Canada Visa from Ghana – How to Apply for Canada Visitor Visa Application And Requirements Guide

If you want a destination where there is plenty to see and do, head to Canada! There are cities, like Vancouver and Winnipeg where it’s a joy to wander around and see the sights. If you are into adventure, you’ll find beautiful rivers, lakes and forests just waiting for you to explore! In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa from Ghana – online and in-person, processing time at the Canadian visa application center, flight itinerary and Canada visitor visa application process.

Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa from Ghana

If you want to go to Canada, it’s easy to apply for a visa from Ghana. You can do this in 1 of 2 ways:

1. Online – the website of website of Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has everything you need to get your visa
2. In-person – apply at VFS Global based in Accra

Types of visas for Canada

There are different types of visas available if you want to go to Canada. They are called Temporary Resident Visas and the one you need will depend on the reason for traveling to Canada and how long you want to go for:

1. Visitor visa – for tourism, visiting family/friends or conducting business for up to 6 months
2. Parent and grandparent super visa – if you are visiting your children/grandchildren for up to 2 years
3. Transit visa – if you are connecting between 2 international flights, in less than 48 hours

You can find further information about the types of visas on the IRCC website.

Visas are usually issued as:

1. Single entry
2. Multiple entry

Single entry means you will be allowed to enter Canada once before the visa expires. Multiple entry means you can enter Canada as many times as you wish before expiry of the visa.

The Canada Visitor Visa Application Process

Processing times vary depending on the country you are applying from. Applications from Ghana take 125 days to process. However, it could take longer depending on the type of visa you are applying for, whether you need to provide more information and/or documents and the time it takes for your application to be sent to the main visa office (if applying at your local visa application center).

It is up to you to apply well in advance of your departure date, otherwise, you may have to delay your trip!

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa from Ghana

As mentioned above, you may apply for a Canada visitor visa online or in-person. Before you decide, consider the benefits if you apply online:

Whether you apply online or in-person, there are 4 steps which you must follow:

1. Gather documents
2. Complete the application
3. Pay the fees
4. Submit the application – either electronically (online application) or at the visa office (paper/in-person application)

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa online

Go to the website of IRCC and click on “Menu” – “Immigration and citizenship” – “Visit”:

Under “Services and information”, click on “Apply for a visitor visa”:

Click on “Apply”:

Scroll down to “How do you want to apply” and choose “Online” and click on “Get instructions”:

On the next page, there is a link for the instruction guide which will guide you through the application process. If you are happy to get started, click on “Apply for a visitor visa”:

You will have to create an account:

Then, you can sign in and begin your application:

After you have finished the online application, you will be asked to pay the fees and upload your documents.

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa in-person

To apply in-person, you will submit your application to VFS Global. There are 7 steps to follow:

1. Step 1 – Identify visa type
2. Step 2 – Begin your application
3. Step 3 – Book an appointment
4. Step 4 – Pay the fees
5. Step 5 – Visit the visa application center
6. Step 6 – Track your application
7. Step 7 – Collect your passport

Go to VFS Global’s website and where it says “Apply for a visa” click on “Start now”:

Step 1 – Identify visa type

Step 4 – Pay the fees

You will pay for the visa application processing fee and the biometric fee at the same time. The fees must be paid before you submit your application online or when you attend your appointment at the visa application center. Fees are subject to change at any time and will not be refunded even if your application is rejected.

VFS Global has a range of other services such as courier services and photocopying. For further information, check out their website.

Step 5 – Visit the visa application center

On the day you visit the application center to submit your documents and/or provide biometric data, there are a number of things that will happen:

1. You will hand over your application and supporting documents
2. Provide a scan of your fingerprints and have your photo taken (if you are providing biometrics)
3. You will also pay the fees (if you have not done so online) and receive a receipt with a unique number which you can use to track your application.

Remember the following things:

1. Arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule
2. Take a printed copy of your visa application, 2D barcoded sheets (2 copies), passport bio page (2 copies), as well as a valid passport or travel document with at least 2 pages that are blank on both sides
3. Take the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) (if you have applied online)

If you turn up at the center without everything you need, you may have to make a new appointment. Make sure you are prepared to avoid disappointment!

Step 6 – Track your application

You can track your application in the following ways:

1. On VFS Global’s website
2. Webchat: Chat Now
3. Email: info.canghaiom@vfshelpline.com
4. Helpline number: +2330501295270/+2330501295273
5. Visit the visa application center in-person

Step 7 – Collect your passport

Required documents

Whether you are applying online or in-person, there is a list of required documents that you will need to submit with your visa application. There is a document checklist you can refer to. Documents include

1. Temporary Resident Visa application form – IMM 5257 – fully completed and signed
   
2. Passport – valid for the duration of your stay in Canada and for at at least 6 months past your trip and with 2 blank pages.
3. Copy of the passport biodata page
   
4. 2 photos which are in line with the photo specifications. They must be signed, dated and taken within the last 6 months. Write your name and date of birth on the back
   
5. Proof of legal right to remain in the country of residence
   
6. Travel authorization letter (if the applicant is a minor) including parent (s) passport
7. Visa fee

It is important to note that further documents may be required depending on where you are applying from.

Applicants from Ghana need to submit other specific documents. To find these documents, go to the “Apply online” page and click on “Read the instruction guide”:

Go to the “Gather documents” section and click on “Application for a visitor visa”:

Scroll down to “Select a country/territory” choose Ghana and click on “Get documents”:

It is important that you get the documents for the country you are applying from. There are different documents for each country and if you don’t include these, your application may be rejected.

On the next page, click on “Visa office instructions – Visit (IMM 5854)”:

You will then be directed to the visa office instruction document:

Remember! The above document must be used in conjunction with the document checklist IMM 5484 and it needs to be placed on top of your application pack.

You should read the instructions carefully! Additional documents for applications from Ghana include:

1. An explanation of the purpose of your trip – details of your itinerary indicating length of stay, destination and contacts
2. Provisional airline booking
3. Visiting family/friends – letter of invitation and host’s passport/proof of residency; host’s evidence of income, proof of employment and proof of funds
4. Proof of sufficient funds/financial support – bank statements, payslips or other proof of income such as pension income. If you are not paying for your own trip, provide a letter signed by the person paying along with their passport and bank statement and proof of relationship
5. If you are traveling for business/attending a conference – proof of invitation, registration and hotel confirmation
6. Family Information form IMM 5707 – fully completed, dated and signed
7. Schedule 1 form – Application for Temporary Resident Visa – IMM 5257B – if you answered “yes” to any of the background questions on the application form
8. Evidence of previous travel – previous passports OR a list of your international travels over the last 5 years
9. Proof of employment – employer’s letter (no older than 2 months stating occupation, job description, salary, allowances, years of employment and authorized leave dates along with payslips (last 3 months)
10. Proof of current studies – letter and transcript
    
11. Birth and marriage certificates for each family member – whether or not they are applying for a visa
    
12. VFS Consent form
13. For business travel – a letter from your employer indicating the purpose of your travel, your itinerary and who will cover the costs. Plus, a letter from the Canadian business confirming the duration of your trip and nature of your business

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2.  Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email

Originals and copies of all documents are required and you must also include a certified translation for any document that is not in English or French.

Before you hand over your application, check that it is complete and that all the required documents are there! Taking time to do this will ensure your chances of getting your visa application approved are higher.