of a successful application.

Don’t let these common mistakes ruin your travel plans.

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to complete every section of your Visitor Visa Canada application form. Even leaving one area blank could lead to your application being disqualified. It is essential to make sure that you understand each section before you complete it. If you are unsure of anything, do not guess or leave it blank. Seek out the correct information and ensure that you complete every section correctly. It is also important to ensure that you sign every section where required. Even missing just one signature could result in your application being rejected. Take the time to carefully read and complete your application, and triple-check that all the required areas have been completed and signed correctly.

Honesty is always the best policy when it comes to your Visitor Visa Canada application. Providing false information or submitting forged documents will not only lead to visa rejection, but it will also tarnish the credibility of your application. The visa officer reviewing your application is looking for honesty and integrity. Be truthful in your responses and ensure that all documents submitted are authentic. Remember that any incorrect or misleading information could result in your application being refused for misrepresentation. Be truthful and upfront from the start.

Providing evidence of your ties to your home country is critical when applying for a Visitor Visa to Canada. Without such evidence, the visa officer may conclude that you may not return at the end of your stay, which could result in your application being rejected. Providing documentary evidence of your financial and social ties to your home country will help to demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor. Evidence of your permanent employment, business interests, or social activities in your home country can help to establish your intention to return home after your visit to Canada. Be sure to include as much supporting documentation as possible to demonstrate your ties to your home country.

When it comes to hiring a representative to assist with your Visitor Visa Canada application, it is crucial to ensure that you only work with authorized representatives. Hiring fraudulent companies that overcharge you for a “guaranteed” visa could lead to significant problems. To give yourself the best chance of success, make sure that the representative you choose is authorized by the government. Immigration lawyers must be registered with the law society in their province of residence, and immigration consultants must be registered with the ICCRC. Don’t hesitate to ask for their professional credentials before hiring a representative. By working with an authorized representative, you can rest assured that your application is in good hands.

Refusal Does Not Mean Rejection

Reapply with Confidence for a Visitor Visa

Being refused a visitor visa after putting in so much effort to compile and submit an application can be a frustrating and disheartening experience. It can leave you wondering what went wrong and why your application was refused despite meeting all the requirements.
However, it’s important to understand that meeting the minimum requirements is not enough to guarantee success in your application. Officers assess each application based on the unique merits of the case, and simply submitting the requested documents may not be enough to satisfy their needs.

At Akrami & Associates, we have extensive experience in helping people come to Canada, and we understand what officers are looking for in a strong application. We go above and beyond the minimum requirements by providing a list of additional documents that will strengthen your case and maximize your chances of success.

Even if you have already submitted your application and received a refusal letter, we can still help through a “takeover” process. We will review your application and advise you on how to strengthen your case, and then provide additional documentation to the officer making the decision.

It’s important to understand the reasons for your refusal and work on addressing those weaknesses before reapplying. With our help, you can increase your chances of success and make your goals in Canada a reality. Contact Akrami & Associates to find out how we can assist you.

TRV Application Denial Reasons:

Your application is likely to be rejected if it is incomplete, which could be due to missing information such as:

  • Forms
  • Photos
  • Supplementary documents
  • Financial documents
  • Ties to country of residence
  • Medical examination
  • Police clearances
  • Itinerary
  • Weak supplementary letters

Other Reasons for denial:

  • Incomplete submission
  • Insufficient evidence of ties to country of residence (e.g. bank statements, properties, businesses, family members)
  • Inadequate funds to stay in Canada (financial documents)
  • Incomplete immigration forms
  • Missed deadlines for supplementary documents
  • Invalid identification documents
  • Lack of proof for claimed information (e.g. funds, ties, travel itineraries)

Submitting the required documents is not enough to guarantee approval, as nothing is guaranteed in Canadian immigration. It’s important to make the submission as strong as possible.

Visitor Visa border interview questions

Going through a border interview with an immigration officer can be a stressful experience, especially for those who are unprepared. It is crucial to be well-informed and ready to answer questions to increase the chances of approval for a visitor visa.

To prepare for the interview, applicants should review their application forms to ensure that the information they provide to the officer aligns with the information on their forms. During the interview, officers may ask questions related to employment, duties, educational background, travel history, and the purpose of the visit. It is essential to be specific, truthful, and confident when answering these questions.

Some common questions that may be asked during the interview include:

  • How long have you been working for your employer?
  • What was your previous employment?
  • What are the duties you perform day to day?
  • What is your educational background?
  • Who is your supervisor?
  • Have you travelled to Canada on business before?

The purpose of these questions is to determine the scope of the applicant’s visit and to verify the information provided in the documentation. Applicants who appear nervous or unprepared may raise suspicion with the officer, so it is crucial to be well-informed and confident about their purpose of travel.

Other questions

  • Where will you be staying?
  • How long do you plan to stay?
  • Where do you intend to visit?
  • Where do you currently reside?
  • Do you have family or friends in Canada?
  • What is the intended business purpose of your trip?

These questions aim to establish the temporary nature of the applicant’s visit and to ensure that the intended duties align with what is considered a business visitor. Failure to demonstrate this may result in the denial of the visitor visa.

In conclusion, applicants must prepare themselves thoroughly for the border interview to increase their chances of approval for a visitor visa. They must be well-informed and ready to answer questions regarding their employment, travel history, and the purpose of their visit. Additionally, it is crucial to demonstrate the temporary nature of the visit and to align the intended duties with those of a business visitor.

TRV/Visitor Visa Common questions:

FAQ’s

The two types of Visitor Visas in Canada are single or multiple entry visas. A single entry Temporary Resident Visa is for those who only wish to enter Canada once and then exit. In contrast, a multiple entry visitor visa allows you to enter and exit Canada for the validity of the Temporary Resident Visa or visitor visa.

In some cases, you may be allowed to exit and re-enter Canada on a single-entry temporary resident visa. For example, if you are travelling to the United States from Canada and intend on returning to Canada before the expiry of your visa, you may be authorized to re-enter on a single-entry visa.

In order to study in Canada, you will first need a study permit. If you come from a country which is visa exempt, you will not require a Temporary Resident Visa or visitor visa in order to study in Canada, assuming that you have already obtained your study permit. However, if you have obtained a Study Permit and come from a country which is not visa exempt, such as India, you will need both a Study Permit and Temporary Resident Visa to achieve your goals in Canada. In many instances, the TRV is processed simultaneously with your Study Permit to avoid unnecessary delays in processing times.

If you come from a country which is considered visa exempt, you do not require any sort of special documentation to enter Canada for temporary reasons, and a work permit would be sufficient for your intended purposes of working in Canada. However, if you are applying for a work permit from a country which is not visa exempt, you will also be required to complete an application for a Temporary Resident Visa along with your work permit application.

You may use your Visitor Visa to Canada for tourism purposes later on, so long as the validity of your Temporary Resident Visa is still current. Additionally, make sure that it is a multiple entry visa which allows you to enter and exit Canada for the validity of the visa.

Let us help you in Getting Your Canadian Visitor Visa

Akrami & Associates can assist you with your Visitor Visa application by utilizing their vast experience in dealing with hundreds of such cases. They can guide you in preparing an effective application and provide assistance in arranging the necessary documents. By submitting a well-prepared and complete application, your chances of getting approved will increase, and you will avoid any unnecessary hassle.

Don’t let the concern about legal fees stop you from seeking our help. Akrami & Associates’ goal is to help anyone interested in visiting Canada. They offer various options to accommodate different budgets, including a very affordable Do-It-Yourself Immigration Kit that provides all the necessary details. If you are still unsure, feel free to reach out to them for a case review and get the best possible outcome for your application.

Yes, I got My Visa for Canada. I would like to thank Akrami and Associates for helping me with my Visitor Visa application to Canada. They got my visa in 3 weeks.! Rating: 5.0

quotes iconMohammad Rezai , Nov 26. 2014
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