Who Can Apply for a Visitor Visa from Inside Canada:
You can apply for a visitor visa from inside Canada only if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are already in Canada.
- You hold a valid study or work permit.
- You plan to leave and return to Canada in the near future.
- Your current visitor visa has expired, or is about to expire, or was valid for only one entry.
If you have already left Canada and need to apply for a new visitor visa:
In this case, you must follow the process to apply for a visa from outside Canada, rather than using the process for applying from inside Canada. The requirements may differ since you are outside the country.
When to Apply for a New Visitor Visa (if you are in Canada):
You should:
- Apply at least 2 months before your planned departure from Canada.
- Not leave Canada until you get your new visitor visa.
If you leave Canada before receiving your new visitor visa:
You may be subject to
- additional requirements, like biometrics (if not already on file) and/or a medical exam
- a longer processing time
- a delay in your return to Canada. You’ll only be able to travel back to Canada once you get your new visitor visa in your passport. There’s no guarantee that you’ll be approved.
If you must leave Canada for exceptional reasons before you get your new visitor visa:
Complete this web form before leaving Canada:
- Your file will be transferred to one of the offices abroad.
- You will also undergo a review to ensure you meet all the necessary requirements for applying for a visa from outside Canada.
- If you do not notify about changes, it may cause delays in processing, or your passport could be returned without a visa.
If your application has been approved and you have received a passport request – WHAT TO DO NEXT?
- Take your passport and print the passport request document.
- Purchase two envelopes: choose national (for everyone except residents of Ontario and Quebec) OR regional (for residents of Ontario or Quebec) envelopes.
1) The first envelope – letter-size envelope (318 x 241 mm).
2) The second envelope – standard-size envelope (260 x 159 mm) (your passport will be returned in this envelope). On the side of the envelope labeled "Deliver," write your full name and address.
Send your documents post mail using Canada Post’s Xpresspost or Priority Post (which is faster).
- Request a tracking number for each envelope (to track if the package has arrived and if it has been sent back). Take photos of each envelope with the tracking number and address for your records.
In the first envelope (letter-size), include three items:
- Your passport.
- The printed passport request letter.
- The return envelope with your name and address.
Send the envelope (with your passport, passport request letter, and return envelope) to the following address:
Temporary Resident Visa Section
CPC-Ottawa (e-Application)
PO Box 9640
Ottawa, Ontario
K1G 6T2
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