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Canadian Visa

Introduction

Immigrating to Canada for study, work, or investment is one of the top choices for many people around the world. The country’s welfare, social services, healthcare system, advanced educational framework in schools and universities, and job opportunities for immigrants are significant attractions. Currently, Canada is undoubtedly the most popular immigration destination for Iranians.

Iranians require a visa to travel to Canada. The country has strict regulations and conditions for visa issuance, and success in obtaining a visa is typically reserved for those who are well-informed and utilize experienced professionals. At Parex, with over two decades of successful experience, we are here to assist you in obtaining a Canadian visa as quickly as possible so you can embark on your journey to this remarkable country.

Types of Canadian Visas

There are different types of visas to enter Canada, and the type of visa is related to the purpose of the traveler’s trip. In general, Canadian visas are divided into 2 categories: permanent residence visas and temporary residence visas.

Visas for entry into Canada are divided into various categories based on the traveller’s purpose. Generally, Canadian visas fall into two main categories:

  1. Permanent Residency Visas: These visas are issued to individuals intending to live in Canada permanently. This category includes options such as investment visas, entrepreneur visas, startup visas, and family sponsorship visas.
  1. Temporary Residency Visas: These are for those planning to visit Canada temporarily for specific purposes, such as studying, working, or tourism. This category encompasses student visas, work visas, and tourist visas.

Canadian Permanent Residence Visa

This type of visa is issued to those who want to live in Canada permanently. With this type of visa, you can live in any city and province of Canada and have permission to work and study, except for cases where a permanent residence visa is issued for a specific province. Some types of permanent residence visa are as follows.

Investment Visa

For those investing in a business or starting a new venture in Canada, with a minimum investment of CAD 100,000, depending on the type of business.

Entrepreneur Visa

For individuals looking to start a new business or purchase an existing one and expand it.

Startup Visa

For entrepreneurs with a government-approved business plan that is innovative and competitive in the global market.

Self-Employment Visa

For individuals with specific skills or talents, such as athletes or artists, who can significantly contribute to Canada’s culture, arts, or sports on a national or international level.

Canadian Experience Class Visa

For individuals with at least one year of work experience in Canada (does not apply to Quebec).

Skilled Worker Visa

For skilled and specialized individuals applying through a points-based system or provincial/federal lottery designed to attract skilled labour.

Technical and Vocational Skilled Worker Visa

Similar to the Skilled Worker Visa, this program uses a points-based system and lottery for individuals with technical or vocational qualifications.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Each province in Canada issues Permanent Residence Visas independently each year based on its immigration policies.

Quebec Experience Program

For those who have studied or worked in Quebec for at least one year.

Marriage-based Visa

Foreign nationals married to Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply for permanent residence with their spouse’s financial support.

Family Sponsorship Visa

Family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents over 18 years old can apply to sponsor their immediate family members, including parents, spouses, children, and grandparents for permanent residence.

Temporary Resident Visa for Canada

This type of visa is issued to individuals who plan to live in Canada for a limited period for specific purposes such as work, study, or tourism. Here are some categories of temporary resident visas for Canada:

Super Visa

This visa allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to apply for their parents or grandparents. The applicant receives a multiple-entry visa, permitting stays of up to 5 years each time they enter Canada.

Student Accompanying Visa

This visa is for parents of students under 18 years old who are studying in Canada.

Work Visa

A temporary visa for those who have a job offer from a Canadian employer.

Study Permit

This temporary visa is for individuals who have been accepted by schools or universities in Canada.

Tourist Visa

Issued for those intending to visit Canada for leisure, work, study, or to see family. It is also available for individuals who have a business invitation and wish to engage in trade with Canada.

Tourist Visa for Canada

The Canadian tourist visa, also known as a visitor visa, is a multiple-entry visa valid for up to 5 years, which is affixed to your passport. This visa allows you to travel to Canada and stay for a maximum of 6 months each time you enter. There are two types of tourist visas:

  1. Single Entry Visa: Valid for 6 months, typically issued for attending events such as conferences or cultural activities.
  2. Multiple Entry Visa: The most common type issued to Iranians, valid for up to 5 years.

Key Features of the Multiple Entry Visa:

  • Visa Validity: Up to 5 years, or until the expiration date of your passport.
  • Duration of Stay in Canada: Up to 6 months per entry.
  • Embassy Fees: A total of CAD 185, which covers both biometric fees and the visa application.
  • Financial Requirements: You should have between CAD 10,000 to 15,000 per person.
  • Processing Time: Generally, takes between 2 to 5 months to receive the visa.

Requirements for a Canadian Tourist Visa Applicant

  • Valid Passport: You must possess a valid passport.
  • No Criminal Record: You should have no criminal history.
  • Good Physical and Mental Health: You must be in good health.
  • Sufficient Funds: You need to have enough money for your trip to Canada and provide bank documents to the embassy.
  • Travel History: A record of travel to significant countries (e.g., Schengen countries, the UK, Japan, Australia) is beneficial.
  • Ties to Home Country: You should demonstrate family, professional, and property ties to Iran, indicating that you will return after your trip.

Required Documents for a Canadian Tourist Visa

The documents and information submitted to the Canadian embassy for visa application are crucial for approval. Incorrect documents or false information can lead to visa rejection and may prevent you from obtaining a visa for years. Bank statements are among the most important documents, as they must clearly reflect your financial transactions. Below is a list of the required documents for a Canadian tourist visa.

Important Notes About Documents

  • Translation: All documents in Persian must be officially translated into English or French.
  • Verification: While official translations from a certified translator are acceptable for the embassy, it is recommended to also have the documents verified by the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance the embassy’s confidence in the authenticity and accuracy of the documents.

Personal Documents

  • Original Passport: Valid for at least one year, including all previous passports with visas.
  • Recent Photo: A colour photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background.
  • National ID and Birth Certificate: Copies of your ID and birth certificate.
  • Marriage Certificate: Required if traveling with a spouse.
  • School Enrolment Certificate: Necessary if traveling with children.
  • Personal Information Form: Completed separately for each applicant.
  • Notarized Consent Letter: For children traveling without one parent.

Financial & Employment Documents

  • Bank Statement: A six-month statement in English, stamped and signed by the bank.
  • Ownership Documents: Proof of property, investment documents, stock purchases, or bank deposits.
  • Government Employees: Employment letter, employee ID, insurance list, and last three salary slips.
  • Private Sector Employees: Employment certificate, insurance list, and last three salary slips.
  • Employers: Company registration and changes, insurance list, last three salary slips, and tax payment proof.
  • Doctors: Medical license, medical board ID, clinic license, last tax and insurance payment records.
  • Engineers: Engineering license or construction permit
  • Factory Owners/Self-Employed: Operating license, business permit, trade card, insurance, and tax payment proof.
  • Retirees: Retirement order and last two pension slips.

Invitation Letter

The invitation letter must include the details of both the inviter and the visa applicant, notarized after preparation. Details to include:

Inviter's Information

Full name, date of birth, address, phone number in Canada, residency status (citizen, permanent, or temporary), and job title.

Invitee's Information

Full name, date of birth, address, phone number in Iran or their country of residence, relationship to the inviter, purpose of travel, duration of stay in Canada, dates of entry and exit, accommodation details, and source of funding for the trip.

Inviter's Documents

Canadian Citizenship Card, Canadian passport, Canadian birth certificate, or PR card. Additional documents like employment verification, bank letters, tax assessments, and T4 or T1 forms can strengthen the visa application.

Requirements for applying for a Canadian tourist visa

  • Having a valid passport
  • No bad background
  • Full physical and mental health
  • Having enough money to travel to Canada and presenting bank documents to the embassy
  • Having travel records to important countries such as: Schengen visa, England, Japan, Australia
  • Having a family, job and property affiliation to Iran that shows that you will return to Iran after your trip.

Costs of Canadian Tourist Visa per Person

  • Official Document Translation: Approximately 10 to 30 million Toman per person.
  • 3-Day Trip to Turkey: Around 300 million IRR.
  • Application Review by Embassy: 85 USD per person.
  • Fingerprinting Fee: 85 USD.
  • Visa Pickup: 15 to 20 million IRR.
  • Visa Renewal (before 10 years): 100 USD.

Steps to Apply for a Canadian Tourist Visa Through Parex Company

Tourist Visa for Spouse: If someone is working or studying in Canada on a temporary residency permit, they can apply for a tourist visa for their spouse. However, they must provide evidence of their ability to support both themselves and their spouse. A spouse of someone on a temporary study permit who enters Canada with a tourist visa cannot work or study in Canada unless they change their visa status after arrival and obtain a work permit.

Tourist Visa for Children: If you have a work or study permit in Canada, you can apply for a tourist visa for your children. Children under 18 can study in Canada without a study permit, and their tuition is free. For children aged 18 to 22, they need to obtain a study permit and will pay local tuition rates, which are only 15 to 30 percent of the international student fees. However, children over 22 must obtain a work permit after arriving in Canada and do not qualify for coverage under their parents’ status.

Tourist Visa for Parents: If you have a work or study permit in Canada, you can apply for a super visa for your parents.

Tourist Visa for Siblings: You can apply for a tourist visa for your siblings. Your invitation letter can strengthen their application, but other factors such as travel history in Europe, financial stability, and professional and family ties are also crucial for obtaining the visa.

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Obtaining a Canadian Tourist Visa

Several key factors can enhance your likelihood of receiving a tourist visa to Canada. Here are some important points to consider:

  • Travel History: Having a record of international travel, especially to countries like those in the Schengen Area, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, the USA, and the UK, indicates that you are a seasoned traveller. This suggests that your intention is tourism rather than seeking asylum, as you have not applied for refugee status in other countries.
  • Invitation Letter: Receiving a formal invitation from close relatives, a university, an employer, or even from an international conference or hospital for medical treatment can significantly boost your chances of obtaining a visa.
  • Evidence of Ties to Home Country: Demonstrating strong connections to Iran or your country of residence is crucial. This can include familial ties (having parents, siblings, spouse, or children in Iran), professional ties (long-term employment history, income level, and job position), and property ownership (e.g., multiple properties).
  • Staggered Applications: If family members do not apply for visas simultaneously, it indicates that you plan to return to your home country after your trip to Canada, as other family members will remain there. This can strengthen your application

Reasons for Rejection of a Canadian Tourist Visa and Tips for Reapplication

and tips for reapplying

  • Incomplete, Fake, or Ambiguous Documents: Submitting a visa application with insufficient or unclear documentation can lead to rejection.
  • Inconsistent or Incomplete Information: Any discrepancies in your application can raise red flags.
  • Insufficient Financial Proof: Not providing adequate evidence of financial stability and bank balance can result in denial.
  • Lack of Travel History: A weak travel history, especially to countries like those in Europe, Japan, Australia, and the USA, can negatively impact your application.
  • Inadequate Employment or Ties: Failing to demonstrate a stable job or lacking family and property ties in your home country can lead to rejection.
  • Strong Family Connections in Canada: Having multiple family members residing in Canada may raise concerns about your intent to return home.
  • Security or Criminal Issues: Any security or criminal problems can result in a denial.
  • Health Issues: Medical conditions that may impose treatment costs on the Canadian government can be a reason for rejection.
  • Weak Invitation Letter: If the invitation letter lacks proper documentation or financial support from the inviter, it may be deemed unsuitable.
  • Unconvincing Purpose of Visit: If your reasons for visiting Canada seem unconvincing or the timing of your trip is not aligned with your stated purpose, it can lead to denial.

Removal of Canadian visa rejection

If your visa application is rejected, you can reapply without any limitations on the number of attempts. However, to achieve a positive outcome and avoid further rejections, you must make substantial changes to your application. Address any deficiencies that led to the previous rejection. If you cannot rectify these issues, consider waiting until your circumstances improve and reapply with better documentation and conditions.

Useful Information and Tips

• Converting a Tourist Visa to a Work Visa

You can convert your tourist visa to a work visa in Canada in two ways. The first method involves obtaining an open work permit, which is available to Iranians with a tourist visa until the end of February 2025. The second method requires having a confirmed job offer from an employer.

Converting a Tourist Visa to a Study Visa

If you have a confirmed acceptance from a school or university in Canada, you can obtain a temporary study permit while in Canada.

Converting a Tourist Visa to Permanent Residency

: A tourist visa cannot be directly converted to permanent residency. To immigrate permanently, you must first apply through other residency pathways, such as study, work, or investment.

Processing Time for a Canadian Tourist Visa

There is no specific timeframe, but on average, it takes about three months for Iranians.

How to Apply for a Visa at the Canadian Embassy

You can apply either online or in person. For the online method, you upload all documents through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and only visit one of the VFS centers in neighbouring countries for biometrics. In the in-person method, you bring all documents to the VFS office on the day of your biometrics appointment.

Parex Services for Canada

  • Obtaining a Canadian Tourist Visa
  • Securing a Work Permit
  • Getting Admission to Canadian Universities, Schools, and Educational Institutions
  • Completing Documentation and Forms for Canadian Tourist Visa
  • Scheduling Visa Appointments at the Embassy