Are you a Colombian citizen and have wished to travel to Canada? If yes, then a remarkable journey is waiting for you. By visiting Canada you can explore the cultural heritage, a love for exploration, and a spirit of resilience that will make your journey truly memorable. Canada offers diverse experiences from Banff National Park’s stunning landscapes to Toronto and Vancouver’s dynamic city life; all are in your wait to explore. There is a complete application process through which you get asses for the entrance in Canada. But first, it is essential to understand the visa requirements and procedures thoroughly. 

For short-term visits, a temporary residence visa is required. Through this visa, the candidate can stay for six months. Within 180 days of issuance, the Canada tourist visa must be used. A list of documents is required for the visa application. In this comprehensive guide tailored specifically for Colombian citizens, we’ll provide all the information on Canadian visa requirements and its application process for a hassle-free journey. So, pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of Canada.

Read more about: Requirements for Canada Tourist Visa for the Citizens of Argentina

Types of Visas for Colombian Citizens

There are the main types of visa categories for the residents of Colombia:

1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa): Ideal for business travelers, tourists, or those visiting friends and family in Canada for a short duration.
2. Study Permit: This visa is for Colombian students planning to continue their studies at Canadian educational institutions for short programs. The period is no longer than six months.
3. Work Permit: The work permit allows Colombian residents seeking employment opportunities in Canada, whether permanently or temporarily.
4. Permanent Residency Visa: This visa offers Colombian residents the opportunity to immigrate to Canada permanently, either through employment, family sponsorship, or other immigration programs.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a Canadian visa as a citizen of Colombia, meeting the following eligibility criteria is important:

• Valid passport from Colombia
• A clear statement of reason for the visit to Canada
• Evidence of sufficient financial means to cover all the expenses during the whole period of stay.
• The applicant must not have any kind of criminal record or immigration-related violations.

A List of Essential Credentials for Canada Tourist Visa for the Citizens of Colombia

For a Canada Tourist Visa, a list of documents is required including travel documents and other primary documents. The important documents are listed below:

• Visa Application Form:
  The first step in the visa application is to complete the application form. Fill all required information thoroughly and accurately because any false information can lead to a visa denial.
• Passport Photo:
  A Passport-size picture is required. The photo should be recently taken and must be no older than 6 months.
• Passport:
  Check the validity of your travel document which must have at least six-month validity. It must also have at least 2 visa pages clear of any markings and signature.
• Cover Letter:
  Covering letter showcasing the information about the applicant, travel, and details of the other members visiting with you.
• Travel itinerary:
  As proof of your financial means a travel itinerary is also required. It is a travel reservation to and from the country in your name, not a ticket.
• Accommodation Proof:
  Provide evidence of accommodation reservation in destination for the duration of your visit.

Current Details:

1. Employed
   • A letter from your company mentioning with no of granted leaves, contact details, the purpose and duration of the trip, and all information about returning to your home country.
   • Your latest six-month company bank statement
   • Income Tax Return (ITR)
   • Original pay slips if you are Self Employed
   • Include a copy of your business license
   • Your latest six-month company bank statement
   • Income Tax Return (ITR)
2. Student
   • No Object certificate from your educational department.
   • Submit an official letter from your educational department that will represent that you are a good student and still enrolled in upcoming semesters.
3. Retired
   Submit proof of your retirement fund.

• Bank Statement:
  Provide evidence of the recent monthly bank statement of the candidate from the country. The statement must clearly show the applicant’s balances of the accounts, the name of the account holder, and the date of the statement. If statements are printed online then they must be Authenticated (stamped) by the official bank.
• Tax returns:
  Income Tax Returns of the candidate in the country.
• Financial documents:
  Any financial documents like NSC, PPF, FD, Shares, Mutual Funds, Property papers, or any other financial documents in the country.

Application Procedure

The application procedure for a Canadian visa as a resident of Colombia involves the following steps:

• Based on the purpose of the visit determine the visa category.
• Complete the application form by providing accurate information.
• To support the application, compile all required documents.
• Pay the scheduled visa application fee at designated payment centers or visa online through a debit card.
• Submit all the documents and applications at the visa application center.
• Attendance all the biometric appointments, if required.
• Wait for the visa processing time which may be vary according to your location and purpose of visit. The officer will determine your eligibility and a response will notify you of your contact details.
• Upon approval you will receive notification by email. Go to the embassy and get your visa. Take all the documents with you that the officer will ask you to show on passport visa collection.  Receive your visa and be ready for the Canada journey.

Visa Fees

Visa fees for residents of Colombia applying for Canadian visas change based on the visa processing times and visa category. Payments can be at designated spots in cash or may made online through a debit card.