Who Needs a Visa to Canada?
Planning a trip, business visit, or seeing friends in Canada? You will need a full Visitor Visa because Russian citizens cannot enter under eTA—eTA is only for visa-exempt countries.
The Canadian visa application is fully online, but the process includes key steps such as mandatory biometrics. Below is a step-by-step guide for applying correctly.
Online Application: Registration and Form
1. Register on the Portal
Begin by creating an account on the official IRCC website. There you will fill out your application form, upload documents, track your status, and receive notifications.
2. Complete the Application Form
The Canadian form is one of the most detailed. You must provide:
- Purpose of travel
- Itinerary and duration of stay
- Employment or education details
- Financial situation
- Family information, travel history, criminal and health details
Important: answer accurately and consistently, and do not contradict other documents. All fields must be filled out in English or French.
Uploading Documents: Checklist and Tips
Next, upload scans of all required documents. The basic list includes:
- Passport (all stamped pages)
- Photo meeting Canadian specifications
- Employment letter
- Bank statement
- Travel confirmations (hotel bookings, tickets) or invitation letter
- Proof of ties to home country (marriage, children’s birth certificates, etc.)
This package resembles a Schengen application but generally requires more detail and explanations.
See the full list in the article “Visa Documents: Complete Checklist”.
Payment and Biometrics
After uploading, you must pay the visa fee (CAD 100) and biometrics fee (CAD 85). Payment is made online by credit card.
Biometrics: Mandatory Step
A few days after applying, you will receive an invitation to give biometrics—fingerprints and a digital photo. Your application will not be processed without it.
Biometrics are done at a Canadian Visa Application Centre, for example in Moscow (if open) or at centres abroad. Details in the article “Visa Biometrics: What to Expect”.
Processing Time and Interview
Canadian visas are generally processed without an interview. However, the immigration officer may contact you by email or phone if they need more information.
Processing times vary but can take 2 to 8 weeks. We recommend applying early and checking your status regularly.
Visa Label and Passport Return
If approved, you will be asked to send your passport to the Canadian VAC for visa stamping. You can:
- Drop it off in person (if the centre is open)
- Send it by courier
Once stamped, you can collect your passport or have it couriered back.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Gather documents well in advance and ensure they meet requirements.
- Translate documents into English or French if they are in Russian.
- Financial documents are crucial. Do not understate your funds.
- Complete your biometrics within 30 days of the invitation.
Conclusion
Getting a Canadian visa is entirely possible but detail-oriented. Despite being online, the process is multi-step. It’s essential not only to upload documents but also to complete the form correctly, confirm your trip purpose, and complete biometrics.
If you prefer not to navigate every nuance, trust the experts. At InfoVisaAgent, we manage the entire Canada visa process—from the form to your passport return.
