Visitor Visa to Canada: How to apply

Canada attracts thousands of tourists every year and has increasingly been a destination of choice for Brazilians for vacationing. Just as the country has stunning natural beauty, it also has a cosmopolitan life with many options for fun. Learn how to apply for the Visitor Visa in Canada.

Visitor Visa to Canada

There are two types of visitor visas to visit Canada: the first is eTA, an electronic travel permit, and the second is the traditional visitor visa. However, eTA is only valid for entry into the country by flight. Therefore, if you have to enter the country by land or sea, it is necessary to apply for the standard visa.

However, the two visitor visa processes to Canada do not guarantee entry into the country, i.e., even if you have eTA or visa acceptance, the last word is in the immigration. In other words, at the time of entering the country, the immigration officer will perform a final analysis of whether or not to accept your entry into the country.

eTA – Electronic Travel Authorization

Electronic Travel Authorization is a new process – available to Brazilians since 2017 – faster and cheaper than conventional visitor visa and with low rejection rate – less than 5% of requests are denied. The application is made directly on the site at the cost of 7.00 Canadian dollars and is non-refundable.

The requirements for applying for eTA are Brazilians who have a valid United States visa or have already had a Canadian visa in the last 10 years. Thus, anyone who fulfills one of the two requirements can apply for a direct visa through the site. However, each family member must file their case, and the payment is individual.

The process to request the eTA

The first step is to gather the required documentation, which is a valid passport – validity needed of at least 6 months – valid American visa or old Canadian visa, credit card, and email.

On the Government of Canada website, you must complete a form with your details and information. So keep your documents ready, as this form has a maximum time to answer. Once completed, you will be able to pay the fee – remember to print or save the receipt on time, it will not be available for viewing after you close the process.

Once the payment has been made, an email will be sent with the reply, usually taking a few minutes, but in some cases, it may take up to a week. Eventually, other documents may also be requested by the Canadian Government, according to each process.

Because it is an electronic visa, it is not necessary to print any document at the time of departure. The visa will be on the check-in system of the flight company and the immigration officer. Remembering that eTA is valid for 5 years or until your passport expires – whichever comes first.

TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)

TRV is eligible for those who do not meet ETA requirements or who will enter Canada by land or sea. Undeniably, it is a slower process and has a higher cost. The basic rate to apply is 100.00 Canadian dollars (around R$ 290.00) per person or 500.00 Canadian dollars (R$ 1,440.00) per family of 5 or more.

Unlike ETA, the visitor visa is valid for 10 years and is required to perform biometrics. Identification requires an additional cost of 85.00 Canadian dollars (R$ 250.00) per person or 170.00 Canadian dollars (R$ 500.00) per family.

The process to request the TRV

Like eTA, the first step is to gather the documents. The difference is that the document list for TRV is longer:

• Proof of payment of the application fee;
• Copy of passport – including page with personal data, photo number and, stamps;
• Two 3×5 photos – the Canadian Government requests some standards, so be aware of what is requested on the site;
• Financial proof;
• Marriage certificate, if applicable;
• Letter explaining the reasons for the trip.

These are the standard documents that the government requests; however, more documents can be requested according to each individual’s process.

On the site, there will also be forms to fill out. There is a basic form with data and personal information that is required to fill and others for those who will apply in family or couples in a stable union.

Once the fee has been paid, and the form has been completed, you must submit the application, which may be online or in-person at a Canadian Visa Application Center (CVAC). In Brazil, CVAC is represented by VFS Global, which has offices in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Porto Alegre.

Online Process

First, you need to scan all documentation for the online process and create a single file to submit on the site (one file per family member).

At the time the visa is approved, an email will be sent with a request to submit your passport. It must be sent to VFS according to the instructions and proof of payment – the transmission fee is 27.93 Canadian dollars per person. However, there is also the possibility of personally delivering to one of the VFS offices.

Once the process is complete, you will be notified via email that your passport is ready, and you can pick it up from VSF or receive it at home – for a shipping fee.

CVAC Process

If you choose to submit documentation to CVAC, you will be charged a service fee of 34.91 Canadian dollars per person. The passport is already delivered in the same envelope as the documentation and is not required to be sent after the process. And the return is done in the same way as online: picking up on the office or receiving at home.

Remember that in both cases, it will be necessary to perform the biometrics process in one of the offices. Therefore, visa processing times may vary, depending on the submission and return of documents/passport, biometrics, and other documentation if required. In most cases, the entire process takes an average of 12 days.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that the tourist visa does not allow the individual to work or study in Canada. The only caveat is short courses – less than 6 months or 24 weeks – which is the maximum time to stay in the country with the visitor visa.

If you have any questions about the Canadian visitor visa process, please contact us and schedule a consultation to resolve questions and receive assistance during the application.