Canada is a popular destination for international students due to its high-quality education system, diverse culture, and welcoming environment. Many international students studying in Canada often wish to have their parents visit them to share the beauty of the Great White North. Thankfully, Canada offers a visitor visa to the parents of international students, allowing them to stay for up to six months and apply for an extension if they wish to stay beyond that period. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining a visitor visa for the parents of international students, ensuring they can join you in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements for a Visitor Visa

To be eligible for a visitor visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Valid Travel Document: A legitimate passport.
  • No Criminal or Immigration-Related Convictions: A clean criminal record.
  • Intention to Leave Canada: Proofs reflecting that they will leave Canada at the end of their visit.
  • Strong Ties to Home Country: Applicants must convince the immigration officer that they have significant ties to their home country, such as a job, home, financial assets, or family.
  • Financial Capability: Enough money to cover the cost of the flight and support their stay in Canada.
  • Good Health: Applicants may have to undergo an immigration medical examination to prove that they are in good health.

Essential Supporting Documents

To increase the chances of visa approval, international students must include the following supporting documents:

1. Letter of Invitation

  • A crucial document from the international student inviting their parents to Canada. It should include:
  • Complete name, date of birth, address, and telephone number.
  • Relationship to the international student.
  • Purpose of the trip.
  • Duration of stay and accommodation details.
  • Intended departure date from Canada.

2. Parent(s) Bank Account Statement

  • Though optional, a bank statement can strongly support the case. It should include:
  • Bank name and contact details.
  • Name and address on the statement.
  • At least six months of account details, including balances.

3. Parent(s) Employment Letter (if applicable)

  • An employment letter can help convince the visa officer of the parent’s intent to return home. The letter should be on the employer’s official letterhead and include:
  • Date (no earlier than three months before application).
  • Confirmation of employment.
  • Full name, date of birth, start date, job description, and current salary.
  • Contact information of the manager, including phone number and email.
  • Employer information: company name, address, city, state/province, and country.
  • Signature of the employer or human resources contact acknowledging this employment letter.

Additional Supporting Documents

Documents that demonstrate the student’s status in Canada, such as:

  • Study permit and enrollment letter from the school or college.
  • Completion Documents: If the program is completed, provide a copy of the study permit and an official letter of completion.
  • Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) holders should provide their work permit copy and an employer letter confirming their employment.
  • PGWP Application Confirmation: If applied but not yet received, share the Letter of Confirmation from IRCC that reflects that the student has applied for PGWP.

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa

Applying for a visitor visa can be done online through the new IRCC portal in three simple steps:

1. Create an Account

  • Sign up on the IRCC portal and log in. Answer a few questions and based on your responses, a list of forms and documents will appear.

2. Complete the Online Form

  • Fill out the visitor visa application form with the necessary information and upload all the required documents as well as supporting documents.

3. Pay the Processing Fee

  • The processing fee is $100, payable via credit card or prepaid card (Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB®, and UnionPay®).
  • It’s advisable to also pay the $85 biometric fee along with the processing fee to avoid delays.

Biometrics

Most applicants need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). This step can be done at an authorized biometric collection service point in your home country.

Visitor Visa Stay Extension Beyond 6-Month Period

If your parents wish to stay longer than six months, they can apply for an extension, called a visitor record. IRCC recommends submitting this application at least 30 days before their status expires.

Inviting your parents to visit you in Canada while you study can be an amazing experience. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can help ensure a smooth application process for a visitor visa. Proper documentation and preparation are key to a successful application, allowing your parents to share in your Canadian journey. If you found this guide helpful, share it with fellow international students and help spread the knowledge about bringing family closer in Canada!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long can my parent(s) stay in Canada on a visitor visa?

Parents can stay in Canada for up to six months on a visitor visa. If they wish to extend their stay, they can apply for an extension at least 30 days before their visa expires.

How can I improve the chances of my parents’ visitor visa application being approved?

To improve the chances of approval, ensure that the application is complete and includes all necessary supporting documents. Provide a strong letter of invitation, proof of financial capability, and evidence of your parents’ ties to their home country, such as employment or property ownership.

Can my parents work in Canada while on a visitor visa?

No, visitor visa holders are not permitted to work in Canada. The visitor visa only allows them to visit for tourism or to visit family members.

How do I write a letter of invitation for my parents?

A letter of invitation for a visitor visa should include:

  • Parents’ full names, dates of birth, addresses, and telephone numbers.
  • Relationship to your parents.
  • Purpose of their visit to Canada.
  • How long they plan to stay.
  • Where they will stay during their visit.
  • Their planned departure date from Canada.

What is the processing fee for a visitor visa, and how do we pay it?

The processing fee for a visitor visa is $100. It can be paid online using a credit card or prepaid card from Visa®, MasterCard®, American Express®, JCB®, or UnionPay®. It’s advisable to also pay the $85 biometric fee along with the processing fee to avoid delays.

How long does it take to process a visitor visa application?

Processing times for visitor visas vary based on the country and are updated on a weekly basis. (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html) to check the latest IRCC processing times for visitor visas.

What can I do if my parents’ visitor visa application is denied?

If your parents’ application is denied, they will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the denial. They can reapply, addressing the reasons mentioned in the denial letter, and providing additional supporting documents if necessary.

Can my parents apply for a visitor visa while I am on a post-graduate work permit (PGWP)?

Yes, your parents can apply for a visitor visa while you are on a post-graduate work permit. You will need to provide documentation of your PGWP and a letter from your employer confirming your job.

What should my parents do if they want to extend their stay in Canada beyond six months?

If your parents want to extend their stay, they need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before their current status expires. This application can be submitted online through the IRCC portal.

How can my parents prove that they have strong ties to their home country?

To prove strong ties to their home country, your parents can provide evidence such as:

  • Employment letters or contracts.
  • Property ownership documents.
  • Financial assets.
  • Family obligations or responsibilities.

What should be included in my parents’ employment letter?

If parents are working, then they can provide an employment letter which should be on the employer’s official letterhead and include:

  • The date, no earlier than three months before the application.
  • Confirmation of employment.
  • Full name, date of birth, start date, job description, and current salary.
  • Contact information of the manager.
  • Employer information, including the company name and address.
  • Signature of the employer or human resources contact.

Do my parents need to take a medical exam to apply for a visitor visa?

The requirement for a medical exam depends on the country of applicants. Check the IRCC website for more details.

What should my parents do if they want to extend their stay in Canada beyond six months?

If your parents want to extend their stay, they need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before their current status expires. This application can be submitted online through the IRCC portal.