TIP
- This is a guide for getting a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). I applied online and got my biometric appointment in The Hague, receiving my visa in just two weeks. I share this here since some folks have asked me about the process.
- You can submit your application and biometrics from any country where a Canadian visa office or VFS center operates.
- I liked the IRCC website a lot; it is user-friendly and has a good UI. So you can just skip this guide and follow the official instructions!
IRCC Visitor Visa Overview
IRCC Biometrics Information
Steps
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Check eligibility & start application
- Use IRCC’s “Come to Canada” tool, register/sign in (GCKey or partner), and begin IMM 5257.
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Gather documents & pay fees
- Scan passport bio‑page, digital photo, proof of funds, itinerary, etc., then pay CAD 100 (visitor visa) + CAD 85 (biometrics).
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Book & attend biometrics
- Schedule at your chosen VFS/visa‑office and provide fingerprints and photo (you do not need to make photos yourself).
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Track status online
- Monitor your IRCC account for approval and next steps.
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Submit passport & receive visa
- Mail or drop off your passport for stamping, then collect it or get it back via courier.
Required docs
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond intended travel)
- Confirmation of completed IMM 5257 form
- Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips)
- Travel itinerary or invitation letter (I did not have an invitation letter, but I generated a travel itinerary with ChatGPT)
- Biometrics receipt
- Any additional documents requested in your application portal
🇳🇱 How it went in The Hague in my case
I applied online on January 1, 2025, and received an email invitation to book biometrics two days later. My VFS appointment in The Hague was set for January 3, where I spent about 10 minutes providing fingerprints and a photo. After submitting my passport for stamping, it was sent to London, where the visa was issued. I received my passport back on January 19 with a multiple-entry visa valid until the passport expiration date.
About scheduling biometrics
You choose your VFS location when paying the biometric fee. If you need to change it later, you must contact IRCC support; changing locations post‑payment can be cumbersome and may require a new fee payment.
Tips for success:
- Apply way before your travel date as some of my friends were waiting for many months.
- Having US Visa helps to speed up the process.