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    Your Gateway to Canada: Hassle-Free Visa Solutions

    Unlock Canada: Expert Visa Assistance for South Africans

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    Canadian Visa from South Africa: Your Key to Seamless Travel

    Expert Visa Assistance for South Africans

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    Free visa advice offered by a visa expert

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Explore hassle-free solutions to obtain your Canadian visa from South Africa, whether it's for a holiday, visit or business

In this guide, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to apply for a Canadian Visa as a South African citizen, including visa requirements, necessary documents, visa fees, and more.

Information About The Canadian Visa From South Africa

Need Visa

Do I Need A Visa For Canada?

A visa is required for South African passport holders visiting Canada for tourism and business purposes.

South African nationals aiming to travel to South Africa must obtain a Canadian visitor visa before making travel arrangements.

Criteria

What is the criteria for a Canadian Visa?

South African Citizens must meet the following criteria to get a Canadian Visa:

Possess a valid passport with at least one blank page
Provide evidence of financial means to cover your stay
Intend to stay in Canada for a short period as stipulated on the visa
Visiting for purposes of tourism, family visits or business (not work)

Process

What is the process to get a Canadian Visa?

Determine the type of visa you need
Gather the necessary documents
Complete the application form
Attend the biometrics appointment

Process Time

How long does it take to process a Canadian Visa?

The processing time for a Canadian Visa from South Africa can vary depending on the individual circumstances of each applicant and the volume of applications being processed at the time.
The official processing time according to the Canadian Government's websites is 221 days.
The Government does not guarantee processing times, so be sure to submit your application as early as possible.

Fees

How much does a visa for Canada cost?

The visa application fee for a Canadian visa in South Africa cost R3800.

First-time applicants also need to submit their biometric data. This needs to be done at VFS who charges an additional R1200.

Should you select to use the service of VisaRequest, the service fee is R900.

Find comprehensive Canada travel visa information here, covering everything you need to know about visa requirements, eligibility, and application procedures for your journey to Canada.

How to apply for a Canadian Visa from South Africa

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or visitor visa is an official record in your passport that indicates airlines allow you to board a plane and Canadian authorities to enter Canada at the port of entry. The TRV shows that you have met the requirements of admission into Canada as a visitor, student, or worker. You must apply a TRV application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which will issue this document before coming to Canada.

  1. You first need to determine the type of visa you need: Canada offers various types of visas, including tourist visas, study permits, work permits, and immigration visas. Determine which one suits your purpose.
  2. Visit the Canadian government website on canada.ca and go to IRCCe for detailed information about the visa application process and requirements. you need to create an account and complete the application form.
  3. Ensure you have all the necessary supporting documents for your chosen visa category.
  4. Pay the application fee, which can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
  5. If you’re a first-time applicant, you must schedule a biometrics appointment. Make an appointment with the Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) at the VFS Office.
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Learn all about the visa requirements for Canada and obtain the necessary documentation with ease

Passport Renewal

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Tourist Visa

In order to meet the eligibility criteria for a tourist visa, you will need to prove to the immigration authorities the following things:

  • You have a valid passport
  • You are in good health
  • You have the financial resources means required to pay for your expenses while in Canada
  • You have a residence outside Canada and other binding ties that will ensure your return home after your visit to Canada
  • You plan to remain in Canada for a specific and limited period of time
  • You intend to leave Canada at the end of your visit
  • You have no intention to seek or undertake employment while in Canada
  • You have no criminal record
  • You do not pose a security risk
  • You agree to abide by the laws of the land
  • You may be required to undergo a medical examination

Ensure to travel to South Africa with the passport used to apply for the eVisa, because the details must correspond with the information on the eVisa.

Remember to enter the country within 90 days of the visa’s issuance.

Find comprehensive Canada travel visa information here, covering everything you need to know about visa requirements, eligibility, and application procedures for your journey to Canada

Requirements for a Canada visa from South Africa:

  • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada, with at least one blank page for the visa stamp
  • Completed Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257): This form can be filled out electronically and then printed, or completed manually. Make sure to sign and date the form where required
  • Detailed itinerary required showing dates and full flight itinerary with proof of pre-paid and pre-booked accommodation. For business, provide documents that explain the purpose of your visit to Canada
  • Invitation letter if applicable is a letter from the host in Canada such as a friend or family member confirming your visit and the duration of the stay with a copy of their passport or citizenship
  • Bank letter is a letter from your bank stating you have sufficient funds to travel or bank statements for the past six months
  • Employment letter is a detailed letter from your employer stating the duration of leave granted, the date you commenced your employment and confirmation of your current position. If self-employed, provide evidence of the operation of the business accompanied by a letter on a letterhead indicating the period of absence. If not employed, provide proof of source of income
  • Travel history is evidence of your travel history, such as previous visas, entry/exit stamps from other countries, or any previous visits to Canada, can strengthen your application
  • Proof of Ties to South Africa is proof that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your home country once your visit is over, such as a lease or, property ownership, family ties or educational enrollment

VisaRequest understands the comprehensive Canada visa requirements, and our expert team will guide you through the necessary documents needed for your Canadian visa application, ensuring a seamless application process from South Africa.

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Canada visa refusal: Reasons and what to do

If an applicant is found to be ineligible, the application will be refused. A Canada Visa Refusal can be unfortunate because it can ruin your visiting, working, or studying plans. If your application for a Canadian visa has been refused, you can still take some steps to get a Canadian visa.

Applications may be refused if the foreign national does not meet the obligations of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its Regulations. The IRCC officer is not satisfied that the foreign national will leave by the end of the period authorized for their stay. Any grounds for inadmissibility according to the Act related to any security, human or international rights violations, criminality, organized crime, health, financial reasons, misrepresentation, non-compliance with the Act, and inadmissible family member.

Unless your refusal letter specifically states otherwise, you can reapply at any time if IRCC refuses your application to immigrate to Canada. IRCC advises against doing so unless there has been a material change in your circumstances or you have significant new information to share.

You need to submit a reconsideration request letter which is a polite request for the IRCC to use discretion to overturn a previous decision. It is crucial to remember that there is frequently no “right” to have one’s decision changed so your letter needs to be persuasive and argumentative.

Contact the Canadian Embassy in South Africa for more information

ADDRESS
Canada in Pretoria

1103 Arcadia Street
Cnr Hilda Street
Hatfield, 0083

CONTACT
Canadian High Commission

Tel: 012 422 3000
Email: pretimmigration@international.gc.ca
Website: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/southafrica-afriquedusud/

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ADDRESS
Canada in Cape Town

19th Floor
S A Reserve Bank Building
St George’s Mall
cnr Hout Street, 8001

CONTACT
Honorary Consulate in Cape Town

Tel: 021 423 5240
Fax: 021 423 4893
E-mail: cape-town@international.gc.ca

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THE PROCEDURE

Three Simple Steps To Get Your Visa For Canada

Complete the Application Form
Collect the required documents and pay the visa fee
Schedule and attend the biometric data capturing

The VisaRequest Visa Processing Service Offers Several Benefits

The VisaRequest expert will assist with the application and keep you informed about the status throughout the visa application process

A simplified application process
Review the application to avoid errors
Expert support from start to finish
Confirm when the visa is issued

Visa Services Offered For Canada Visa Applications

    Other Services Offered By VisaRequest

    Our team of immigration specialist offers various immigration services

    Outbound Long Stay

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    VisaRequest assist with long-stay visas for South Africans who wants to live abroad for multiple years.
    Our team of immigration consultants specialize in digital nomad visas, study visas and working holiday visas.

    South African Passports

    Get Your Passport Renewed

    VisaRequest assist with the application or renewal of a South African Passport from the Department of Home Affairs.
    Simply forward a copy of your ID and we will schedule speedy appointments at your nearest bank or Home Affairs office.

    Schengen Visa Compliant

    Get Comprehensive Travel Insurance

    VisaRequest offer Trave Insurance at the best price, covering a wide range of incidents in most countries and underwritten by one of the biggest international insurance providers.
    The easy online facility offers a step-by-step quotation and purchase facility so you can be protected from unforeseen eventualities that can threaten your trip.

    Immigration Lawyers

    Get Legal Assistance

    VisaRequest is not a law firm, but is affiliated with a legal firm managed by registered attorneys with the right to appear in court.
    This partnership offers our clients legal services to assist with litigation and administrative appeals.

    Requirements

    Get Assistance With The Documents You Need?

    VisaRequest provide assistance with the documents you need from Home Affairs, DIRCO, SA Police or the Embassy to submit with an application.
    We apply for civic affairs documentation, get documents legalized and authenticated and police clearance.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Your questions answered about Canada Visa Applications in South Africa

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