How to Apply for a Canadian Tourist Visa in Qatar

Canada is a country located in North America. Although it is known for its cold weather, it does not stop the Filipinos from visiting their relatives who have made Canada their home. 

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If you are planning to visit Canada, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. The good news is that the application process can be conveniently completed online. Once you have the requirements ready, you can proceed with the application with ease.. 

Niagara Falls

Tourist Visa in Canada for Filipinos

The website canada.ca also refers to the tourist visa as “temporary resident visa.” When you have this visa in your passport, it means that you have fulfilled all the requirements to visit the country. In some cases, a visa is not required for some visitors, However, Philippine passport holders are required to obtain this document.

Requirements for the Tourist Visa

The requirements for obtaining a tourist visa include the following:

  • Travel history: This includes previous passports, as well as entry and exit stamps, study or work permits, amd expired or valid visas
  • Itinerary: You need to provide a detailed itinerary that includes flight details and hotel reservations. If you are attending a conference or similar event in Canada, it is advisable to include a copy of your registration.
  • Proof of funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover your trip. Submit a bank statement for the past 6 months, ensuring that your name and address are clearly visible to help identify that you own the account
  • Valid passport: Your passport must be valid and should also include the page containing your date of birth, country of origin, and other visas you may have.
  • Letter of invitation: If you have a sponsor residing in Canada, you may need to submit a letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Forms for minor children or a representative (if applicable)

Steps to Apply for a Tourist Visa

To successfully apply for a tourist visa, follow these steps”

Step 1. Prepare the required documents. For a complete list of necessary documents, you can refer to the official Canada.ca website.

Step 2. Apply online. Begin by creating an account on the IRCC portal. You can access the portal through the same website. During the account creation process, you must specify the purpose of your visit to Canada. 

Provide your email address and wait for the code to proceed with the sign-up process. You will then be prompted to submit your documents.

After submitting the documents, you will be required to pay the visa fees using either a credit card or prepaid card. 

Step 3. Schedule the capture of your photograph and biometrics, You will receive a notification indicating when and where to provide these details. If you have already submitted your biometrics before, you might not need to do this step. 

After paying the biometrics fee, you will receive a notification specifying the appointment time and date.It’s important to make an appointment at the biometrics center as soon as possible. When you visit the center, make sure to bring the biometric instruction letter and your passport

Step 4. Wait for your visa application to be processed. If your application is approved, you will need to send your passport for visa stamping. As a tourist, you can stay in Canada for a period of up to six months.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

During your application process, consider the following tips:

At your biometric appointment, ensure that your hands are henna-free because it may affect the quality of your fingerprints. If there are cuts or wounds on your hand, allow them to heal fully before undergoing the biometric procedure. It would also help to wear bright colors for your photograph. 

It’s also important to produce high quality fingerprints. In some cases, if the fingerprints are not clear, you could be asked to come again for another round of biometrics. 

Fees

There are corresponding fees when you apply for a tourist visa. It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it is advisable to confirm the current rate at the time of your application

Biometrics Fee

  • Individual CAD $85
  • Families applying for visa CAD $170 (maximum total)

Visa Processing Fee

From $100

Address & Contact Details of Embassy of Canada to Qatar

  • Address: Qatar Tornado Tower, 30th Floor corner of Majlis Al-Taawon Street and Al-Funduq Street, P.O. Box, 24876 Doha, Qatar
  • Telephone Number: (+974) 4419 9000
  • Fax Number (+974) 4419 9035
  • Email Address: dohag@international.gc.ca

Map of Embassy of Canada to Qatar

Video 

For additional tips and insights on applying for a tourist visa, you can watch the YouTube video by BuhayCanada #Abulenien Family. In the video, you will find valuable information such as how to prepare your bank statement, ensure the correct photo size, and include tourist destinations in your itinerary to convincingly demonstrate your intention of traveling as a tourist.

Disclaimer: The information posted here is based on personal experiences that the OFW shared in the video. Please let this post serve as a guide only. If you have specific questions, you may ask the OFW by commenting on their video or on their social media accounts.

How to Get to Canada from Qatar

Now that you have your visa, you are now able to visit Canada and enjoy its attractions. Several airlines operate flights between Qatar and Canada, including Qatar Airways, Pegasus Airlines, Air Canada, Middle East Airlines, Air Malta, British Airways, and Air India. The average travel time for this route is approximately 13 hours. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can find airline tickets for as low as QAR 1770.

Popular Tourist Destinations in Canada

If you have not completed your itinerary for Canada, you can refer to the following suggestions from Lonely Planet. Let’s look at five of these destinations:

Niagara Falls

No doubt, this is one of the more popular destinations of the country. Even if you haven’t been to Canada, chances are you’ve heard or seen this majestic natural wonder in movies. The sight of water cascading down, creating an almost glass-like surface, is truly awe-inspiring

The Prairies

With a land area as large as this North American country, you are bound to see expansive flatlands during your journey. If you plan on driving, you can go from Manitoba to Saskatchewan and marvel at the panoramic views around you. 

The Rockies

If you have the opportunity to visit Canada during the winter, a trip to the Rockies, located on the border of British Columbia and Alberta, should not be missed. This place offers skiing opportunities and has picturesque trail hikes. 

Vancouver

On the other hand, if you are looking for city vibes, then Vancouver is the perfect destination for you. This place is a popular shooting location, so don’t be surprised if you see some Hollywood stars during your visit. Make sure to visit the city’s picturesque parks as well, but be aware that consuming alcohol in public may be illegal. 

Toronto

For more city vibes, be sure to include this place in your schedule. As the largest city, it offers an abundance of attractions including international cuisine and towering skyscrapers.  

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What happens when my application is not approved?

If your initial application is refused, re-applying will not change the decision. The most common reasons for denial include insufficient proof that you will not overstay your visa or being deemed inadmissible. . However, if your circumstances change, you can re-apply with updated information. 

  • Can I extend my stay as a tourist?

Yes, you can extend your stay as a tourist. To do so, you must apply for a visitor record at least 30 days before your current visa expires. The processing fee for this application is $100.

  • Can I find work on a tourist visa in Canada?

Tourist visa holders are not allowed to work in Canada. However, there is no express prohibition of you from searching for a job while you are still visiting the country. In some cases, potential employers may want to meet with candidates in person before making a hiring decision.

If you are applying for a tourist visa with the intention to find employment, it is important to disclose this information to the immigration officer. However, you should prove that you will return to your country of origin before your visa expires. If you secure a job, it is essential to apply for a valid work permit as required.

The Canadian government introduced a temporary measure that allows visitors to apply for a work permit when they receive a job offer. This eliminates the need to leave the country just to apply. If you plan to pursue this option, you have until February 2025 to do so.

Summary

If you are considering applying for a Canadian tourist visa, you can conveniently do so online. Before beginning the application process, make sure to gather the necessary documents, including your passport, travel history, bank statements, and a letter of invitation if applicable. The next step involves creating an account on the IRCC portal to submit your documents. Additionally, you will be required to visit a biometrics center in person for the capture of your photograph and fingerprints. If your application is approved, you will be granted a visa that allows you to stay in Canada for up to 6 months.

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