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Step 1: Determining Your Eligibility

Most of us simply don’t even bother with the massive text on Terms & Conditions page while doing online shopping. If that describes you, well, it’s a little different with visa applications. You need to read all the available information about applying for visas. This will equip you with the necessary know-how to understand what is expected of you. Ensure that you read the requirements for visa applications as provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Your eligibility matters most if your application is to go through.

Step 2: Start Filling Out the Forms

The reading part is certainly boring. But if carefully done, filling out the forms will be like a walk in the park, knowing that you meet the mandatory eligibility criteria. After reading all information thoroughly and everything is understood, start filling out the forms, either online or on paper. Ensure you only supply correct and valid information, otherwise anything incorrect or invalid can be used as a ground for disqualifying your application.

If you apply on paper, you will need to submit your application to a responsible VAC location either in person or by mail. Biometric samples including your fingerprints and photograph will be collected at this time too, if required.

Step 3: Double-check Your Answers

Just like in an exam situation when you have to confirm that whatever answer you gave is correct before handing your answer sheet, the same goes with your visa application. Read through your answers and verify that everything you’ve entered/written is correct. All the forms must be consistent.

Step 4: Visa Fee Payment

If you are applying online: Following validation of your paperwork once completed, the next thing is to pay your visa fees. Online applicants can make payments via bank transfers or their credit cards. The method used is dependent on how your profile was set up at the initial stage. Depending upon your country of origin, a biometric fee may also be required. These fees are not expensive as such, and applicants are required to complete the payment before advancing to the next stage of application.

For those doing paper applications through Visa Application Centres (VACs), you will be required to pay a nominal fee, as charged by the center. This fee is separate from the visa and biometric fees charged.

Step 5: Submitting Your Visa Application

If your application is submitted online, you will need to wait for any further instructions from immigration. All correspondence will be conducted through email you put in your application.

If your application is submitted by mail, you need to submit your application to the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC). VACs are run by private companies authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. You may submit your application by mail or in person but if you must include your biometrics you must submit the application in person.

Step 6: Acknowledgement of Your Application

This is the last step of the application process. Online applicants will receive a submission confirmation message from IRCC via email to confirm the application receipt. Your application is assigned a file number, which will be contained in the confirmation.

Paper applicants will receive confirmation of their application receipt via the VAC. The confirmation contains a distinct tracking code that can be used to track the application status.

The above six steps seem like they can take an eternity but, when followed correctly, it shouldn’t be too long. So, whether traveling to Canada for business or pleasure, simply following the above guide should get you on the right track.
But if you don’t have the time to read the instructions or simply doubt your ability to do the application right, MaxCan Immigration can ease the stress and speed up your application, ensuring that it is accepted the first time. Simply get in touch with our Markham office for to commence your application right away! See you in Canada!