The first step is to determine which visa type you need, and check whether you’re eligible to apply for it. You’ll also need to know the documents that you’ll have to submit along with your application, how long the application might take and fees you’ll have to pay. Each application must comply with the guidelines applicable for your visa category. It is mandatory to submit a duly completed and signed VFS Consent Form along with your application.
You can download the visa application form, fill it in, print the completed form, and bring it with you to the Visa Application Centre for submission. Fill out the application form electronically. The completed form (including the barcoded sheets) will have to be printed on a white, bond quality, non-glossy paper, using a laser printer. Please ensure that the 2D barcode is printed clearly and on high quality paper. Hand-written forms will not be accepted. You’ll have to complete supporting documents as per the document checklist relevant to your visa category. You’ll have to read the Privacy Policy and fill out the consent form and then attach it with your application form. If you fail to include a complete and signed consent form with your application, our staff will not be able to assist you, and your application will be returned to you.
Once you have applied for your visa, you need to book an appointment to have your fingerprints and photo taken at a Visa Application Centre. This is known as ‘biometric information’. Once you’ve booked your appointment, you’ll receive an appointment confirmation email along with the letter of appointment. If you are part of a family or group, you’ll have to book individual appointments for each member of the family or group. If you are not required to submit your biometric information, you do not need to make an appointment to visit your local Canada Visa Application Centre. Simply visit the Visa Application Centre at your convenience along with your passport, photographs, completed forms, the Mission Fee, and all the supporting documents listed in the document checklist.
Once you have completed your application, you’ll have to pay your visa application fee. If you want to download the form to print and carry it with you to the Visa Application Centre, then you can pay at the time of your appointment. You'll have to pay the Mission Fee and Biometric fee (if required) as per instructions.
If you have not submitted your application online, you’ll have to submit your complete visa application form at the Visa Application Centre in person. Find out what happens at the Visa Application Centre. If you are not required to submit biometrics, please visit the Visa Application Centre anytime during business hours. Once you arrive at the Visa Application Centre, your application and biometrics (if applicable) will be collected. Pay the applicable Visa Application Centre service charges and obtain a receipt. This receipt will contain your unique tracking number, which will help you track the progress of your application online.
You will receive an email update when your decision has been returned to the Visa Application Centre. If you can’t access email easily, or would like more detailed tracking information, you may also be able to get updates by SMS sent directly to your phone. Check whether this service is available at the Visa Application Centre you are visiting. Visit the track your application page to gather more information.