How to Apply for a Visitor Visa to Canada for Parents
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and want to invite your parents to visit you in Canada, they will need to apply for a visitor visa. A visitor visa allows individuals to enter Canada for a temporary stay for the purposes of tourism, visiting family and friends, attending business meetings, or receiving medical treatment.
In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of applying for a visitor visa to Canada for your parents.
Step 1: Determine if your parents require a visa
The first step is to determine whether your parents require a visitor visa to enter Canada. Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa to visit Canada for a period of up to six months. You can check the list of visa-exempt countries on the Government of Canada website.
If your parents are citizens of a country that requires a visa, they will need to apply for a visitor visa before they can come to Canada.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documents
To apply for a visitor visa, your parents will need to provide several documents to support their application. These include:
Passport:
Your parents must have a valid passport that does not expire within six months of their intended date of departure from Canada.
Photographs:
Your parents will need to provide two recent passport-size photographs.
Completed application form:
Your parents will need to complete the visitor visa application form, which can be found on the Government of Canada website.
Family information form: Your parents will also need to complete the family information form, which provides details about their immediate family members.
Invitation letter:
You will need to write a letter of invitation to your parents, inviting them to visit you in Canada. The letter should include information about your relationship with your parents, the purpose and length of their visit, details about their accommodation and financial support while in Canada, and your contact information.
Financial support documents:
Your parents will need to provide proof of their financial support while in Canada, such as bank statements, pay stubs or a letter from their employer.
Medical examination:
Depending on the length of their stay and their country of origin, your parents may be required to undergo a medical examination before they can obtain a visa. You can check the Government of Canada website for more information about medical examinations.
Step 3: Submit the application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, your parents can submit their application for a visitor visa. The application can be submitted online or in person at a Canadian visa application centre (VAC) in their home country.
If your parents choose to apply online, they will need to create an account on the Government of Canada website and upload their documents electronically. If they choose to apply in person, they will need to make an appointment at the nearest VAC.
Step 4: Wait for processing
After the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a Canadian visa officer. The processing time for a visitor visa application can vary depending on the volume of applications being processed and other factors.
Your parents may be required to attend an interview with a visa officer, either in person or over the phone. If this is the case, the visa office will contact them to arrange an interview.
Step 5: Receive the visa
If your parents’ application is approved, they will receive a visitor visa in their passport. The visa will indicate the length of their stay in Canada and any conditions attached to their visit.
If the application is refused, the visa office will provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for the refusal. In some cases, your parents may be able to appeal the decision or reapply for a visitor visa.
In conclusion, applying for a visitor visa to Canada for your parents can be a complex process, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it can be a smooth and successful experience. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your parents’ visit to Canada is enjoyable and stress-free.
