The standard Canadian Visitor Visa cost is $100 CAD per person for the main application. In most cases, you will also need to pay an $85 CAD biometrics fee. If you are from a visa-exempt country, you only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which costs just $7 CAD.
Planning a trip to Canada is a thrilling experience, whether you are travelling to visit family, explore the stunning national parks, or attend a short business conference. However, before you start booking flights, it is essential to understand the Canadian visitor visa cost to budget properly. Navigating the immigration system can feel overwhelming, but knowing exactly what you need to pay will make the process much smoother and less stressful. 🇨🇦
The temporary resident visa process is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In this complete fee breakdown, we will explain the mandatory government charges, the costs for biometrics, and other hidden expenses you might encounter along the way. Understanding these fees upfront helps you avoid frustrating delays and ensures your application is processed as quickly as possible. Most applicants find that having a clear financial picture gives them peace of mind.
How Much Does a Canadian Visitor Visa Cost? Complete Fee Breakdown
When calculating your total expenses, it is important to remember that the Canadian visitor visa cost is broken down into a few different parts. You will typically pay the main application fee and, in most cases, a biometrics fee for your fingerprints and digital photo. Let’s look at the exact numbers you need to know for your budget. 💵
| Type of Service or Fee | Cost in Canadian Dollars (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (Single or Multiple Entry) | $100 per person |
| Visitor Visa for a Family (5 or more members) | $500 maximum |
| Biometrics Fee (Fingerprints and Photo) | $85 per person |
| Biometrics Fee for a Family (2 or more members) | $170 maximum |
| Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) | $7 per person |
| Super Visa (For Parents and Grandparents) | $100 per person |
If you are travelling from a visa-exempt country, you do not need to pay the standard $100 CAD application fee. Instead, you only need an eTA, which is a simple online process. Always check the official government rules to see which category your home country falls under before you begin filling out forms, as policies can update frequently.
Additional Hidden Costs to Consider
Aside from the main government fees, applicants often forget about third-party services that can add up. If you need to use a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or a commercial partner like VFS Global, there might be passport transmission fees, secure courier charges, or document printing costs. It is always wise to keep an extra fund for these small but necessary expenses. 📝
Furthermore, depending on how long you plan to stay and your recent travel history, the government might request a medical exam. You will need to pay an approved panel physician directly for this exam, and prices vary widely by country. Additionally, if your documents are not in English or French, you will need to pay for a certified translation service. Note that you cannot pay IRCC fees by personal cheque; online payment is highly preferred.
Step-by-Step Payment and Application Process
Paying your fees correctly is a critical part of the application journey. If the payment is missing or the amount is incorrect, the government will simply return your application without processing it. Here is how you generally handle the payment and application process smoothly to ensure you reach your port of entry without issues. 💻
Step 1: Gathering Your Documents
Before you even think about paying the Canadian visitor visa cost, you need to collect all your supporting documents. This usually includes a valid passport, proof of funds (like bank statements), a travel itinerary, and a letter of invitation if someone is hosting you in Canada. Having these ready makes the online process much faster.
Step 2: Creating an Online Account
Most applicants choose to apply online rather than sending a paper application. You will need to create a secure digital account on the official Government of Canada portal. This platform allows you to upload your scanned documents, fill out the required forms, and safely pay your fees all in one centralized location.
Step 3: Paying the Required Fees
The government requires payment in Canadian dollars (CAD). Once you upload your documents, the system will calculate your exact Canadian visitor visa cost. You can use major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, or American Express. Make sure your local bank allows international online transactions so your card is not declined at checkout.
Step 4: Providing Your Biometrics
After you pay the $85 CAD biometrics fee online, you will receive a Biometrics Instruction Letter in your account. You must take this letter to your nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) to give your fingerprints and have your photo taken. Remember to book this appointment as soon as possible to avoid delaying your temporary resident visa processing.
Step 5: Mailing Your Passport
If your visa is approved, you will receive a request to submit your physical passport so the visa foil can be attached. You will typically send this via a secure courier to the VAC. You may need to pay a small passport transmission fee directly to the centre for this service, which is separate from the main government fees.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once you have successfully paid the Canadian visitor visa cost and submitted everything, the waiting game begins. Processing times can vary greatly depending on the country you are applying from, the time of year, and the current volume of applications in the system. ⏳
On average, a standard visitor visa can take anywhere from 14 days to several months to process. If you only need an eTA, it is usually approved within minutes, though some can take a few days if additional documents are requested. Keep in mind that the processing time only officially starts after you have given your biometrics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Canadian visitor visa cost refundable if I am denied?
No, the government application fee and the biometrics fee are strictly non-refundable. These fees cover the administrative cost of reviewing and processing your file, regardless of the final decision made by the immigration officer.
Do children need to pay the biometrics fee?
Generally, children under the age of 14 are exempt from providing biometrics, meaning you do not have to pay the $85 CAD fee for them. However, they still need to pay the main $100 CAD application fee unless you are applying under a special family rate.
Can I pay the visa fees in my local currency?
If you apply online, the payment system will charge your credit or debit card in Canadian dollars (CAD). Your personal bank or credit card provider will automatically convert this amount into your local currency, which may include a small foreign transaction fee depending on your banking agreement.
What happens if I accidentally overpay the fee?
If you mistakenly pay too much, the government will usually process a refund for the overpaid amount automatically. However, this refund process can take several weeks or even months to appear back on your credit card statement.
Do I need to pay a lawyer to apply for a visitor visa?
You are not legally required to hire a professional to apply for a standard visitor visa. However, if your case is highly complex, or if you have a history of previous visa refusals, consulting with an experienced professional from our directory can be a smart choice to ensure your application is flawless.
How do I pay if I am submitting a paper application?
While most people apply online, if you must submit a paper application, you generally still need to pay your fees online first. You will then print out the official payment receipt and include it physically in the envelope with your paper forms and documents.
How long is the biometrics fee valid?
Once you give your biometrics for a visitor visa, they are generally valid for exactly 10 years. This means if you apply for another visitor visa within that 10-year period, you do not need to pay the $85 CAD biometrics fee again.
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