Visitor Visa Application Step-by-Step
This comprehensive application tutorial includes a step-by-step guide, timeframes, and supporting documents checklist to make a successful Visitor Visa Application.
This tutorial does not constitute legal advice.
Stage one
IRCC Portal application
Explanation
The IRCC Portal is a new way to make a visitor visa application. Creating an account is simple and requires an email address.
Potential questions
Why use the IRCC Portal over the GCKey Platform? The main benefit of the IRCC Portal over the old GCKey Platform is ease of use, an applicant does not need to fill out IMM forms.
Can I apply on behalf of my parents? Yes, you will need to declare yourself as a representative in this case.
Explanation
Select the appropriate application you'd like to make (visit)
Explanation
You may apply as a group (family/company) or alone.
Potential questions
Can I represent my group in the application? Yes, you will need to provide more information on your relationship and submit a group application with supporting documents for everyone.
Explanation
Provide a brief overview of what you plan to do/see/visit in Canada. This may be to visit a friend/family.
Potential questions
Can I skip this section? No, provide a brief overview.
How detailed do I need to be? Do not overwhelm this section with too much information. Use your Statement of Purpose to convey your background and intentions.
Explanation
Select "No" if you are making a personal application for you or your family. If you'd like to apply on someone else's behalf - choose "Yes" and indicate your relationship
Potential questions
Can I use an expiring passport? It's possible but not recommended. Apply to renew your passport to get a longer duration of your travel document.
Explanation
Answer questions truthfully. Explain any US or Canadian visas that you may hold
Potential questions
What if I have multiple citizenships? Answer "yes" to "are you a citizen of more than one country?" and indicate all of your citizenship. For your application, use the country you have more ties to.
Explanation
If you used a different named in the past (maiden name for instance), provide it in this section.
Explanation
The country of residence is the country where you reside (live).
Potential questions
What if I live in a country different than my country of citizenship? Such cases are more difficult, to increase your chances - apply from the country of citizenship (or the country you have most ties to).
Explanation
This could include only your country of citizenship/residence if you have not left or made brief (under 6 months) visits.
Explanation
Show your financial ability to pay for the entire stay. Assets do not count, only money that you can access immediately from your bank account. Potential questions
How much money should I show? There is no set amount. But it's recommended to demonstrate you have at least $10,000 per person for every month and/or a permanent source of income like salary.
Can someone sponsor me? Yes, parents, spouses, or business can sponsor you. In this case, indicate how much money they have in their account and provide a financial affidavit in supporting documents.
Explanation
Give details of all your employment and activities for the past 10 years. Review your entries and make sure you included something for all time periods in the past 10 years. Do not include any entries that you already put for post-secondary education, military, or police force (if that was your only occupation at that time). Potential questions
What if I did not work for some time? If you were unemployed, incarcerated, or retired in the last 10 years, select that option from the menu and tell us for how long.
What if I was/am a student? If you were a student at a secondary school, select 'unemployed'.
Explanation
Give details of all your travels for the past 5 years. If you did not travel - say 'no'. Potential questions
What if I traveled to one country multiple times per month? In case of multiple visits per month, simply indicate it once.
Explanation
If you have stayed beyond validity or been refused a Canadian or US visa - provide explanation.
Explanation
Questions related to work require a 'no' answer as you're applying for a visitor visa.
Potential questions
What if I have a medical condition/disease listed among the questions? Answer truthfully and explain in your letter of explanation how you are not a threat to the Canadian public and are able to cover your own medical expenses.
Explanation
If you're married/divorced - add information about your spouse.
Stage two
IRCC Portal supporting documents upload
Explanation
Upload all used pages of your passport Potential questions
What if my passport expires soon? It's recommended to use a new passport valid for as long as possible.
Explanation
Show your financial ability to pay for the entire stay. Assets do not count, only money that you can access immediately from your bank account. Potential questions
How much money should I show? There is no set amount. But it's recommended to demonstrate you have at least $10,000 per person for every month and/or a permanent source of income like salary.
What documents can show funds? Bank statements, bank drafts, notarized gift deeds, etc.
Can someone sponsor me? Yes, parents, spouses, or business can sponsor you. In this case, indicate how much money they have in their account and provide a financial affidavit in supporting documents.
Explanation
You may be required to upload marriage certificates, birth certificates or other documents specific to your case.
Stage three
IRCC Portal optional documents upload
Explanation
Upload a custom LOE or SOP under 'Additional documents'. The letter should communicate your case to the visa officer and explain your intentions as well as background.
⚠️ Important ⚠️
If you're unsure about how to make a strong SOP or LOE - try our SOP Builder Visitor Visa. This powerful AI system is trained on frameworks used by immigration lawyers to make a custom letter of explanation in minutes. It has helped applicants in over 30 countries.
Explanation
To support your ability to cover travel expenses - demonstrate a consistent source of income such as employment or self-employment. It's recommended to merge a job contract with salary statements to prove income.
File Submission
When you've completed all three stages, you may pay for the application and submit your file.
💡 What happens after?
Check your IRCC Portal periodically for additional information requests from IRCC
✅ If it’s a positive decision - you will be asked to submit your passport for the visa to be stamped.
🍁 Upon arrival in Canada, you will get your visitor permit from a visa officer in the airport
Want an immigration lawyer to do it for you?
Check our Visitor Visa application service.