How to Apply for a Canadian Visa From the US

Canada is a great country with some of the best trails on the continent. U.S. citizens usually don't apply for tourist visas, as they can enter the country with just a passport. But depending on how much time you need to see as much of Canada as possible, you might have to apply for a temporary resident visa prior to your arrival in the country. Additionally, if you are a citizen of a country that is not exempt from Canada's visa requirements, you'll have to procure a tourist or transit visa for your visit. Any visa requires lead time to process and may require additional documentation to gain approval depending on your country of origin. Ensure that you plan ahead and incorporate enough time for the visa application process before entering the country.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Valid passport
Valid passport

Step 1

Visit the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration website. Review the visa application requirements section as the Canadian authorities direct and then download and print a temporary resident visa application form (or tourist visa form, if applicable). The Canadian authorities advise all travelers to check the requirements for visas first in case you do not require one to visit the country.

Step 2

Obtain two passport photos of each person applying for a visa. Canada allows families to use the same visa application, but you should get photos of all family members. You will also need to collect copies of your checking account statement to include with your application to show proof that you are less likely to attempt to stay in Canada to obtain employment.

Step 3

Fill out the visa application form and affix the required documentation listed in step two. You will also need to include a copy of the passport of each person applying for a visa as well as a cashier's check made out for the correct amount in Canadian dollars. The cost for a family application is equivalent to that of five individual applications, so be sure you verify the total fee on the Canadian immigration website before turning in your application.

Step 4

Send your complete application, supporting documentation and cashier's check to the Canadian immigration authorities via certified mail. Depending on your country of origin, the Canadian authorities may require a medical examination or additional supporting documentation. Once your Canadian tourist visa is approved, it will be mailed to your address of record.

Tips & Warnings

Common mistakes on visa applications are failing to sign and date the application and attempting to pay with non-Canadian currency. Double-check everything to avoid processing delays.

Resources

Article Written By Jackson Lewis

Based in Memphis, Jackson Lewis has been writing on technology-related material for 10 years with a recent emphasis on golf and other sports. He has been freelance writing for Demand Media since 2008. Lewis holds a Master of Science in computer science from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.

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