Canada

General Information About the Canada Visa

Canada, with its high living standards, natural beauty, and multicultural structure, attracts visitors from all over the world. It is mandatory for Turkish citizens to obtain a visa to travel to Canada for purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, education, or work. Canada visa applications are processed through the online portal authorized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Types of Canadian Visas

There are different types of visas and permits you need to apply for depending on your purpose of travel to Canada. Correctly identifying the most suitable category for your travel purpose before applying is critical for the positive outcome of the process.

Visitor Visa (TRV - Temporary Resident Visa)

This is the visa type required for touristic trips, family or friend visits, short-term business meetings, or conferences. A visitor visa allows you to stay in Canada for a temporary period and can generally be issued as single or multiple-entry. This visa does not permit you to work or undertake long-term studies in Canada.

Study Permit

This is the permit required for students who will attend a program longer than 6 months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. To apply for a study permit, it is essential to first obtain a Letter of Acceptance from an educational institution.

Work Permit

This is the permit type for individuals who have received a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Depending on the position and the employer's status, additional documents such as a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may be required.

Canada Visa Application Process (Current 2026 Steps)

Canada visa applications have almost entirely shifted to a digital environment. The application process consists of several main steps that must be followed carefully.

Step 1: Create an Account on the IRCC Online Application Portal

All applications are made through the official website of the Canadian government, IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). The applicant creates a secure account here and completes a personal checklist. This list determines which forms to fill out and which documents to prepare based on your purpose of travel and personal situation.

Step 2: Prepare and Upload Required Documents

According to the checklist created on the IRCC portal, all necessary documents must be prepared in digital format (PDF, JPG, DOC, DOCX). Basic documents include a valid passport, a biometric photo, a statement of purpose explaining the reason for travel, proof of financial sufficiency (bank statements, pay stubs), a travel itinerary (flight and hotel reservations), and application forms. For special categories like study or work permits, additional documents (letter of acceptance, job offer letter, etc.) are also uploaded to the system.

Step 3: Pay the Visa and Biometrics Fees

After the documents are uploaded, the application processing fee and the biometrics fee are paid online via credit card. The application is not considered complete until payment is made.

Step 4: Biometrics Appointment at VFS Global (Fingerprints)

Once the fees are paid, IRCC sends the applicant a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). With this letter, an appointment for fingerprinting and photo capture must be booked online through the website of the authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Turkey, VFS Global. The biometrics process is a mandatory part of the visa application.

Processing Time and Important Notes

The processing time for a Canada visa varies significantly depending on the type of visa applied for, the time of year the application is submitted, and the workload of the consulate. Visitor visas are typically processed within a few weeks, while study and work permits may take longer. The most accurate way to check the latest processing times is to use the “Check processing times” tool on the official IRCC website. The outcome of the application can be tracked through the account on the IRCC portal. If approved, the passport is requested to be sent to VFS Global for the visa to be affixed.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and Turkish Citizens

A commonly misunderstood topic, the eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is only valid for citizens of countries who have visa-exempt entry to Canada. As holders of ordinary (maroon) Turkish passports are not visa-exempt, they cannot apply for an eTA to travel to Canada; instead, they are required to obtain a Visitor Visa (TRV).

Canada Visa Process with Hermes Vize

The Canadian visa application process involves numerous digital steps that require precision and care. Hermes Vize offers professional guidance to ensure your online application through the IRCC portal is completed accurately and thoroughly, your documents are correctly organized, and your biometrics appointment process is managed seamlessly. Contact us to navigate the process with experienced support.