Is it easy to get a Canadian tourist visa?

[greatgrandson78]

My grandmother, a Canadian citizen, will be travelling back to Canada from Philippines. She's now 85 years old and needs someone to accompany her in her travel. It happened that she requested me to go with her.

What are the requirements needed for me to get a visa?

 

[scylla]

You'll want to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country and have no plans on remaining in Canada long term. Unless you've traveled extensively and have very strong ties to your home country - you'll want to request a 2-3 week trip maximum. You should show ties such as employment (including a letter from your employer giving you leave), proof of property ownership /rental, proof of other assets. You'll also want to show you have enough money to pay for your trip. Lastly, you'll want to provide proof of any travel to other countries requiring visas (e.g. US, UK) - if you have any such travel.

 

[greatgrandson78]

Actually, I am currently unemployed. This trip will be sponsored by my aunt who also lives in Canada. Do I really need to provide them good bank statement even if someone will sponsor my visit to Canada?

Thanks for the info.

 

[scylla]

It will likely be quite difficult to be approved if you are unemployed. Are you currently attending school full time by any chance?

Your aunt can sponsor you. However this weakens your application significantly. It would be much better to be able to show that you can pay for the trip yourself.

Based on the information you've provided so far, the chances of refusal are probably very high.

 

[bellaluna]

My grandmother, a Canadian citizen, will be travelling back to Canada from Philippines. She's now 85 years old and needs someone to accompany her in her travel. It happened that she requested me to go with her.

Also, just to add, this is not a convincing reason for you to travel to Canada, as airlines provide this type of service for special accommodations for seniors.

 

[greatgrandson78]

Also, just to add, this is not a convincing reason for you to travel to Canada, as airlines provide this type of service for special accommodations for seniors.

Point taken. Thank you!

 

[greatgrandson78]

It will likely be quite difficult to be approved if you are unemployed. Are you currently attending school full time by any chance?

Your aunt can sponsor you. However this weakens your application significantly. It would be much better to be able to show that you can pay for the trip yourself.

Based on the information you've provided so far, the chances of refusal are probably very high.

Yes you are correct that they will highly consider my financial resources. Maybe, just maybe, verbal or written statements, which can be confirmed, can satisfy an officer that sufficient financial support from my family is available and has been arranged to cover all reasonable expenses to be incurred during my stay in Canada.

 

[bellaluna]

Yes you are correct that they will highly consider my financial resources. Maybe, just maybe, verbal or written statements, which can be confirmed, can satisfy an officer that sufficient financial support from my family is available and has been arranged to cover all reasonable expenses to be incurred during my stay in Canada.

That may work for visa applications to other countries, but Canada assesses their visa applicants differently: what scylla said, that you should be able to show that you can support yourself financially even if you have a willing sponsor, applies in a majority of cases.

Also, having family in Canada is seen as a point against you, rather than for you. It makes you more susceptible to overstaying.

To answer the question in your subject: it is not easy to get a Canadian tourist visa. I sometimes think it's even harder than getting a US tourist visa.

If you're still willing to give it a shot, you can start the application process by answering the questionnaire here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/getting-started.asp

 

[greatgrandson78]

That may work for visa applications to other countries, but Canada assesses their visa applicants differently: what scylla said, that you should be able to show that you can support yourself financially even if you have a willing sponsor, applies in a majority of cases.

Also, having family in Canada is seen as a point against you, rather than for you. It makes you more susceptible to overstaying.

To answer the question in your subject: it is not easy to get a Canadian tourist visa. I sometimes think it's even harder than getting a US tourist visa.

If you're still willing to give it a shot, you can start the application process by answering the questionnaire here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/ctc-vac/getting-started.asp

Okay. Anyway, there's no harm in trying