How to Apply for a Canada Courtesy Visa
The process of application for Courtesy Visa is different from other Resident Visas. It is a bit like the Diplomatic and Official Visa. If you have the mentioned requirements and want to visit Canada for official duties, you can submit your direct visa application to the Canadian Embassy.
You need to make sure you're eligible, gather the required documents, and then schedule an appointment with the Canadian Embassy.
What is the Courtesy Visa?
Courtesy Visas are for all other persons traveling to Canada for the purpose of an official visit who do not qualify for a diplomatic or official visa. If you are traveling to Canada for an international organization or on behalf of a foreign government you can be issued a courtesy visa.
What Are the Requirements of the Courtesy Visa?
You must follow a few requirements to be eligible for a Courtesy Visa. Applicants must justify why the government should give them this visa.
To receive the Courtesy visa, first, you must be eligible for a Temporary Resident visa.
You also must have a significant position in your government, the Canadian government should have an agreement or bilateral interest in your country, you should have an official invitation from an international institution or the Canada government to come to Canada, a valid passport from your government that will not expire during your stay, and official duties in Canada.
How to Apply for a Courtesy Visa?
You need to make sure you're eligible, gather the required documents, and then schedule an appointment with the Canadian Embassy.
Compile the Document File
The documents you will need when apply for a courtesy visa include a valid passport, financial reports to prove you can afford your trip to Canada, and a statement in the form of either a letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a formal request for a diplomatic mission from your government, an international organization written request, a Secretaries of the International Civil Aviation Organization letter, or different invitations from an international agency or the government of Canada.
You will also require your declaration letter to the Canadian Government explaining why they should give you a courtesy visa, the details of your official duties in Canada, and visa photos according to the Canada photo requirements.
Attend the Interview at the Canadian Embassy
You should schedule an appointment with the Canadian embassy or consulate in your home country. You could get a date through their website or by phone. When the date comes, you should attend it in person. Don’t forget to bring your requirements and passport.
When you submit the requirements, you will have to pay the fee. If officials ask about your biometrics, you have to pay the fee for that as well.
As you are not an official or diplomat, the Embassy may ask for your Biometric information. They might even ask you to go through a medical examination. If asked this, you should submit your photos, fingerprints, a medical form to a licensed doctor, and the results of necessary tests/a physical examination.
You Might have to go through an interview. The Canadian visa officer will ask you about the purpose of your visit and your background.
Wait for the Processing of the Courtesy Visa
When you finished all procedures during your appointment, you must wait until your visa gets processed. The processing time for a Canada courtesy visa depends on the country you apply from, your specific case, and the Canadian embassy or consulate workload.
