The exact way to fill out a Canadian visa application form will vary based on the form and the visa program you are applying under. Have in mind that Canada makes available numerous visa programs and depending on the type of visa you want, you will have a method of applying, and the questions in your form might differ from the one in another form.
To determine the exact visa you need, you have to visit the IRCC website. While the website will show you different information and various tabs that you can select, you should opt for the Immigration tab. Once you click on the Immigration tab, it will show you a drop-down list of options.
The first option will be My Application, and there will be other tabs for Visit, Immigrate, Work, Study, and others. You have to choose the exact one that aligns with the visa you intend to apply for. Once you click on the tab that aligns with the reason you intend to visit Canada and the visa you want to apply for, more information will be provided.
However, regardless of the tab you choose, one of the links will say “Find out if you can apply” or “Find out if you are eligible”. This link will take you to a questionnaire where you have to answer several questions. They will range from your personal information to reasons why you intend to visit Canada and your previous travel history. At the end of the questionnaire, the system will show you the results.
According to reports, if you are deemed eligible for the visa you have chosen or a different type of visa, the system will request you input your contact information and will send you a set of documents. The documents will contain a description of the visa, coupled with instructions and details about how to apply. Also, note that they will send you a reference code.
Know that this reference code is one of the most vital information on that set of documents as you have to use it to access your visa application form. Without a reference code, you will not be able to apply. The reference code helps the system recognize you and the information you have provided during your questionnaire and it will have the type of visa you are applying for.
It is recommended that you save the email and those documents. You can save this reference code in many ways, such as sending it to yourself, inputting it on your computer, or a piece of paper, but make sure you do not lose it. If you do, you have to start the questionnaire process all over again.
Instructions to Fill Out Canadian Visa Application Form
Instructions on how to fill out your specific visa application form will be sent to you by email and will also state whether you are expected to apply for the visa online or in person. Regardless of your mode of application, here are directions to help you fill out your Canadian visa application form.
Table of Contents
- Applying on Paper
- Applying Online
- Surname (Family Name)
- Surname at birth (Former Family Name)
- First Name(s)
- Date of Birth
- Place of Birth
- Country of Birth
- Current Nationality
- Gender
- Civil Status
- Minors
- National Identity Number
- Travel Document Type
- Travel Document Number
- Issue Date
- Expiration Date
- Issued By
- Applicant’s Home Address, Email Address, and Telephone Number
- Current Occupation
- Employer or Educational Institution
- Date and Location
- Signature
Applying on Paper
- Always ensure you provide correct answers to every question, even if it does not apply to you. If any answer, or the application, is incomplete, note that the IRCC may return or refuse it.
- If you have no answer to a particular question, and there are no stipulated instructions for it on the form or in the instruction guide, just input “not applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided. This will show that you have read and filled out the form fully.
- If your answer to a question doesn’t fit in the space provided on a printed form, then consider writing your full answer on a separate sheet of paper. However, remember to note on the paper the exact form you are using and the letter or number of the question you are answering.
- If you intend to provide more information, maybe things like details of your case, you are advised to provide it on a separate sheet of paper.
Applying Online
- Same with a paper application, ensure you provide correct answers to every question, even if it does not apply to you. If any answer, or the application, is incomplete, note that the IRCC may return or refuse it.
- If you have no answer to a particular question, and there are no stipulated instructions for it on the form or in the instruction guide, just input “not applicable” or “N/A” in the space provided. If you do not have a unique client identifier (UCI), leave the space empty.
- If you want to provide the IRCC with more information about your case, type your explanation into a new document and save it. Then go to the “Optional Documents” section of your document checklist in your account, click on “add a letter of explanation,” and upload it.
Basic Information and Questions to Expect on a Canadian Visa Application Form
While the questions in your form will differ from the ones in another form depending on the visa program you are applying under, here are a few basic information and details to expect.
Surname (Family Name)
You will be expected to input your name as shown on your passport. Remember not to add the words “married name” and the name of your husband.
Surname at birth (Former Family Name)
Input the name you had at your birth if different from the one shown above
First Name(s)
Input your first name(s) as shown on your passport.
Date of Birth
Input your date of birth in day-month-year order. (Example. 15.05.1990)
Place of Birth
Input your place of birth as shown on your passport.
Country of Birth
Input the name of the country, even if it is not specified on the passport.
Current Nationality
Input your passport’s nationality, and if appropriate, your nationality at birth if it is different from your actual nationality.
Gender
Check the box corresponding to your gender (Male or Female).
Civil Status
Click on the box corresponding to your legal marital status.
Minors
Input the full name, address, and nationality of the person holding parental authority or legal guardianship.
National Identity Number
Input your national identity number, if applicable
Travel Document Type
Note the type of travel document.
Travel Document Number
Input the number as indicated in your passport or your travel document.
Issue Date
Input the date your passport was issued (Please do not put the extension date).
Expiration Date
Input the date as shown in your passport, taking into account any extension.
Issued By
Note the authority that issued the passport and the place of issue.
Applicant’s Home Address, Email Address, and Telephone Number
Input the mailing address noting whether it is your personal mailbox or that of another person or company (in this case, input the name of the mailbox owner). Also input your email address coupled with your landline and mobile telephone numbers in your country of residence and, where appropriate, in the country where you are submitting your visa application.
Current Occupation
In principle, input the occupation noted on the passport; if you indicate a different occupation, remember to write a short explanation, for instance: “professor (former student)” or “retired (former sales manager)”. If you have no occupation, input “no occupation”.
Employer or Educational Institution
You will need to write the name of the organization (firm, public service, educational institution) where you work and its contact information.
Date and Location
You will also need to write the place and date where you are filling in the form, even if this date is different from the day you intend to visit the visa service.
Signature
Note that the Visa application form is expected to be filled out and signed by the Visa applicant and not another person. If the visa applicant is a minor or under 18, the application will have to be signed by a person who has parental authority and they will have to include their relationship in parentheses (father, mother, and guardian). If the visa applicant cannot sign, a cross can be drawn across that section.
Conclusion
Anyone looking to get a Canadian Visa will have to fill out and sign an official Canadian visa application form. Most often, these forms will require that the applicant also attach a photo that complies with the visa photograph specifications and requirements.
Have in mind that filling out a Canadian visa application form remains one of the most critical parts of the entire Canadian visa application. However, just as was noted above, the exact way to fill out a Canadian visa application form will vary depending on the form and visa program you are applying under.