Immigration Corner | How do I apply for a Canadian visa?

Dear Miss Powell,

I’m interested in visiting Canada next year. How do I sign up for a visitor visa from Jamaica?

LM

Dear LM.,

If you are interested in visiting Canada next year, now is the ideal time to begin your application. The process may seem overwhelming at first, but it becomes very manageable once you follow the steps outlined below. The most important thing is to use the official government of Canada website, www.canada.ca, to ensure that the information you receive is accurate and that you avoid scams.

AUTHORISED WEBSITE AND REPRESENTATIVE

To apply for a visitor visa, you must use www.canada.ca, the government of Canada’s official website. Once there, select Immigration and citizenship, then Visit Canada, and finally Apply for a visitor visa. This is the only authorised website for submitting your application. No other site, agency, or online link should be used to begin the process. The only exception is if you are using an authorised representative in Canada, such as a lawyer licensed in a Canadian province or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC).

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applications must be completed online. You will need to create an IRCC secure account using either a GCKey or Sign-In Partner. After logging in, select the option to apply for a Visitor Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa. The system will then generate your personalised document checklist, which tells you exactly which forms and supporting documents you must upload. When applying, you must complete, sign, and date several immigration forms. The main Application for Temporary Resident Visa must be validated so that a barcode page is generated, and this must be printed and placed on top of your application.

Applicants age 18 or older must also complete the Family Information Form specific to Jamaica. Additional forms may be required depending on your circumstances, such as the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union if relevant, the Use of a Representative form if you are appointing an authorised representative, or the Authority to Release Personal Information form if you would like IRCC or Canada Border Services Agency to share your case information with a designated individual such as a family member.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED.

Although the document checklist varies by applicant, you will generally need to scan and upload the biometric and stamp pages of your valid passport, proof of funds such as bank statements, evidence of ties to Jamaica such as an employment letter, business registration, land title, or school enrolment, recent passport-sized photos, and a travel itinerary or invitation letter. If a family member or friend in Canada is inviting you, they should provide an invitation letter and a copy of their Canadian status document, such as a permanent resident card, citizenship certificate, or passport. It is important to remember that IRCC must be satisfied that you are visiting Canada temporarily and will return home after your trip, so strong ties and honest, consistent information are essential.

BIOMETRICS IN KINGSTON OR MONTEGO BAY

After submitting your online application and paying the government fees, you will receive a biometrics instruction letter. This letter allows you to book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Kingston or Montego Bay to provide your fingerprints and photograph. Biometrics are usually valid for 10 years. Once this step is completed, IRCC will continue processing your application. Processing times vary, so it is wise to apply as early as possible.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A DECISION

If your visa is approved, you will be instructed to submit your passport to the VAC so the visa can be affixed. If the application is refused, IRCC will issue a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You should review these reasons carefully before deciding whether to reapply. A visitor visa allows you to travel to Canada for tourism, family visits, events, or short-term business, but it does not allow you to work or study. Always ensure that your documents are truthful, current, and aligned with your stated purpose of travel.

If you have further questions, I recommend contacting a Canadian lawyer to schedule a Zoom or telephone consultation.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and author of Tell Me a Story Grandma. Contact her via Facebook or at www.deidrepowell.com.