Canada Visa from Jamaica – How to Apply for Canada Visitor Visa Application And Requirements Guide
Do you want to go to Canada? Well, you are in for the time of your life! With spectacular scenery, wonderful cities, and friendly people, you’re guaranteed a trip to remember! In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa from Jamaica – 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 Jamaica
If you are planning on going to Canada, you’ll need to apply for a visa, but you can do this easily from Jamaica. You can either:
- Apply online by going to the website of Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
- Apply in person at one of the TT Services offices located in Kingston or Montego Bay
Types of visas for Canada
There are different types of Temporary Resident Visas for Canada and the one you will apply for will depend on why you are going to Canada:
- Visitor visa – if you are going to Canada for tourism purposes, visiting family/friends or conducting business for up to 6 months
- Parent and grandparent super visa – if you are visiting your children/grandchildren for up to 2 years
- Transit visa – if you are connecting between 2 international flights, in less than 48 hours
Further information regarding types of visa can be found on the IRCC website, however, if you are going to Canada as a tourist, you will need to apply for a visitor visa.
Visitor visas are issued as:
- Single entry – you can enter Canada once before the visa expires
- Multiple entry – you can enter Canada as many times as you wish before the visa expires
The Canada Visitor Visa Application Process
Processing times vary depending on the country you are applying from. Visa applications from Jamaica take 91 days to process and reach a decision. However, it could take longer due to any of the following reasons:
- The type of visa you are applying for
- Whether you need to provide more documents
- The time it takes you to provide biometric data
- 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 not the responsibility of the visa office to ensure you apply in time! It is up to you to make sure you submit your application well in advance of your departure date!
How to apply for a Canada visitor visa from Jamaica
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:
- No courier fees or mail delivery time
- Online applications may be processed more quickly
- Avoid processing delays
- You can submit additional documents online, if required
- No need to submit your passport immediately
- Get updates on the status of your application
Whether you apply online or in person, there are 4 steps which you must follow:
- Gather documents
- Complete the application
- Pay the fees
- 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 input your information, 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 TT Services. First, go to the website and click on “How to Apply”:
Scroll down to “Paper Application” and you will see there are a series of steps to follow:
- Step 1 – Read about visa requirements
- Step 2 – Complete the application form
- Step 3 – Get the required documents
- Step 4 – Pay the fees
- Step 5 – Visit the visa application center
Step 1 – Read about visa requirements
The first thing you need to do is to read about the requirements for the visa you are applying for. It’s a good idea to spend a bit of time doing this to familiarize yourself with everything that is needed. You can find this information by going to IRCC’s website and clicking on “Apply”:
Scroll down to “How do you want to apply” and choose “On paper” and click on “Get instructions”:
On the next page, click on “Download the application package”:
Choose “Jamaica as the country/territory and click on “Get documents”:
You will then see all the necessary forms that you need for your application:
You can also get the information by clicking on “Prepare your application” on TT Services’ website:
You will find the relevant links for your application:
Step 2 – Complete the application form
You can complete your application form by:
- Downloading it – click on the link for the application form and choose IMM 5257 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa. You still need to print the completed form along with 2 copies of the 2D barcode:
- Apply online and submit the form electronically
Step 3 – Get the 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. Please note, you must include a certified translation for any document that is not in English or French.
Documents include
- Temporary Resident Visa application form – IMM 5257 – fully completed and signed
- Passport and a photocopy of the biodata (photo) page. Include all cancelled or expired passports, if applicable. The passport should be valid for a minimum of 6months and be valid for the duration of your stay
- Previous passports, if applicable
- 2 photos with your name and date of birth written on the back. Read the full photo requirements. NOT REQUIRED if you are providing biometrics
- If you are not currently residing in the country of citizenship of the passport submitted along with your application, provide a photocopy of your current immigration status in Jamaica, Cayman, Bahamas or Turks & Caicos
- Travel authorization letter (if the applicant is a minor) including parent (s) passport
- Visa fee
It is important to note that further documents may be required depending on where you are applying from. Applicants from Jamaica need to submit additional documents. To find these documents, go to the application package for Jamaica (mentioned above) and click on “Visa office instructions – Visit IMM 5871”:
You will then be directed to the visa office instruction document which is specific for applications from Jamaica:
Remember! The above document must be used together with the document checklist IMM 5484 and it needs to be placed on top of your application pack. If you fail to include any document that is not on either checklist, it could mean your application will be rejected.
You should read the instructions carefully! Applicants from Jamaica must provide the following documents:
- Family Information form IMM 5707
- Schedule 1 form (Application for Temporary Resident Visa –IMM 5257B) – if you have answered “yes” to any of the background questions on the application form
- Proof of financial support (unless you have traveled to Canada within the last 10 years) – bank statements covering the last 3 months and/or payslips. If you are not paying for your own trip, a letter from the person paying along with their passport and proof of relationship
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:
- Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
- Submit the travel details and make the payment online
- Receive flight itinerary in email
In addition to the above, provide the following evidence, based on your situation or purpose of travel:
Tourism
- Description of your trip
- Dates of travel
- Details of your itinerary
- Evidence of travel reservations
Visiting family/relative/friend
- A letter of invitation from your host(s) in Canada including; the dates of your visit, their names and dates of birth, and addresses
Business/Attending an event
- A letter of invitation from the inviting company
- A letter from your employer outlining the purpose & details of your trip
Short-term studies
- A letter of acceptance from the school in Canada, including the program of studies, the start and end dates, the tuition fees, and related costs for the duration of your studies
Transit (stop-over of less than 48 hours in Canada)
- Flight itinerary and the visa for the destination country
Returning Student:
- Proof of enrolment
- Valid study permit
Returning Worker
- A letter from your employer in Canada confirming your ongoing employment
- Valid work permit
Entertainers
- Details of your itinerary in Canada
- Evidence of travel arrangements
- Employment offer
- Performance contract or venue rental agreement
- Police certificate (for the previous 12 months)
- Evidence that you are an established entertainer, such as previous recordings, performance contracts etc
Step 4 – Pay the fees
You will pay for 2 types of fee at the same time:
- Application processing fee
- Biometric fee
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.
Type of Visa | Fee in Can $ |
Visitor visa (including super visa) – per person Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa
| $100 |
Visitor visa – per family (1 fee per family of 5 or more people) Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa. Maximum fee for a family of 5 or more people applying at the same time and place
| $500 |
Biometric Fees | |
Biometrics (per person) | $85 |
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people) Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place | $170 |
How to pay the fees for your application
Click on the link which you’ll find on the visa office website:
You will be directed to IRCC’s website where you can pay the fees online:
If you are unable to make online payments, you can pay the fee at the visa application center.
Step 5 – Visit the visa application center
If you are REQUIRED to submit biometrics, a prior appointment is mandatory. If you have provided biometric data within the last 10 years, there is no need to make an appointment. To check whether you need to provide biometric data, go to the website of IRCC.
Making appointments with the visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure where to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!
Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:
- Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
- Submit the appointment details, visa you are applying for, visa office you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
- Receive appointment confirmation in email
You can also make an appointment on your own by following the steps below:
- Online – click on the link for scheduling an appointment
- By telephone – call the helpline number: +1 876 728 7001
- By email – use the web form
- By Webchat – click on “Chat now”
- In-person – you can visit the visa application center in person
On your appointment date, arrive at the visa application center 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time. You need to take your completed and printed application forms, supporting documents, fee receipt, original passport and two copies of the passport bio data page.
Your application and biometrics will be collected, you’ll pay any service charges and obtain a receipt.
If you are NOT REQUIRED to provide biometric data, simply visit the visa application center along with your passport, photographs, completed forms, the fee and all the supporting documents from the document checklists (see above) during business hours.
Tracking your application
Once you have submitted your application, you can track its progress. Please note, you will need the unique tracking number which would have been included on the receipt given to you after you handed over your application. You can track your application in the following ways:
- On TT Services’ website
- Email: info.canjm@vfshelpline.com
- Webchat: Chat now
The visa application decision
Once you have handed over your application, it will be reviewed to make sure it is complete. If not, it will be returned to you without being processed.
The next stage is for it to be assessed in order for the visa officer to make a decision. During this process, you may be asked to verify the information you have provided or it may be necessary for you to attend an interview. This is common practice, so don’t worry.
The visa application outcome will either be:
- Approved – if your visa has been approved, it will be attached to one of the blank pages of your passport
- Rejected – if your visa has been rejected, you will receive your passport with a letter explaining why.
The following reasons may result in a rejected application:
- Documents missing – it is up to you to make sure you have everything that is required for your visa application
- The visa officer doubts you will return home before the visa expires – it is your responsibility to provide sufficient evidence that you will return home before the visa expires. You can do this by providing documents, such as evidence of property ties, employment details etc
- Invalid passport – your passport must be valid (see above requirements). If not, you should get a new one before applying for a visa
- No proof of financial support – you must prove that you can pay for your trip yourself or provide evidence that someone is covering your expenses
Collecting your passport
Once a decision has been made, you can either:
- Collect your passport from TT Services
- Have your passport returned to you via courier
Contact details for TT Services in Kingston
Address: Canada Visa Application Centre, DHL Express Service Point, 19 Haining Rd, Kingston, Jamaica
Email: info.canjm@vfshelpline.com
Tel: +1 876 728 7001
Hours
Application/Biometric submission | Monday to Friday | 08:00 – 16:30 |
Passport submission | Monday to Friday | 08:00 – 16:30 |
Passport collection | Monday to Friday | 08:00 – 16:30 |
Contact details for TT Services in Montego Bay
Address: Canada Visa Application Centre, Whitter Village, Unit CU4, 1091 Morgan Road, Ironshore, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Email: info.canjm@vfshelpline.com
Tel: +1 876 728 7001
Hours
Application/Biometric submission | Monday to Friday | 08:00 – 16:30 |
Passport submission | Monday to Friday | 08:00 – 16:30 |
Passport collection | Monday to Friday | 08:00 – 16:30 |
FAQs
1. Where do I submit my application?
You can submit your application at your local visa application center or apply online at IRCC
2. Is an appointment required if I have to provide biometric data?
Yes, appointments are mandatory if you have to provide biometric data
3. I am not applying online. Can I mail my application to the visa application center?
Yes, you can mail your application to the visa application center. For further information, please visit their website
4. Why have I been asked to attend an interview?
Interviews are sometimes necessary because the visa officer was unable to verify the information you provided and/or they need more information/documents from you to be able to make a fair decision about your visa application
5. How can I track my application?
You can track your application by going to TT Services’ website
6. What documents do I need to get my passport back?
- The application checklist provided to you by TT Services when you deposited your application
- Your original National ID card or other official proof of identification
- A copy of your photographic ID
7. How long will it be before I get a decision?
For the most recent application processing time, check on IRCC’s website
8. Do I need to provide a medical certificate?
Usually, if you are going to Canada for up to 6 months, you will not need to provide a medical certificate unless you plan to work. However, the visa officer can ask you for whatever documents they think necessary for your application
9. How long is biometric data valid for?
Biometric data is valid for 10 years
10. Who is TT Services?
TT Services is a company authorized by IRCC to receive visa applications for Canada in Jamaica
Conclusion
To apply for your Canada Visitor Visa online, follow the below steps:
- Create an account
- Complete your application online
- Pay the fees
- Submit your application
If you are applying in person:
- Read the information
- Complete your application form
- Gather your documents
- Pay the fee
- Visit the visa application center
Once you have received a decision and have your visa, you can start to get excited about your upcoming trip to Canada!
At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides, Visa Packages and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.
See Also
Apply for Canada Visa – Complete Guide To Canada Visitor Visa Application And Requirements