How to apply for a Canada family visa? First-time travellers’ checklist

To prepare for your upcoming reunion with family members in Canada, it is important to apply for a Canada family visa. In this article, Thao & Co. details all you need to know about Canada family visit visa types, including a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your visa application with confidence.

What is the Canada family visa?

Before visiting your family in Canada, you will need to apply for either a Visitor Visa or a Super Visa. This depends on your purpose and period of stay, as well as people whom you are visiting.

Visitor Visa (Visa V1) – For short-term visits

A Visitor Visa is the most common Canada visit visa for family members, relatives, and friends. It also allows the holder to travel within the country.

1. • Period of stay: Up to 6 months/entry
2. • Visa application fee: CAD 100/person.

Super Visa – For long-term visits

The Canada Super Visa is only eligible for parents and grandparents of a Canadian citizen or resident. With this visa, you can enter Canada multiple times within a period of 10 years, effectively allowing for an extended stay at this country.

1. • Period of stay: Up to 5 years/entry
2. • Super Visa application fee: CAD 100/person

*Attention: A super visa holder cannot work during their stay.

If you have children studying abroad in Canada, it’s a good idea to apply for a Visitor Visa (V1). You will need an invitation letter from your children as students of the school, or the school itself; proof of valid reasons for travel, intended itinerary, family relations, etc.

How long does a Canada visitor visa for family last?

Starting from November 6, 2024, whether your visa is valid for single-entry or multiple-entry and for how long will be decided on a case-by-case basis. A visa generally stays valid for up to 10 years or until your passport/biometrics expire, whichever comes first.

Then, how long can I stay each time with a Canadian family visitor visa? It depends on your visa type:

1. ➤ Visitor visa: up to 6 months/entry
2. ➤ Super visa: up to 5 years/entry

To decide the period of stay, immigration officers also consider:

1. • Compelling and compassionate reasons for the visit (For example: to take care of a terminally ill or dying family member)
2. • Your financial sponsor from within Canada
3. • Your health status
4. • Your travel history and previous visas
5. • …

Document checklist for first-time applicants for a Canada family visa

Below are the required documents for a Canada visitor visa for family:

1. • Personal documents: a passport, photos, and a visa application form
2. • Financial proof: bank statements, payslips, proof of ownership, or a confirmation of financial sponsorship by a family member in Canada.
3. • An invitation letter from a relative residing in Canada: The letter should specify the sender’s relationship with you, as well as details about the trip, including the period of stay, accommodation, and their commitment to financially support you (if applicable).
4. • Proof of valid travel purpose: You can provide information about your flights to Canada, place of accommodation, and detailed itinerary during your stay.

*Attention:

1. • All documents written in languages other than French or English must come with certified translations into either of them.
2. • Notarisation is not required; instead, the translation must be certified by a qualified translator or translation agency.

How to apply for the Family Visitor Visa of Canada?

Follow these 4 steps to apply for a Canada family visa:

1. • Step 1: Prepare the required documents (refer to the above checklist). Make sure all translations meet the necessary requirements.
2. • Step 2: Schedule an appointment to submit your documents and biometrics information at a local CVAC (Canada Visa Application Centre).
3. • Step 3: Bring all required documents, together with a completed application form, to the CVAC of your choice.
4. • Step 4: Get back your passport and receive your visa, either in person at the CVAC or by post.

FAQs on Canada family visa application

Below are some common questions related to the Canada family visa.

Is it difficult to apply for Canada family visa?

The application process is pretty straightforward. Besides a completed application form and personal documents, don’t forget to provide:

1. • A letter of invitation, compelling financial proof, and detailed itinerary
2. • Medical coverage for the trip (if applicable)

If you have any documents not written in English or French, it’s best to find a reputable agency with certified translation services. With careful preparation and consideration to the above factors, you may have a higher chance of visa approval.

How long does it take to apply for a Canada family visitor visa?

It could take from 2 weeks to 3 months to process your application for a Canada visitor visa. This will depend on:

1. • Where you are applying from
2. • How complete or valid your application is
3. • How long it takes to collect and process your biometrics information
4. • When you apply (for example, during peak seasons such as the summer or the holidays)

To avoid delay, submit your application at least 3 months before the intended date of departure.

For more details: Canada visitor visa processing time

Can I work in Canada with the visitor visa?

No, you cannot work during your stay with the Canada visitor visa. Violation could result in fines, deportation, or future visa refusals.

You are allowed to travel, meet business partners, or visit exhibitions within the validity period of this visa.

Thao & Co. – Reliable translation service provider for visitor visa applications

Even if your application is complete and valid, a poor translation may result in a Canada visa refusal letter or legal complications. As the quality of translated documents can influence your visa approval rates, you should work with a reputable translation agency to minimise risks.

Thao & Co. translation company takes pride in being a reliable visa document translation service provider. With our extensive experience and competence in handling visa applications, you can benefit from:

1. ✦ Our seasoned linguists with Bachelor’s/Master’s in languages, who can guarantee precise translations that also meet legal requirements.
2. ✦ Translation services to and from over 50 languages with complete, concise, and accurate results
3. ✦ A complimentary certificate of translation accuracy from Thao & Co. to help you meet the requirements of the Canadian government.
4. ✦ On-time delivery that helps minimise interruption to the visa application process.
5. ✦ Strict NDAs that secure confidentiality.
6. ✦ Our proprietary platform, which facilitates file management and progress tracking.

Kindly leave your request in our Get A Quote for a detailed consultation on Thao & Co.’s professional translation solutions.