Canada Visitor Visa: My Recent Online Application Experience
I've just wrapped up my online application for a Canada Visitor Visa using the new IRCC portal, and I'm excited to share my freshest insights and tips with you.
Preparing Your Application Documents
Key Note: You're limited to uploading a maximum of 5 files, each in PDF or JPG format, and no larger than 2MB. This means you'll need to scan your documents clearly and organize them logically.
Here's a breakdown of the documents I prepared:
- National ID Card (both sides)
- Passport (main and old passports – only include pages with existing visas and entry/exit stamps from other countries)
- Financial Proof (account balance confirmation of 14,000 USD, credit limit confirmation letter) – bilingual English-Vietnamese
- Personal Information (Household registration book, driver's license, flight bookings, hotel reservations, itinerary) – bilingual English-Vietnamese
- Employment Information (Employment contract, payslips for the last 3 months, bank statements showing salary deposits corresponding to the payslips) – bilingual English-Vietnamese
The Application Submission Process
- Create an account on the new IRCC portal: IRCC Portal Link
- Complete the online forms step-by-step, uploading your prepared files in the corresponding order.
- Pay the application fees using a credit card (approximately 3.5 million VND or 185 CAD for the visa and biometrics).
Once your application is successfully submitted, you'll receive a message prompting you to download a copy. It's a good idea to download and review this carefully. If you notice any errors or need to add information, use this link to request an update: Request Update Link
- Book your biometrics appointment (fingerprinting and photograph) at VFS Global: VFS Global Appointment Booking
After successfully booking your appointment, you'll receive an email notification. Make sure to print these two crucial documents:
- Biometric Instruction Letter
- Canada Visa Application Center - Hanoi Appointment Letter
You will also need your original passport. You won't be able to proceed without these three items.
Head to VFS Global at 2nd Floor, Hongkong Tower – Gate B – 243A De La Thanh. The process was surprisingly quick, taking me only about 60 minutes.
After completing your biometrics, keep all the documents VFS Global returns to you. You'll need them when submitting your passport. If you lose these documents, you'll have to pay a 27 USD fee.
When you receive notification to submit your passport, you can visit VFS Global without an appointment. Bring the following:
- Passport Submission Confirmation Letter
- Original Passport
- VFS Global documents from your biometrics appointment
- 4 USD if you wish to have your passport couriered to your home
Application Processing Timeline
- August 22nd: Completed online application
- August 25th: Completed biometrics
- September 12th: Submitted passport
- September 17th: Visa approved (system update, assuming passport validity is less than 10 years)
- September 18th: Received passport
Many travelers find it convenient to combine a trip to Canada with travel to South America. This visitor visa application process felt smoother than ever!
