Each year, Canada welcomes thousands of new immigrants who enrich its diversity and contribute to its economic and cultural life. Many immigrants decide to bring their parents and grandparents with them after they settle in Canada. The option of inviting parents to visit as temporary residents, usually requiring a visa for reasons such as tourism, family visits, or business trips, is available to Canadian citizens and both permanent and temporary residents.
Before you start the Visitor Visa application process for your parents in 2024, there are essential things to know. To help you prepare and understand the process, this article is of great value.
The application procedure may be more complex than initially anticipated if you apply for a Canadian visitor visa. Before you start, here are some things you should know:
Starting the application for a Canadian tourist visa.
The process of applying for a visitor’s visa from Canada may seem more complicated than it first appears. But before we begin, there are important details to be grasped. To begin, an online application form accessible on the official website must be filled in by your parents. In addition, certain documents such as proof of their relationship with you, evidence of financial support and invitation letters must be provided by them.
They should submit the application together with the necessary fees after it has been completed. The processing times for visitor visas vary from one country to another and can last longer than a few weeks. Therefore, it is appropriate to start the process as early as possible. Your parents may visit you in Canada for a maximum period of six months as soon as the visa is approved. They shall be prohibited from working or studying during their stay.
How to ensure your visa isn’t declined?
Understand the requirements of a successful application as soon as you can. Please consult your immigration consultant if you are unsure. Tell the truth about your application; hiding facts may lead to a rejection. Please allow enough time for the preparation of the documents and accurate completion of the form, as a rush can result in mistakes and rejections.
Show that you have enough money by providing evidence.
Furthermore, to prove that you can take care of your parents while they remain in Canada, you must present sufficient proof of financial resources. This also includes proof that you’ve got enough money to cover their food, lodging, and transport expenses. They may ask you to provide proof of health insurance. Depending on the number of people in your family and the length of their stay, the amount of money needed may vary, but it generally ranges from $3,000 to $4,000 per person for a month.
The first application is very important!
Ensure that the initial application is well-prepared and comprehensive. By doing so, you can enhance your chances of success, avoid delays, and prevent rejections. In case your first application is not successful, there might be an opportunity for reapplication. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to keep in mind that subsequent applications will undergo thorough scrutiny, and additional evidence will be necessary to alter your case’s circumstances. Hence, it’s advisable to submit a complete and robust application the first time.
How to make a strong visitor visa application for your parents?
To create a strong application, it’s essential to meet all requirements and provide the necessary documents. Additionally, include a letter of invitation if you’re a Canadian citizen or resident, detailing your plans for your parents’ visit, including the duration of their stay, where they’ll stay, and planned activities. This demonstrates your preparedness and thoughtfulness.
Consider adding extra documents like support letters from family or friends and proof of your financial capability to support them during their visit. Take the application process seriously, as it’s crucial to get it right initially. The quality of your documents significantly impacts your application’s success.
The time it takes to process visitor visa applications for Canada.
It is usually several months before an application for a visitor’s visa from Canada is processed. However, the new Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada visitor visa portal is faster, user friendly as well as providing real time status updates for applicants. Use the portal to check processing times according to your country and type of application. However, depending on the country of origin of the application and the time of year, the processing time may vary. For example, extended processing times may be applied to countries with a large number of applications such as China and India. It is important to submit your application for a tourist visa well in advance of the planned departure date, to enable sufficient processing time.
Please contact us if you have any questions about the parent visa or other type of visitor visa. You can receive guidance from our experienced immigration consultants to ensure that your application is successful.