How to Apply for Canada Visa Step by Step (2026)

Applying for a Canada Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is done entirely online through the IRCC portal. There are no in-person interviews for most visitor visa applications. This guide walks through every step — from creating your account to receiving the visa in your passport.

Last updated: June 2026

Before You Begin — Check If You Need a Visa

Not all nationalities need a TRV. Some need only an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). Use the IRCC eligibility checker to confirm your requirement. If you need a TRV, continue with the steps below.

Step 1 — Create an IRCC Online Account

You apply through the IRCC My Account portal. To create an account:

  1. Go to canada.ca — IRCC My Account
  2. Click "Sign in or create an account"
  3. Choose your sign-in method: GCKey (recommended) or a provincial partner sign-in
  4. Complete the account setup with your email address

Keep your GCKey username and password safe — you will need it to check your application status throughout the process.

Step 2 — Start a New Application

After logging in:

  1. Click "Apply to come to Canada"
  2. Answer the eligibility questions — the system will determine your application type (TRV or eTA)
  3. Select "Visitor Visa (TRV)" and click to start your application

You can save your application and return to complete it later — it is not submitted until you click the final submit button.

Step 3 — Fill the IMM 5257 Application Form

The main form for a visitor visa is IMM 5257. You will be asked:

  • Personal information — name, date of birth, passport details, nationality
  • Contact information — address, phone, email
  • Background questions — employment, education, previous travel, any refusals or criminal history
  • Purpose of visit and duration of stay
  • Contact information for anyone you will be visiting in Canada

Answer all questions accurately. Providing false information is grounds for a permanent visa ban.

Additional forms that may be required:

  • IMM 5257B (Schedule A) — if you have lived outside your country of citizenship for 6+ months
  • IMM 5645 (Family Information) — for some application types

Step 4 — Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents as PDF files. Each document should be clear, complete, and legible. Required documents include:

  • Passport — biographical page (first and last page), any previous passports
  • Photograph — digital photo meeting IRCC specs (35×45mm, white background)
  • Bank statements — last 3–6 months from all accounts
  • Employment letter or business documents
  • Income tax returns (last 2–3 years)
  • Travel itinerary and accommodation confirmation
  • Proof of ties to home country (property, family, employment)
  • Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends)

There is a file size limit per document (usually 4MB). Merge multi-page documents into a single PDF before uploading.

Step 5 — Pay the Visa Fee Online

Once your application is complete:

  1. Review the fee summary — application fee (CAD $185) + biometrics (CAD $85) if required
  2. Pay by credit or debit card — Visa, Mastercard, or American Express accepted
  3. Fees are charged in Canadian dollars — your card will be charged in CAD and converted by your bank
  4. Save the payment receipt — you will need it as part of your record

Step 6 — Submit Your Application

After paying, review everything once more, then click Submit. You will receive:

  • An application number (starts with letters like "V" or "F")
  • A confirmation email from IRCC
  • A Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) if biometrics are required — usually within 24 hours

Step 7 — Give Biometrics at a VAC

If you received a Biometrics Instruction Letter:

  1. Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) — operated by VFS Global in most countries
  2. Bring your original passport, the BIL printout, and the VAC service fee (paid at the centre)
  3. Fingerprints and a photo are taken — the appointment typically takes 15–30 minutes
  4. Your passport will be returned the same day after biometrics (you do not leave it at this stage)

Biometrics are valid for 10 years. If your biometrics are still valid from a previous application, you skip this step.

Step 8 — Wait for a Decision

After biometrics, your application enters active processing. Track your status on IRCC My Account:

  • Check the current processing time estimate on the IRCC website and add 1–2 weeks as a buffer
  • Watch for any emails from IRCC requesting additional documents or a medical exam
  • Do not contact IRCC unless your application has been in processing significantly longer than the published estimate

Step 9 — Receive the Decision

If approved:

  • You will receive an email from IRCC asking you to submit your passport to the VAC for visa stamping
  • Drop off your passport at the VAC (or mail it in, if that option is available in your country)
  • Your passport is returned with a TRV counterfoil (the visa sticker) inside
  • Check the visa details carefully — entry type (single/multiple), validity dates, number of entries

If refused:

  • You will receive a refusal letter stating the reason(s)
  • You can reapply immediately but must address the stated grounds in your new application
  • There is no formal appeal process for visitor visa refusals

Step 10 — Travel to Canada

When you arrive in Canada:

  • Present your passport with the TRV counterfoil at the port of entry
  • A CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officer will decide your authorized length of stay — typically 6 months from entry
  • You may be asked questions about your trip, finances, and intention to leave Canada before your authorized stay expires
  • Keep your return flight ticket and hotel booking readily accessible

Official References

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to go to the embassy to apply for Canada visa?

No. Canada no longer processes most visitor visa applications at embassies or consulates. You apply entirely online through the IRCC portal. Your only in-person visit is to a VFS Global VAC to give biometrics — not for an interview.

Is there an interview for Canada visitor visa?

Most visitor visa applications do not require an interview. IRCC processes applications based on the documents you upload online. An interview may be requested in rare cases where a visa officer needs to verify information, but this is uncommon for standard tourist applications.

How long does it take to get Canada visa after biometrics?

After biometrics are received by IRCC, processing typically takes 2–8 weeks for online applications from India. Biometrics are usually received by IRCC within 1–3 business days of your VAC appointment. Total time from biometrics to decision is typically 2–8 weeks.

Can I apply for Canada visa on paper instead of online?

Paper applications are accepted in limited circumstances (e.g., if you cannot apply online due to a disability). IRCC strongly recommends online applications — they are processed faster, and you avoid postal delays. Paper applications take significantly longer to process.

What should I do if IRCC asks for additional documents?

Log into your IRCC My Account immediately. Upload the requested documents within the deadline stated in the request (usually 30 days). Missing this deadline may result in your application being abandoned. Respond promptly and completely — only provide what is specifically requested.