Easy Steps to Apply for Canadian Visitor Visa Online (Philippines)

APPLYING FOR VISITOR'S VISA:
Latest update: March 20, 2019

STEP 1: DOWNLOAD all the forms by clicking the links below.

- Visa Information Form (IMM5257E)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5257e.pdf
- Schedule 1 Form (IMM5257_B)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5257b_1.pdf
- Family Information Form (IMM5257E)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5257e.pdf
- Consent Form mandatory
http://vfsglobal.ca/canada/philippines/pdf/Philppines_Consonet_form180613.pdf
- Use of a Representative Form optional (IMM5476E)
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5476e.pdf

COMMON ISSUES:

If you are seeing this error page, Please continue to download the form by hovering your mouse over the upper right corner of the document and click this button. (Image below)

Then, open the forms in PDF and FILL THEM UP ELECTRONICALLY. YOU CAN SAVE EACH FILE and COME BACK TO IT ANYTIME. 

Note: UCI or Unique Client Identifier is not available for first time applicants so just leave this blank. 

Once you completely filled up the form, VALIDATE the following:

1. Application for Visitor Visa

2. Schedule 1

After SUCCESSFUL VALIDATION, Check the last page of the Application for Visitor Visa if you can see the BARCODES.

Please take note to leave the Signature Field Blank as you will be able to provide this later through the process.

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STEP 2: Prepare all the requirements:

Make sure you have a document scanner (for online application)

The size of each file must not exceed 4MB so best to adjust your file after you scan.

1. Travel History (This can be any or all of the following.)

For Online Applicants: Please make sure to place all the documents in one file as you will only be allowed to upload one file per requirement. 

Tip: You may insert them all in multiple pages of .doc, .jpg, .tiff, .png or .pdf files.

2. Passport 

3. Invitation Letter

4. Proof of means of Financial Support (This can be any or all of the following.)

For Online Applicants: Please make sure to place all the documents in one file as you will only be allowed to upload one file per requirement. 

Tip: You may insert them all in multiple pages of .doc, .jpg, .tiff, .png or .pdf files.

5. Digital Photo

If you cannot provide sufficient information regarding your travel, you will be required to provide a letter of explanation. 

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STEP 3: Create a GCKEY 

(CIC Account for online applicants)

Food for Thought:

• CIC means Citizenship and Immigration Canada

• Official Website: (Register Here)

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/account.asp

1. Sign up at the right side:

2. Accept the TERMS and CONDITION

3. CREATE an ACCOUNT.

IMPORTANT: List down ALL the information you will INPUT because it will be needed everytime you access your account for IDENTITY VALIDATION.

4.  What would you like to do today? Pick Visitor VISA.

5. Find out if your are eligible for a VISA.

You will be asked a series of questions. Just keep calm and answer them truthfully as you go. If everything is all right, it will say

"YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A VISITOR VISA"

just click CONTINUE until you reach this page:

6. UPLOAD YOUR PREPARED DOCUMENTS (4MB)

Don't worry if you won't be able to finish uploading everything. You can simply log out your account and continue again some other time by SIGNING IN to this website: 

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/e-services/account.asp

NOTE:

• If you are having trouble uploading the documents, check that the size does not exceed the limit of 4MB.

• If you keep receiving an error message or FAILED to upload, log out and log in your account then try to upload again.

• Make sure you have provided ALL the required documents or you won't be able to SUBMIT or CONTINUE with the application process if there is any lacking.

• Once you have successfully uploaded and completed the requirements, you will be asked of your ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE. For this, you simply need to enter your FULL NAME. By doing so, it is understood that you have ELECTRONICALLY SIGNED the forms.

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STEP 4: PAY THE VISA FEE (100 CAD) and BIOMETRICS FEE(85 CAD - newly updated 2019)  (This does not include the handling fee of the CVAC; where your VISA will be issued)

CAREFULLY follow the steps needed in processing your payment. DO NOT RUSH! by clicking endlessly to proceed or you may risk being charged multiple times end up with an error. Do this step slowly until it leads you to this page (sample photo last 2017):

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STEP 5: UPDATES! ü 

Within a few hours, you will receive an email containing your Application Number. It starts with letter 'v' and then a series of numbers. You will also receive instructions to submit your biometrics. The updates are only accessible through your GCKKEY account.

BELOW, CLICK THE BULLET TO THE LEFT TO VIEW DETAILED MESSAGE/STATUS:

The messages or details that will appear will vary depending on the status of your application. If you're application is denied, they will also notify you by email. If it is approved, the center will require you to send your original passport.

STEP 6: BIOMETRICS (new) 

source: https://www.vfsglobal.ca/canada/Philippines/Schedule-An-Appointment.html

Effective November 3, 2018, visa applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific and America are now required to submit biometrics

1. Set an appointment for biometrics submission. More information on this page.
2. Check your email. Once you have secured a schedule, you will receive an Appointment Letter indicating the date and time of your appointment, and the address of the Canada Visa Application Center. It will also tell you if you need to bring anything.
3. On your appointment date, show up at the Canada Visa Application Center 15 minutes before your schedule. If you’re asked to bring some documents, don’t forget to have them with you.

 CLICK HERE TO VIEW YOUR OPTIONS.
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