Self-issuance of a visa to Canada: what documents are needed, filling out an application form, photo

About 30 million foreigners come to Canada every year. There are many Russians among them. They go to the country of lakes and maple syrup to admire the sights, national parks. This northern state is also attractive in terms of education and employment.

1. Do Russians need a visa to Canada in 2019

Russia is not among the countries for which Canada "opened" its borders. In order to enter Canadian territory in 2019, Russians must obtain a visa. It can be transit, temporary stay (up to 6 months) or permanent resident.

2. Main categories of visas

2.1 Visitor Visa (tourist, guest)

A temporary residence visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months. It is issued to visit the country of maple syrup as a tourist or to visit friends and relatives. Those who arrived on a Visitor Visa do not have the right to work or study.

2.2 Supervisa

Parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident may qualify for a supervisa. So the Canadians called the long-term temporary residence visa. It can be issued for up to 2 years.

2.3 Working

For legal employment in Canada, you must obtain a work permit. Only after that, documents are submitted for a Canadian work visa.

2.4 Training

When planning to take Canadian training courses up to 6 months long, you just need to apply for a visa. If you study in Canada for more than six months, you must first obtain a study permit and only then start applying for a visa. Permission is issued on the basis of confirmation letters from educational institutions from the approved list.

If you need to continue your studies after the visa deadline, you need to apply for its extension. If the training is completed before the expiration of the visa, then Canada must be left within 90 days after graduation or graduation. Foreign students of full-time colleges and universities have the right to work part-time.

2.5 Permanent Resident Visa

These visas are immigrant. They are issued for family reunification, to foreigners who are ready to open a business in Canada, to highly qualified specialists. This type also includes a visa for those wishing to marry a Canadian citizen.

Toronto, Canada

3. How much does a visa to Canada cost in 2019

The visa fee depends on the type of visa requested and the number of applicants. So Visitor visa will cost 100 Canadian dollars (C$) for a single traveler and 500 C$ for a family (at least 5 people) trip. An electronic Canadian visa costs only 7 C$.

You can find out the amount of the Canadian visa fee for a specific case at the link.

In case of submission of documents through an authorized intermediary (VFS GLOBAL visa centers), the cost of a visa increases by 37.95 C$. Despite the fact that the amounts are indicated in Canadian dollars, you need to pay in rubles at the exchange rate.

You can pay in cash or by card at the time of application at the EC. Online payment is available if a Canadian visa application is submitted online. You can do this from your canada.ca account.

4. How to apply for a visa to Canada on your own

The website of the Canadian government offers to pass a test to determine the type of visa required. Each next question is formed on the basis of the answer to the previous one. After passing the test, a personal code is issued, which must be saved.

Regardless of the application form, you must prove to the Canadian Consular Officer:

• their financial viability;
• intention to return to the home country after the expiration of the visa;
• absence of a threat to the security of Canada (convictions, participation in organized crime, etc.).

4.1 Via Visa Application Center

To apply for a visa through the Canadian Visa Application Center, it is recommended that you first consult with its specialists on the number and form of required applications and questionnaires. Completed forms, supporting documents are submitted without prior appointment.

Employees of the VC provide additional services (in Canadian dollars):

• assistance in completing questionnaires (17.39);
• photography (9.51);
• photocopying (0.17 C$ per page);
• transfer of visa payments (4.66);
• courier delivery to the embassy (34.09);
• home delivery of a passport (16.81).

After paying the fees, a check with a unique number is issued. With it, you can track the status of the application on the VFS GLOBAL website.

Montreal, Canada

4.2 Online

Canadians provide an opportunity to obtain an electronic visa (eTA). The application form is available in English and French. To obtain an e-visa, you need a valid, up-to-date e-mail and a Visa, MasterCard card.

You can apply online for:

• obtaining / extending a visitor visa, study permit, work permit;
• immigration as a skilled worker;
• restoration of the status of a visitor, student or employee (no later than 90 days after the end of the visa);
• applications for family members applying for visa extensions for study, work.

A separate application must be completed for each visa applicant. Time is limited. It can be extended by clicking the "Continue session" button after the "Session timeout warning" appears. It is important to enter the country code and passport number correctly. If there is a mistake, you will not pass passport control at the airport even with a validated eTA visa in your name.

Payment for the application occurs after it is completed. The receipt must be printed immediately. Later it will be unavailable.

Based on the results of consideration of the electronic application, a message is sent to the e-mail about the granting of an entry permit. If it is necessary to provide documents in paper form, their list will be sent by e-mail within 72 hours.

5. Application for a visa to Canada

• temporary residence visas (form IMM 5257);
• study permits (form IMM 1294);
• work permit (form IMM 1295).

Canadians have developed several types of questionnaires (visa applications) and additional forms. In each specific case, it is required to fill out a certain type of questionnaire (it is recommended to check with the visa center).

Calgary, Canada

6. Documents for a visa to Canada: list from 2019

All visa documents must have a certified English or French translation. Both originals and copies of documents (except for the international passport and application form) are submitted to the visa center.

To obtain a Canadian visa in 2019, you must provide:

• valid passport;
• questionnaire;
• 2 photos;
• family information (form IMM 5707);
• if family members apply for a visa at the same time, proof of their relationship;
• United Union declaration (form IMM 5409);
• a certificate of permanent employment indicating the position, salary, vacation time or confirmation of having your own business, a certificate from the place of study (indicating academic performance);
• confirmation of financial solvency and purpose of the trip;
• consent to the processing of personal data.

Canadians have an official IRCC checklist for each type of visa. If any of the documents cannot be provided, a completed and signed waiver form must be attached instead.

6.1 What mistakes are made when applying for a visa to Canada

6.2 Visa photo

Canadian visa rules are spelled out in detail. When applying, you must provide two black and white / color photographs that are no more than 6 months old.

Canada visa photo requirements:

1. size 1 3/8 x 1 3/4 inches (35x45 mm);
2. full face, with a neutral expression, mouth closed;
3. head size from chin to crown 1 1/4 - 1 7/16 inches (31-36 mm).

Glasses are allowed in the photograph for medical reasons, as long as they are not darkened and the frame does not cover the eyes. Religious headdresses that do not hide facial features are also allowed.

6.3 Documents for children

Minors under 18 must have their own passport. If they enter Canada without one / both parents, then they apply for a visa with a notarized permission of the absent parent, his passport.

If a child under 17 is traveling to Canada, they must submit a notarized Guardianship Application (IMM Form 5646) from the host guardian and parents. The guardian must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. If the child travels as part of a group, then instead of an application for guardianship, consent to travel with the leader of the group is submitted.

6.4 Additional documents

For the Canadian authorities, the viability of visa applicants is important. So, for example, students must have 10-11 thousand Canadian dollars a year, not counting tuition fees.

You can confirm the availability of funds:

• or parents, the income of the inviting party for a Visitor Visa (tourism, visiting friends, relatives);
• Canadian Bank Statement, Investment Certificate (GIC), Proof of Educational Loan, Student Visa Sponsor Letter.

If the bank account is new or there is a large amount on it, then it is necessary to additionally prove the origin of the funds. This may be the sale of a car, property.

The purpose of the trip can be confirmed by:

• invitation from relatives;
• description of the itinerary, booking confirmation (accommodation, transport) for a tourist trip;
• study permit or letter of enrollment for courses, summer camp;
• an invitation from a business partner.

Those planning to study or work in Canada for more than six months may need a medical certificate. You can find out the list of doctors trusted by Canadians at the link.

Ottawa, Canada

7. How much is a visa to Canada

The term for consideration of documents ranges from 10 days to several months. It depends on the type of visa requested and the completeness of the submitted documents. In some cases, the applicant is invited for an interview at the consular department.

You can find out the approximate processing time of the application by answering the questions at the link.

8. Canadian Embassy and Visa Application Centers in Russia

8.1 Embassy of Canada in Moscow

Address: Starokonyushenny Lane, 23
Moscow, 119002

Addresses of Canadian visa application centers:

8.2.1 Canada Visa Application Center in Moscow

st. Suschevsky Val, 31/1
Moscow, 127018

8.2.2 Canada Visa Application Center in St. Petersburg

pr. Chkalovsky, 7
St. Petersburg, 197110

8.2.3 Canada Visa Application Center in Vladivostok

Address: 17 Okeansky Ave., of. 605,
Vladivostok, 690091