Applying to visit Canada - WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU APPLY FOR VISA

Most applications for visitor visas (temporary resident visas) are processed in a few weeks or less. Processing times depend on the visa office.

How your application is processed

After you send your application, the visa office will review it to make sure it is complete and it has all the documents needed. If your application is incomplete, it will not be processed and it will be returned to you.


If your application is complete, the visa office may ask you for the following:

Medical exam

You may need a medical exam to be allowed to enter Canada. If you do, the visa office will send you instructions.

If you need a medical exam, it might take longer to process your application, because you will need time to set up and go to an appointment, and the doctor will need time to send Citizenship and Immigration Canada the results.

Police certificate

You may be asked to provide a police certificate for yourself and any family member 18 years of age or over who will come to Canada with you. The visa office will contact you if that is needed.

Interview

If a visa officer decides that an interview is necessary, the visa office will contact you to tell you the time and place. Most decisions are taken without an interview.

Return of your documents

After the visa officer has assessed your application, your passport and other original documents will be returned to you.

Please note that original bank statements are not returned.

If you sent fraudulent documents, they will not be returned.

If your application is approved

The visa will be stamped inside your passport.

If your application is refused

If your application is refused, you will receive an explanation why your application was refused.

Change of address

If you move or change your address, telephone number or any other contact information after you apply, you must tell the Canadian visa office that serves the country or region where you live.

After you receive a visa

A valid visitor visa and travel document does not guarantee that you can enter Canada. A border services officer may find that you are no longer admissible because:

• your case has changed, or
• there is new information about you. For instance, you gave false or incomplete information on your visa application.

Read:  Visiting Canada
Read:  How to Apply for Canada Visa - Visitor