Do Colombians Need A Visa For Canada?

Colombian citizen needs a visa before travel to Canada. Unless they have a special situation, such as having a valid diplomatic or official passport, Colombian citizens usually have to get a temporary resident visa (TRV) to visit Canada for tourism, business, or study reasons.

Here is the breakdown for clarity:

• Short-term tourism: Colombian citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to six months if they hold a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). This applies for both tourism and business purposes.
• Special passport holders: Individuals holding Colombian diplomatic or official passports can enter Canada visa-free for stays up to six months.

However, suppose you plan to stay longer, work, study, or reside in Colombia. In that case, you must apply for a different type of visa at a Colombian consulate in Canada or the visa application center in Toronto. The visa requirements, fees, and validity periods vary depending on the category and purpose of the visa.

Hence, whether required for a visa or not, based on circumstance, Colombians have the option to apply for a CBSA Declaration in advance before traveling to Canada. The Canada Advance CBSA Declaration is an optional customs and immigration document that a traveler, including children, needs to provide at the airport.¹

Here at Visas for Future, we offer visa services and help Colombians apply for an Advance CBSA Declaration card. Apply with us, and let us save the earth together! For every Advance CBSA Declaration Card we sold, we plant a tree.

What We’re Offering

If you’re planning a trip to Canada for tourism, business, or transit, certain Canadian airports accept the Advance CBSA Declaration Card. But don’t worry, we can help you obtain this document via email within one business day. Our service offers an Advance CBSA Declaration Card processing service for $56.24 that can be used for up to 72 hours after submission.

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Types of Canadian Visas for Colombia Citizens

Colombia citizens seeking Canadian adventures have visa options for their purpose and stay duration. Here are some common choices:

• Temporary Resident Visa (TRV):
  • Purpose: Tourism, business, visiting family/friends.
  • Validity: Up to six (6) months, single or multiple entry.
  • Key Requirements: Valid passport, travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds.
  • Ideal for: Short-term visits for leisure, business meetings, or family gatherings
• Student Visa:
  • Purpose: Pursuing studies at a designated learning institution (DLI).
  • Validity: Duration of study program + three (3) months.
  • Key Requirements: Letter of acceptance from a DLI, proof of financial support, and language proficiency proof.
  • Ideal for: Colombian students seeking quality education in Canada.
• Work Visa:
  • Purpose: Temporary employment in Canada.
  • Types: Vary based on work nature and duration (e.g., Intra-Company Transfer, Temporary Foreign Worker Program).
  • Key Requirements: Job offer from a Canadian employer, meeting specific category requirements.
  • Ideal for: Skilled professionals with valid job offers in Canada.
• Permanent Resident Visa (PRV):
  • Purpose: Establishing permanent residency in Canada.
  • Paths: Family sponsorship, skilled worker programs, Provincial Nominee Programs.
  • Complexity: Multi-stage process, potentially lengthy processing times.
  • Ideal for Colombians desiring long-term residency and building a life in Canada.
• Additional Visa Categories:
• Transit Visa: Brief layovers in Canada.
• Medical Treatment Visa: Receiving medical care in Canada.
• Diplomatic Visa: Government officials on official business.

Canada Visa Policy

Many countries require a Canadian visa for visits that exceed transit or visa-exempt stays. However, there are 54 countries that can enter Canada without a visa for up to six months. To apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV) for tourism, study, work, or extended family visits, you need to fill out an online application.

In some cases, interviews may be required at the discretion of the officer or for certain types of visas. Keep in mind that your purpose of visit, length of stay, finances, travel history, and ties to your home country play a crucial role in securing your Canadian adventure.

Requirements and Documents Needed

Obtaining a Canadian visa necessitates a strategic approach aligned with your specific visa category. While some general requirements apply universally, the documentation varies depending on your intended purpose of entry. Here’s a breakdown:

• Universal Requirements:
  • Valid Passport: Ensure your passport holds validity for at least six months beyond your planned Canadian stay.
  • Passport Photographs: Two photographs meeting specific size, format, and background specifications are mandatory.
  • Travel Insurance: Proof of valid medical expense coverage throughout your Canadian visit is essential.
  • Financial Proof: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. The required amount varies based on the length and nature of your visit.
  • Visa Application Form: Download and complete the relevant application form from the official Canadian government website.
• Tailored Requirements: Remember, additional documentation is often required based on your chosen visa category. Some examples:
  • Student Visa: Letter of acceptance from a Canadian educational institution, academic qualifications, and proof of English/French proficiency.
  • Work Visa: Job offer from a Canadian employer, Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
  • Permanent Resident Visa: Documentation varies significantly depending on the specific program you apply through.
• For all minors under 18:
  • Valid passport: In the minor’s name, with a validity exceeding six months after the planned stay.
  • Two passport photographs: Meeting specific size and format requirements.
  • Proof of travel insurance: Covering medical expenses throughout the stay.
  • Birth certificate: Original or certified copy.
  • Proof of financial support: From parents/legal guardians, demonstrating the ability to support the minor during their stay.
• Additional requirements depending on travel circumstances:
• Traveling alone:
  • Letter of authorization: Signed by both parents/legal guardians, in English or French. Must include:
    • Parents/legal guardians’ contact information.
    • Information about the person caring for the minor in Canada (name, address, contact information).
• Traveling with one parent/legal guardian:
  • Letter of consent: Signed by the non-traveling parent/legal guardian, authorizing travel with the accompanying parent/legal guardian. Similar to the letter for traveling alone.
• Traveling with someone else:
  • Letter of authorization: From both parents/legal guardians, authorizing travel with the specified individual. Include the details mentioned above.²

Application Process

Are you planning on traveling to Canada? If so, it’s important to follow these steps to ensure a smooth visa application process:

1. Determine the type of visa you require based on your purpose of travel.

2. Visit the official IRCC website for a comprehensive guide to all things visa. Find your visa type and review detailed requirements and application procedures.

3. Gather all the documents listed for your visa type, ensuring completeness and accuracy.

4. Submit your application online, carefully following each step. Pay the application fee as well.

5. In specific situations, paper applications may be required.

6. Be prepared for a potential interview, even if it’s not mandatory.

7. Allow ample time for processing, especially during peak seasons. You can check your application status online or contact IRCC for updates. After review, you’ll receive a decision – approval, request for additional information, or denial.

Fees and Processing Time

Canadian visa fees vary depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, with costs ranging from CA$85 to CA$274. Additionally, most applicants are required to pay a biometric fee of CA$85. If you’re applying for permanent residency, there’s also a Right of Permanent Residence fee of CA$551 per person.

Processing times are unpredictable, ranging from 15-45 days for tourist visa applications from the US and 55-85 days for those from Colombia, to an average of 60-120 days for temporary resident visas like visitor, student, and work visas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Government of Canada, C. B. S. A. (2022, September 26). Government of Canada. ArriveCAN: Advance CBSA Declaration. www.cbsa-Asfc.gc.ca. https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/multimedia/declaration/menu-eng.html [↩]
2. Agency, C. B. S. (2022, October 1). ArriveCAN: What you need before you start. www.canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/border-services-agency/services/arrivecan/need.html [↩]

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Written by James Abel Diego

James Abel Diego is a content writer at Visas for Future who is an expert in travel and visa policies for Turkey, India, Colombia and Egypt. He is an Education graduate who is inclined with passion in writing informative content. He has been in several training sessions making him more of value in content and fulfilling customer orders efficiently. James maintains his understanding of visa processing by executing real visa orders once per quarter.

Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

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Diego, James Abel. "Do Colombians Need A Visa For Canada?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/do-colombians-need-a-visa-for-canada/. Accessed on 22 October 2023.

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Diego, James Abel. "Do Colombians Need A Visa For Canada?." Visas For Future. October 22, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/do-colombians-need-a-visa-for-canada/.