Canada visitor visa guide

Commonly requested as the core identity document for the online application.

Helpful direction: Check it covers your entire intended stay and has enough validity remaining — bring previous passports too if you have travel history.

The visitor visa is normally lodged online through an IRCC secure account — this documents that you've applied, not evidence that you meet the visitor requirements on its own.

Helpful direction: Keep your application and client ID numbers handy for the rest of the process.

Uploaded as part of the online application and used for biometrics matching.

Helpful direction: Check IRCC's current photo specifications before submitting — size and background rules are specific.

Most first-time applicants (and many repeat applicants outside the reuse window) need to give biometrics at VFS Global Manila.

Helpful direction: Confirm whether your biometrics from a past application are still within the reuse window before booking a new appointment.

Commonly used to show you can support your stay and travel — there is no official fixed minimum balance; explain any large or unusual recent deposits.

Helpful direction: Consistent balances are often easier to review than a single large, recent deposit.

Often used to show your employment status and employer-confirmed leave for the trip.

Helpful direction: Ask for a letter that includes your position, tenure, salary, and the travel dates your employer has confirmed.

Helps tell a clear, consistent story about your planned visit.

Helpful direction: A loose but complete plan is often better than a highly detailed one with gaps.

Can help show where you'll be staying, though not always required as primary evidence.

Helpful direction: A hotel booking or host invitation can help, but check current guidance before relying on it alone.

Useful if someone in Canada is hosting or sponsoring you, to support your travel story.

Helpful direction: Ask your host to mention your relationship, the purpose of your visit, and their address and status in Canada.

Can help show your intention to return home after the trip.

Helpful direction: Property documents, family ties, or a return-to-work letter can all help here.