Step-by-Step Guide to Canada Invitation Visa for Nepali Nationals

If you are a Nepali citizen planning to visit Canada to attend a special event, visit friends or family, or explore business opportunities, you may need to apply for a Canada Invitation Visa. This visa allows you to visit Canada for temporary purposes, and it is typically based on an invitation from a Canadian host. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you understand the application process for the Canada Invitation Visa.

1. Understand the Invitation Visa Type

The Canada Invitation Visa falls under the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) category, which is issued to foreign nationals who intend to visit Canada for short-term purposes. This visa is commonly used by:

• Individuals visiting family or friends in Canada.

• Attendees of business meetings or conferences.

• Individuals traveling for events like weddings or other personal gatherings.

2. Passport Requirements

Before applying for the Canada Invitation Visa, ensure that your passport meets the following requirements:

• Validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the planned departure date from Canada.

• Blank Pages: Your passport must have at least two blank pages available for the visa stamp and other necessary endorsements.

Ensure your passport is up-to-date and complies with these basic requirements.

3. Invitation Letter

One of the key documents needed to apply for a Canada Invitation Visa is the invitation letter from your host in Canada. This letter must be written by the person or organization inviting you and should include the following details:

• Personal Details of the Host: Name, address, and contact information of the host in Canada.

• Details of the Visitor: Full name, passport number, and relationship with the host.

• Purpose of Visit: The reason for your visit to Canada (e.g., visiting family, attending a business meeting, etc.).

• Duration of Stay: The dates of your planned travel, including your arrival and departure from Canada.

• Accommodation Information: The place where you will be staying during your visit (host’s residence, hotel, etc.).

• Host's Legal Status in Canada: A copy of your host's Canadian passport, permanent residency card, or work permit (if applicable).

The invitation letter should be signed by the host and ideally notarized for authenticity.

4. Proof of Relationship (If Visiting Family/Friends)

If you are visiting family members or close friends in Canada, you may be required to provide proof of your relationship with the host. This can include:

• Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other official documents to establish your familial or personal relationship with the host.

• Communication records, such as emails, letters, or photos, showing an ongoing relationship.

This proof helps to establish the legitimacy of your visit and your ties to the host.

5. Financial Proof

You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada. You can provide financial documents such as:

• Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months, showing a healthy balance.

• Income documents, such as salary certificates, business records, or tax returns.

• Sponsorship documents (if your host in Canada is funding your trip), including your host’s bank statements or income tax returns.

This helps prove to the Canadian authorities that you can financially support yourself during your visit or that your host will cover the costs.

6. Travel Itinerary and Hotel Reservations

Even though you are visiting a host in Canada, you must provide:

• Flight Reservations: Confirmed round-trip flight tickets showing your entry into Canada and departure to your next destination.

• Accommodation Details: If staying with a friend or family member, the invitation letter should confirm your accommodation. Alternatively, provide hotel bookings for the duration of your stay.

Having a clear itinerary helps Canadian immigration authorities confirm that your visit is well-planned and that you intend to return to Nepal after your trip.

7. Complete the Visa Application Form

You need to complete the Canada Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257) online or on paper. The form will ask for personal details, your travel history, and the purpose of your trip. You will need to provide the following:

• Your personal information (name, date of birth, nationality, etc.)

• Details about your trip, including your destination in Canada and your host’s information.

Once completed, the form should be submitted along with the required documents.

8. Pay the Application Fee

When submitting your Canada Invitation Visa application, you will need to pay the visa application fee. The fee may vary based on the type of visa, the duration of your stay, and additional services such as biometrics. Payment can be made online via the IRCC portal or in person at the Visa Application Center (VAC).

9. Biometrics Appointment (If Required)

As part of the visa application process, you may be asked to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and photographs. This is a standard requirement for most visa applicants. Once your application is submitted, you will receive instructions on how and where to schedule a biometrics appointment at the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC).

10. Submit Your Application

Once you’ve completed the form, gathered all documents, paid the fee, and provided biometrics (if necessary), you can submit your application either online through the IRCC portal or at the Visa Application Center (VAC) in Nepal. If submitting online, you will need to upload digital copies of your documents.

11. Wait for Processing

After submitting your application, the Canada Invitation Visa will be processed by Canadian immigration authorities. Processing times can vary, but typically it takes around 10 to 15 business days for your visa to be processed. However, it may take longer depending on the time of year or if additional documentation is required.

You can check the status of your application through your IRCC account if you applied online.

12. Visa Approval and Travel to Canada

If your visa is approved, you will receive your Canada Visitor Visa, which will either be a visa sticker in your passport or an electronic visa sent to you.

When you travel to Canada, make sure to bring:

• Your passport with the approved visa

• Proof of your invitation (invitation letter, event registration, etc.)

• Flight details and hotel reservations (if applicable)

At the Canadian border, immigration officials will check your documents before granting you entry.