CANADA VISA: 2019 REQUIREMENTS & Online Application for Filipinos ▪ What’s the difference between Family Information

at’s the difference between Family Information Form IMM5645E

Last updated: MARCH 17, 2019. Here’s how we got our Canadian Visa in 2 weeks! A and IMM5707? Which should I submit?
step-by-step ONLINE application guide with complete list of requirements, biometrics ▪ I received a message asking me to submit my passport. Does that
procedure, and other visa tips for tourists. mean my application is approved?
Applying for a Canadian visa is actually pretty simple and easy. But when I began my ▪ How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?
application, I found the whole process a bit daunting. The disconnect, I believe, comes ▪ What does a Canada Visa look like?
from the visa application website. What is supposed to be an easy procedure ▪ Do I really need plane tickets before applying? What if I get denied?
becomes overwhelming and a bit arduous because the layout of the website and the Sayang the moolah.
user journey are complicated and somewhat confusing. I have been living and ▪ What are the reasons why my application would be denied?
breathing digital for the past 10 years of my life, yet I still ended up lost and confused ▪ My monthly salary is this much, my money in the bank is this much, and
a few times along the way. I will be submitting these documents. What are my chances of visa approval?
When I applied for a Canadian visa, I documented every step of the process in order
to help guide the readers of this blog. When you break it down to the requirements and CANADIAN VISA REQUIREMENTS
basic steps, it really is pretty straightforward. Filipinos can apply for a Canadian Visa in 1. Accomplished IMM5257 Form
three ways: online, by mail, and in person. This guide focuses on online application, but ▪ This is the Application for Visitor Visa Form
you may still have to visit the Canada Visa Application Center to submit your ▪ You can download it from here: Form IMM5257.
biometrics. ▪ Fill it out digitally. You don’t need to print it out or sign it.
WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE? ▪ View the form using Adobe Acrobat. When you view the forms online,
▪ CANADIAN VISA REQUIREMENTS sometimes the file won’t load at all, displaying a “Please wait” message instead,
▪ 1. Accomplished IMM5257 Form especially if you’re using Chrome or Firefox. (Yep, it’s best accessed using IE.) Download
▪ 2. Accomplished Family Information Form it anyway. When you open it using a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
▪ 3. Valid Passport or Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional, you’ll see that the form is actually there. Fill it out using
▪ 4. Digital photo Acrobat.
▪ 5. Proof of Purpose of Travel ▪ Leave the signature field blank. I struggled so hard finding a way to be able to
▪ 6. Travel History type on the Signature field, but it turned out that I didn’t have to. You will be providing
▪ 7. Proof of Means of Financial Support your electronic signature later in the process (when you’re submitting the form).
▪ 8. Business Registration Documents 2. Accomplished Family Information Form
▪ 9. Letter of explanation ▪ Sometimes, it’s the IMM5645E Form. Sometimes, it’s the IMM5707 Form. Both are
▪ 10. Visa Fee and Biometrics Fee Family Information Forms. To be safe, submit the form that is indicated in your
▪ Important Reminders Document Checklist. In my case, I was asked for the IMM5645E form.
▪ HOW TO APPLY FOR A CANADA VISA ONLINE ▪ You can download it from here: IMM5654E.
▪ 1. Create a GCKey (CIC Account). ▪ Fill it out electronically. Same with the Application Form, if the page doesn’t
▪ 2. Upload your documents. load, use Acrobat Reader. And don’t sign it. You will be asked for a digital signature
▪ 3. Pay the Visa and Biometrics Fee. later in the application process.
▪ 4. Submit your biometrics. 3. Valid Passport
▪ 5. Wait for updates. ▪ Scanned copy of the bio page and all pages with visas and stamps.
▪ 6. Submit your passport. ▪ Your passport must have at least 6 months validity and signature. If you’re using
▪ If in person a new 10-year e-passport, you can find the signature field on Page 3, the page next to
▪ If by mail the Information Page. If you’re using a 5-year e-passport, the bio page already has a
▪ Search for Hotels: Canada Hotels digital signature so NO NEED to sign it again.
▪ CANADIAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 4. Digital photo
▪ How long does the whole Canada Visa process take? ▪ Passport-size (35mm x 45mm).
▪ How early should I apply for a Canadian visa? ▪ White background.
▪ How long is the validity of Canada visa? ▪ Specs here: Canada Visa Photo
▪ I keep on getting “Please wait” when I open the form. What can I do? ▪ The website indicated “scanned” when I applied, but I uploaded a soft copy
▪ How do I add my signature to the form? Do I need to print out the of the photo instead.
form? 5. Proof of Purpose of Travel
▪ Can I use just 1 GCKey for my family members who are traveling with Submit proof that you are coming to Canada for a TEMPORARY visit. You can submit
me? any or all of the following:
▪ What is UCI number? What do I write in the UCI field on the application ▪ flight ticket departing Canada (return or onward ticket)
form? ▪ your travel itinerary
▪ What is Form IMM 5257 Schedule 1? Do I have to submit it? ▪ hotel booking
You don’t need to submit actual tickets. You can submit flight or hotel reservations, generate a single file.
which you can cancel in case your application is denied (so you don’t have to waste – Another example, travel history. If you are want to submit multiple pages of your
money). A few airlines allow flight blocking (although I haven’t tried any of them) and passport to show the different visas and stamps, you must scan and save all pages as
some hotel booking websites have free-cancellation policy. Travel agencies can also only one file.
issue these reservation documents. ▪ The size of each file must NOT exceed 4MB. That’s the maximum size. If your file
IF YOU’RE INVITED BY A CITIZEN IN CANADA, you will ALSO need to provide the exceeds, you need to reduce the size. Know that PDF files tend to be smaller in size
following: than Word (doc) files. If your PDF files are still over, recreate your files with Adobe Distiller
▪ invitation letter and set to “lowest file size.” Set it to only 96 DPI (dots per inch).
▪ a copy of their citizen card ▪ Make sure your documents are complete. You won’t be able to submit your
▪ payslips or tax docs application if any of the required files is missing.
6. Travel History HOW TO APPLY FOR A CANADA VISA ONLINE
Scanned. This can be any or all of the following: 1. Create a GCKey (CIC Account).
▪ previous passports used within the last 10 years What is a GCKey? It’s an account that would let you securely access the online services
▪ expired and valid visas of the Government of Canada, including the CIC, which stands for Citoyenneté et
▪ entrance and exit stamps Immigration Canada (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada), the
If you’re living outside your country of citizenship, submit a copy of your immigration government agency that will be handling your application. You will be asked to create
status document. a username, password, and security questions.
7. Proof of Means of Financial Support Here’s how to create a GCKey/CIC account:
Scanned copies of any or all of the following: 1. Visit the registration page of the CIC here: CIC Register. Click on GCKey at the
▪ Bank statement for the past 4 months bottom of the screen.
▪ a Certificate of Employment Click SIGN UP (on the
▪ Income Tax Returns (ITR) right side of the screen)
▪ proof of assets (land titles, etc.). on the next page.
If you’re a student: you must also submit proof of payment of tuition and 2. Accept the terms
accommodation fees. and conditions on the
If someone else is funding your trip: also submit a letter from the person or institution next page.
providing you with money. 3. Create an account.
8. Business Registration Documents Provide your full name,
Only if you’re self-employed or if you’re traveling for business. email address, desired
You can submit SEC, DTI, or BIR registration documents, as long as it indicates the username, password,
registered name of the business, the business address, and type of ownership. and security questions
9. Letter of explanation and answers. Take note
This is optional. It’s not really a requirement, but if you wish to provide more info about of these details
the trip, you can submit a letter of explanation. because you will be
I wrote a letter explaining why I want to visit Canada and the details of my trip. It’s short entering these bits of
and straight to the point. info many times during
10. Visa Fee and Biometrics Fee the process.
Visa Fee: CAD 100. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express cards are accepted. 4. On the next page, click “VISITOR VISA, STUDY AND/OR WORK PERMIT”. If you
Biometrics Fee: CAD 85. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express cards are accepted. are logged out, you will have to log in again. Then, you will be directed to your
Important Reminders Accounts Dashboard where you’ll see a list of applications. Since your account is new,
Here are a few notes that will make your application easier: the list is empty. Towards the bottom, you’ll find a “START YOUR APPLICATION” section.
▪ ANY or ALL. You’ll notice that in the list of requirements above, I keep on using Click on “APPLY TO COME TO CANADA.”
the phrase “any or all of these documents.” It’s because in theory, you can submit just 5. On the next page, you will be asked if you have a Personal Reference Code.
one item per document type. However, if you want better chances of approval, we Under “I do not have a Personal Reference Code,” click “VISITOR VISA, STUDY AND/OR
strongly recommend submitting everything that you can provide.
▪ Only the following file types are accepted: PDF (Portable Document), JPG, TIFF,
or PNG (Image), DOC or DOCX (Microsoft Word Document.
▪ Only one file will be allowed per requirement.
– For example, for proof of means of financial support, if you want to submit a
Certificate of Employment, ITR copy, AND proof of assets, make sure they’re in one file.
If all your files are in PDF format, you can use apps like Adobe Acrobat to merge all the
pages. If they’re image files, you can also insert all of them in a Word document to
WORK PERMIT”. Find out if you’re eligible. You will be asked a series of questions about ▪ Biometrics Fee. CAD 85.
your trip and your MasterCard, Visa, and American
background: how long Express cards are accepted.
is your trip, what Just enter your card details and
province will you be click Process Transaction. It may
visiting, have you been take a while to process so be
arrested for or patient. Don’t click that button
convicted of any again because you might be
crime, have you double-charged.
overstayed a visa Within a few hours, you will receive
before? Just answer an email containing your
truthfully. You will also Application Number. It starts with
be asked whether or letter V and then a series of
not you have a family numbers.
member who is a You will also receive instructions to
citizen or permanent submit your biometrics.
resident of Canada. If everything is alright, the next page will tell you that you are
4. Submit your biometrics.
eligible for a VISITOR VISA. Click CONTINUE. On the next page, click CONTINUE again.
Effective December 31, 2018, visa
2. Upload your documents. applicants from Asia, Asia Pacific
You will be asked to review all the information you entered in the previous step. Check and the Americas are now
if things are as they should be, and then click CONTINUE. required to submit biometrics.
You will be presented with a Personal Document Checklist, which displays all the This is a new requirement. When I
required documents that you need to upload. It looks like this: applied, this was not yet
To upload, simply click on the corresponding UPLOAD button on the right side. implemented.
You don’t need to upload the documents all at once. If you feel like you can’t complete But thanks to the members of our
it today, you can simply log out and log in another day. You have 30 days to complete Facebook Support Group who
the requirements. recently applied, we have the
Again, reminders: details and we’re sharing them with you.
▪ Only the following file types are accepted: PDF, JPG, TIFF, PNG, DOC, DOCX Note that if you have submitted your biometrics before and they are still valid, you
▪ Only one file will be allowed per requirement. If you are want to submit multiple don’t need to submit biometrics. But if you received a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL),
pages of your passport to show the different visas and stamps, you must scan and save then you have to visit the Visa Application Centre usually within the next 30 days so
all pages as only one file. they could collect your biometric data. The letter has instructions already, but here it
▪ The size of each file must NOT exceed 4MB. is.
▪ Make sure your documents are complete. You won’t be able to see the SUBMIT 1. Set an appointment for biometrics submission. More information on this page.
or CONTINUE button if any of the required files is missing. 2. Check your email. Once you have secured a schedule, you will receive an
Once you have completed the requirements and submitted your application, you will Appointment Letter indicating the date and time of your appointment, and the
be prompted for an electronic signature. You don’t need to scan your signature or address of the Canada Visa Application Center. It will also tell you if you need to bring
anything. You simply have to enter your full name. That’s your electronic signature. Just anything.
type your name. 3. On your appointment date, show up at the Canada Visa Application Center
15 minutes before your schedule. If you’re asked to bring some documents, don’t
3. Pay the Visa and Biometrics Fee. forget to have them with you.
Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are all accepted. Again, here are the fees:
Here are the addresses of the Canada Visa Application Centers:
▪ Visa Fee. CAD 100. MasterCard, Visa, and American Express cards are
MAKATI CITY
accepted.
Canada Visa Application Centre
VFS Services Phils. Pvt. Inc.
29th Floor The World Center Bldg
330 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City
Schedule of Biometric Submission: 07:00am – 03:00pm
5. Wait for updates.
From hereon, you will be getting a message each time there is an update to your 29F The World Center
application. The first few messages will be updates that your application has been 350 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue
received. Makati City, Philippines
To read your messages, follow these steps: Operating Hours
1. Visit the CIC Login page and click on GCKey again here. Passport Submission: 7am – 3pm
2. Enter your username and password. You will also be asked to answer a security Passport Collection: 7am – 3pm
question.
CANADIAN VISA FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
3. On the next page is a summary of your application. Scroll down toward the
How long does the whole Canada Visa process take?
bottom. Under “View My Submitted Application”, click the Check Status and Messages
It varies. Case-by-case basis. It can take as short as two weeks or as long as months. In
button.
my case, the entire process from the moment I submitted my application to the
On the next page, info about
moment I received my passport spanned 16 days. Here’s my timeline:
the application is displayed.
▪ June 27: I created a CIC account and submitted my application online.
Scroll down to the bottom
▪ June 28: I received an update that my application has been received/read.
again. Under Correspondence,
▪ July 5: I received an update that they have made a decision and that I should
you will see the messages. Click
submit my passport.
on the Expand button and it will
reveal a “View this message” ▪ July 6: I went to VFS to submit my passport in person.
▪ July 11: I received an SMS from VFS that my passport with the visa is ready and
link. When you click it, a PDF
to be delivered.
document will be automatically
▪ July 12: I received my passport with a multiple-entry visa.
downloaded.
How early should I apply for a Canadian visa?
3 months in advance, to be safe.
6. Submit your passport. Although mine took only 2 weeks, I know people whose waiting game lasted for over
If your application is denied, you a month! So to be safe, I would say 3 months in advance is ideal.
will receive an email telling you just that.
If your application is approved, you will receive a message that they have come to a How long is the validity of Canada visa?
decision regarding your application and they are requesting that you submit your I’m not sure if this is standard, but I was given a multiple-entry Canada visa that is valid
passport. for until the end of my passport’s validity. In my case, 2 years.
You have two options: by mail of in person. I keep on getting “Please wait” when I open the form. What can I do?
If in person Regarding IMM5257 and IMM5645E Forms: When you view the forms online, sometimes
1. Print out the passport request letter you received from IRCC/CIC. Make sure the file won’t load at all, displaying a “Please wait” message instead, especially if
that the barcodes and application number are clear. You will bring this and your you’re using Chrome or Firefox. (Yep, it’s best accessed using IE.) Download it anyway
passport to the VFS Office/ Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC). here:
2. Go to Canada Visa Application Centre (address below). At the CVAC Office, ▪ Form IMM5257: Download here.
the guard will give you a number and 2 forms: a personal info form and a VAC Consent ▪ Form IMM5645E: Download here.
Form. While waiting for your number to be called, fill out the forms. HOW TO DOWNLOAD
3. When your number is called submit all the requirements: ▪ If you’re using Chrome, right click on the page and choose SAVE AS. Save the
– Passport document as PDF.
– Request Letter from IRCC/CIC ▪ If you’re using Firefox, the link will automatically prompt a download window.
– Personal info form Choose SAVE FILE and click OK.
– VAC Consent Form. You can also download here After downloading, open it using a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat Reader DC or
4. Pay the CVAC handling fee. P543.15 according to the website. But in reality, I Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional. You’ll see that the form is actually there. It’s just not
was charged P905 (cash), perhaps including the courier charges. Check out the list of compatible with other programs.
fees and service charges here
If by mail How do I add my signature to the form? Do I need to print out the form?
It’s a bit more complicated. here’s the complete step-by-step guide: Submission by Ha! Not reading well. I explained it twice above. But okay, I’ll explain it again.
Mail Leave the signature field blank. You don’t need to print out or sign the form by hand.
According to the staff I talked to, the passport will be ready in 2 weeks, but she also You don’t need to type anything in the signature field.
said that it usually takes much shorter than that. Upload the form with the signature field blank. You will be providing your electronic
Below are the addresses of the visa centers for Canada: signature later in the process. After you have completed the requirements and
MANILA submitted your application, you will be prompted for an electronic signature.
Canada Visa Application Centre
Once prompted, you simply have to enter your full name. That’s your electronic that figure too. Add all those and that should be the minimum amount in your bank.
signature. Just type your name. No need to actually sign anything. Minimum, because of course, that can’t be the only amount in your account. You
I struggled so hard finding a way to be able to type on the Signature field, but it turned can’t be broke after your trip and expect the embassy to approve your application.
out that I didn’t have to.
What does a Canada Visa look like?
Can I use just 1 GCKey for my family members who are traveling with me?
According to some of our readers who have tried it, you can.
When you start your application, you will be asked if you are also applying for a family Do I really need plane tickets before applying?
member. They say that if you answer yes, your checklist will include requirements for What if I get denied? Sayang the moolah.
them too. As mentioned above, you don’t need plane
I haven’t tried this personally so I’m not really sure, but that’s what they say. tickets. You can submit just an itinerary or a
cover letter, if you think you have a strong
What is UCI number? What do I write in the UCI field on the application form?
reason to visit. Again, it’s ANY or ALL of the items
UCI stands for Universal Client Identification number, an 8-digit or 10-digit number given in the list.
to anyone who has made a transaction with Canada Immigration/CIC. Every
HOWEVER, if you want better chances of
individual gets their own unique number.
getting approved, you can submit flight and
If it’s your first time to apply for a Canadian visa or anything issued by CIC, you don’t hotel reservations. These are different from actual tickets or bookings. “Reservations”
have a UCI number yet, so you can write NOT APPLICABLE or N/A in the UCI field. If the are just proof that you have blocked these plane seats or rooms, and you can cancel
form doesn’t accept N/A or NOT APPLICABLE, you can leave it blank. I left mine blank. these in case your application is denied (so you don’t have to waste money). A few
If you have been issued a Canadian visa before, you have your own UCI number.
airlines allow flight blocking (although I haven’t tried any of them) and some hotel
Check your account to see it.
booking websites have free-cancellation policy.
What is Form IMM 5257 Schedule 1? Do I have to submit it? Travel agencies can also issue these reservation documents. If you don’t have time to
When you reach the UPLOADING stage of the application, you’ll find under the go to a travel agency, you can have it reserved online. When we apply for hard-to-
Optional Documents an item called Schedule 1 – Application for a Temporary Resident get visas like Canada and Schengen, we hire Gazelle Travel and Tours, a DTI-
Visa Made Outside Canada (IMM 5257). registered and DOT-accredited agency. We created a form here so you can
We get a lot of questions about whether or not it is the same as the actual application contact them completely ONLINE:
form 5257. The answer is NO. Schedule 1 of IMM5257 is different from the actual Form What are the reasons why my application would be denied?
IMM 5257. It’s a supplementary form that asks for military and government service This applies not just to Canada Visa but also other developed countries. The reason is
history that you need to fill out ONLY IF you answer YES to any of the questions under often any of the following:
the BACKGROUND INFORMATION SECTION of the actual IMM 5257 form (pages 3-4). ▪ You can’t prove that you can financially support yourself on this trip. You
You don’t need to fill it out if it doesn’t apply to you. (I didn’t submit that form.) probably have insufficient funds or your sponsor is not in a good financial standing.
▪ You can’t prove that you intend to return to your home country (rootedness).
What’s the difference between Family Information Form IMM5645E and IMM5707? You probably don’t have a stable job at this point, newly employed, or newly resigned,
Which should I submit? and it’s giving the impression that you intend to work there.
Both are Family Information Forms. Some applicants are required to submit IMM5645E. ▪ Your intention/purpose in Canada is unclear. This is why it is best to be specific
Some are asked for an IMM5707 Form. Who needs to submit what is not clear. But the when you’re detailing the reasons for your visit.
right form is whatever is written on your Documents Checklist.
In my case, my checklist included the IMM5645E Form, so that’s what I submitted. On My monthly salary is this much, my money in the bank is this much, and I will be
the other hand, I have friends that were asked to submit the IMM5707 Form. It varies. submitting these documents. What are my chances of visa approval?
Just submit whatever is written in your checklist. It is incredibly difficult to say, especially with very limited information. And even if you
give me more details, it will still be tough. There are way too many factors at play here.
I received a message asking me to submit my passport. Does that mean my The truth is, no one and nothing can guarantee approval. The only person who can
application is approved? answer this question is the visa officer evaluating your application.
Most probably. According to the VFS person I talked to, it’s almost always the case. If Sometimes, no matter how qualified you think you are, you can still end up denied
you’re refused a visa, you will simply receive an email saying that your application has getting refused.
been denied.
How much money should I have in the bank to get approved?
Hmmm, I don’t know for sure. But like I said in my previous visa posts for other countries,
the rule of thumb is to always add the cost of the flights, cost of hotel accommodations,
and an allowance of probably USD70 per day.
Every country has its own daily allowance requirement. Most Schengen countries
require around EUR60 per day, so we can assume that Canada’s is probably around