Tourist Visa through IRCC Portal

[ashikaverma13]

Hi,
I am applying for a visitor visa for my parents. When I answer the questions for the visitor visa on IRCC website, it prompts me to apply through the IRCC portal. Now, I am applying on behalf of my parents. So my question here is:

1. Is it now a process for IRCC to direct all tourist visa through IRCC portal?
2. I don't see a column for 'Invitation letter' in the mandatory documents even though at the beginning of the questionnaire it says 'you will need an invitation letter.'
3. Since I am applying on their behalf, do I still need to select 'I am applying for someone else' as it is technically their application, I am just applying. It currently seems like they are saying in their application that they are applying for someone else, while my intention is to say that they're using a family member (me) to file their application.

 

[akshayar640]

1. Yes IRCC suggests you apply through their new IRCC portal instead of GC key portal. Apparently they use data analytics and other modern tools to fastrack the applications in the newer portal. Apparently.
2. Same thing happened with me, it didn't show me a place to upload an invitation letter. I asked around and the suggestions I got was to add it as part of "other documents" sections and so I did the same.
3. You can select applying for someone else and then submit a form (later in the application) showing that you have their permission.

 

[ashikaverma13]

Thanks for your response. What was your timeline? My parents would require biometrics as well so what should I expect in terms of approval timeline?

 

[akshayar640]

My timeline in my signature. Biometrics request comes very soon, like within a day or 2. After that its all luck IMO. Some get the decision in a week, some in a month, some don't get it even after 6 months.

 

[ashikaverma13]

Thank you. I have another question. For proof of funds, is it okay that I say I will be sponsoring my parents visit to canada and attach proof? and in that case, in the initial questions, do they still need to provide a number for 'how much money do you have for your stay in Canada.'

 

[akshayar640]

Yes, it is advisable to provide a number and attach the proof of that number in the proof of funds section. Its also better to add a section in your letter of explanation about you sponsoring your parents and that the proof of funds are yours.