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To enter Canada, Vietnamese citizens need to apply for a Canada tourist visa (Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa - TRV). This article provides detailed information on the Canada tourist visa application process, processing times, answers to the question “Can you work on a Canada tourist visa?”, and tips to increase approval chances, especially for those planning to immigrate or explore opportunities in Canada.
A Canada tourist visa is a temporary visa that allows you to enter the country for sightseeing, visiting relatives, or attending short-term events (conferences, exhibitions). This visa usually has a maximum duration of six months per entry and can be either a single-entry or multiple-entry visa.
A Canada tourist visa is a temporary visa that allows entry
Key features of a Canada tourist visa:
Visa validity: Depending on the decision of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the visa may be valid for up to 10 years or until the passport expires.
Duration of stay: Each entry allows a maximum stay of six months, unless an extension is granted.
Purpose of use: Tourism, visiting relatives, or participating in activities not related to employment.
To apply for a Canada tourist visa, you need to prepare your documents carefully and follow these steps:
A Canada tourist visa application must be complete, accurate, and officially translated into English or French. Required documents include:
Passport: Valid for at least six months from the intended entry date.
Visa application form: Form IMM 5257 (Application for Temporary Resident Visa) and additional forms such as IMM 5645 (Family Information) if needed.
Passport photos: Two 3.5 x 4.5 cm photos with a white background, taken within the last six months.
Proof of financial support: Bank statements (minimum 5,000 USD), proof of assets (house, car), pay slips, or employment contract.
Travel itinerary: Round-trip tickets (if available), hotel bookings, and a detailed travel plan.
Invitation letter (if applicable): From relatives or organizations in Canada, specifying the purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and contact information.
Police clearance: Certificate of no criminal record issued by the Ministry of Justice.
Medical examination: If required by IRCC, must be conducted at designated clinics (IOM or accredited hospitals).
The Canada tourist visa application process requires careful preparation of documents
Online submission: Create an account on the IRCC portal, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee (100 CAD, approximately 1.7 million VND, plus a biometric fee of 85 CAD).
Submit through a VAC: The Canada Visa Application Centres in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi support paper applications and provide fingerprinting and biometric photo services.
Note: Carefully check your documents before submission to avoid rejection due to missing paperwork.
After submission, you will receive a notice to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) within 30 days. Processing times are discussed in the next section.
If approved, your visa will be affixed in your passport or confirmed via email (for online applications.
If refused, you will receive a letter from IRCC explaining the reason. You may appeal or submit additional documents to reapply.
The processing time for a Canada tourist visa depends on the submission method, the applicant’s country, and the number of applications at the time of processing.
Online submission: On average, 14–28 business days.
Submission through a VAC: 20–40 business days, including the time to transfer the application from Vietnam to the IRCC office in Canada.
Biometrics processing: An additional 1–2 days at the VAC in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
Canada tourist visa processing times depend on the submission method
Tips to shorten processing time:
Submit your application early, especially avoiding peak seasons such as summer (June–August) or holiday periods.
Ensure your application is complete and clear, particularly proof of financial support and purpose of travel.
Track your application status through your IRCC account or contact the VAC for updates.
Note: Processing times may be longer if documents are missing or additional interviews are required. Check the latest information on the IRCC website or contact Second Citizenship for assistance.
A common question is, “Can you work on a Canada tourist visa?” The answer is no. A Canada tourist visa (Visitor Visa) only allows you to engage in activities such as:
Traveling and sightseeing.
Visiting relatives or friends.
Attending conferences, exhibitions, or short-term courses (less than six months).
Work regulations for a tourist visa:
Prohibited from working: A tourist visa does not permit any income-generating activities, including freelance or part-time work. Violating this rule may result in deportation and future entry bans to Canada.
Switching to a work permit: If you wish to work in Canada, you must apply for a Work Permit either before arriving or, in certain cases, after arriving as a visitor (e.g., employer sponsorship or immigration programs). This must be done through programs like Express Entry or Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Exceptions: Some “business activities,” such as attending meetings, signing contracts, or short-term training, may be allowed, but you cannot receive direct payment in Canada.
If you plan to work long-term in Canada, consider immigration programs such as Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or Start-up Visa, with support from reputable firms like Quốc Tịch Thứ Hai.
To ensure your Canada tourist visa application is approved, keep the following tips in mind:
Applying tips to increase your chances of approval for a Canada tourist visa
Clearly demonstrate your purpose: Provide a detailed travel itinerary, round-trip tickets, and hotel bookings to show that you will leave Canada on time.
Show strong financial standing: Maintain a bank balance of at least 5,000–10,000 USD, along with proof of assets (house, car) or a financial support letter from relatives.
Demonstrate ties to Vietnam: Prove that you have reasons to return to Vietnam, such as stable employment, family, or fixed assets.
Avoid errors in your application: Ensure all documents are officially translated and match the information declared.
Seek expert advice: Contact reputable agencies like Second Citizenship for assistance in preparing your application and maximizing your chances of visa approval.
Are you dreaming of a trip to Canada to explore the Maple Leaf Country or learn about long-term immigration opportunities? Second Citizenship offers investment immigration programs and support for legally obtaining a Canada tourist visa quickly. Visit quoctichthuhai.com today for detailed consultation and start your Canadian immigration journey!
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