Canada Visa From Bangladesh: Requirements, Consultants & Fees

How to Obtain a Canada Visa from Bangladesh

Every year, approximately 35 million people visit Canada to connect with loved ones, participate in business events, or explore the country’s attractions.

Yes, that’s 35,000,000 visitors!

Do you want to be part of this impressive statistic? If you have a valid reason for travel, sufficient financial resources, and a consistent travel history, you too can seize the opportunity to secure a visitor visa—possibly for the longest duration available.

What do we mean by the “Longest possible” visa?

Let’s break it down.

Canada offers one of the most desirable visa options for Bangladeshi citizens: a 10-year multiple-entry visa. This visa not only allows you to visit Canada but also grants access to 21 other countries over the course of its validity.

While the process of obtaining a Canadian visa from Bangladesh is straightforward, it’s crucial to meet the eligibility criteria and follow the application steps carefully.

Eligibility Criteria for a Canada Visa

When applying for a Canadian visitor visa from Bangladesh, you must meet specific requirements to demonstrate your eligibility.

Basic Eligibility Criteria:
  1. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
  2. Good Health: You should not have any medical conditions that could pose a public health risk.
  3. Clean Record: You must have no criminal history or immigration-related offenses.
Additional Requirements:
  1. Financial Stability: Show sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay, including accommodation, food, and travel for you and any accompanying family members.
  2. Supporting Documentation:
    • If visiting family or friends, provide an invitation letter from your host in Canada.
    • Evidence of your purpose of travel, such as a travel itinerary or event registration.
  3. Proof of Strong Ties to Home Country: Demonstrate your intention to return to Bangladesh after your visit. This may include:
    • Employment details (e.g., a letter from your employer confirming your job).
    • Financial statements showing stability.
    • Family obligations or property ownership in Bangladesh.

By meeting these criteria and providing the required evidence, you increase your chances of successfully obtaining a Canadian visitor visa.

What You Can Do on a Canada Visitor Visa

Before entering Canada on a visitor visa, it’s essential to understand what is permitted under this visa category to ensure compliance with the country’s regulations.

Permitted Activities

  1. Entering and Staying in Canada

    • A visitor visa allows you to stay in Canada for up to 6 months.
    • Applicants must provide proof of financial stability and ties to their home country, such as:
      • Bank statements.
      • Return air tickets.
      • Invitation letters from hosts in Canada.

  2. Transiting Through Canada

    • Visitors can transit through Canada while traveling between two other countries.

  3. Searching for Work

    • While working on a visitor visa is prohibited, you are allowed to:
      • Attend job interviews.
      • Network with potential employers.

  4. Joining Short-Term Courses

    • Enroll in training programs or academic courses lasting less than six months.

  5. Performing Business Activities

    • Participate in business-related activities such as:
      • Attending meetings.
      • Joining conferences.
    • Note: If the activity involves employment by a Canadian company, a valid work permit is required.
Prohibited Activities
  • Taking paid employment in Canada.
  • Attending full-time educational programs without proper authorization.

Staying compliant with these regulations will help you enjoy a smooth and trouble-free visit to Canada.

Steps for Applying for a Canada Visa from Bangladesh

Applying for a Canadian visitor visa requires careful planning and attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

1. Consult an Expert

  • If you’re unfamiliar with visa applications or lack prior experience, seeking guidance from an immigration consultant can reduce the risk of errors and improve your chances of success.
2. Define Your Purpose for Visiting
  • Clearly outline the legitimate reason for your trip, whether it’s tourism, visiting family or friends, business, or attending an event.
3. Gather Necessary Documents
  • Compile essential documents, including:
    • A valid passport.
    • Proof of your purpose of visit (e.g., an invitation letter, travel itinerary, or event details).
    • A completed visa application form.
4. Collect Financial Documents
  • Obtain financial records that demonstrate your ability to cover travel and living expenses, such as:
    • Bank statements.
    • Salary slips or tax records.
5. Establish Prior Travel History (If Available)
  • A record of previous international travel can strengthen your application, as it shows your history of returning to your home country after trips abroad.
6. Submit Your Application
  • If you meet the criteria and have gathered the required documents, proceed with the visa application process:
    • Create an account on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website.
    • Fill out the online application form.
    • Upload your documents.
    • Pay the application fee.
    • Schedule a biometric appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).
7. Attend the Biometric Appointment
  • Provide your fingerprints and a photo as part of the application process.
8. Wait for Processing
  • After submitting your application, monitor its status via the IRCC website or VAC. Processing times can vary, so plan your trip accordingly.

By following these steps, you can simplify the application process and improve your chances of obtaining a Canadian visa.

Step 1: Fill Out the Visa Form Online

The first step in applying for a Canadian visitor visa is to complete an online application form. This form gathers essential details about the applicant, including:

  • Personal Information: Name, date of birth, address, and family details.
  • Contact Information: Email and phone number.
  • Employment and Financial Details: Current job status, income, and financial resources.
  • Travel History: Information about previous trips abroad.
Application Fee Payment

Once the form is completed, applicants must pay the required visa application fee online using a credit card.

Choosing the Right Portal

Canada offers two portals for visa applications:

  1. The Old GCKey Portal

    • Requires filling out a PDF version of the visa application form.
    • May be more suitable for those familiar with the traditional process.

  2. The New IRCC Portal

    • Features an improved user experience with interactive fields and direct questions, eliminating the need for complex PDF forms.
    • Offers faster application processing times.
Which Portal Should You Use?

Your choice of portal depends on your comfort level and specific circumstances. While the new IRCC portal is faster and more user-friendly, some applicants may prefer the familiarity of the GCKey system.

By selecting the most suitable portal and carefully completing the online form, you can ensure a smooth start to your visa application process.

Step 2: Upload Necessary Documents for a Canada Tourist Visa from Bangladesh

The second step in the visa application process involves submitting all required documents. The exact requirements depend on your circumstances and the portal you use (GCKey or IRCC). Below is a generic checklist for Bangladeshi applicants seeking a Canada tourist visa.

Document Checklist
SLCategoryDocuments to Upload
01Application for Visitor Visa– Canada visa application form (IMM5257).
02Business Registration (if applicable)– Trade License.
– Certificate of Incorporation.
– Other business documents.
– Business bank statements.
– Business tax documents.
– Profit and loss statement.
03Employment Documents – Appointment letter/Employment certificate.
 – No Objection Certificate (NOC)/Approval of leave.
 – Office ID card/Business card.
 – Payslips (last 6 months).
04Travel History – Summary of your travel history.
 – Stamps of all previous travels (including old passports).
05Passport – Valid passport (information page).
 – All pages with visa stamps.
06Proof of Financial Support – Personal bank statements (past 6 months).
 – Fixed deposit receipts (FDR)/Sanchaypatra.
 – Investment documents.
 – Payslips (last 6 months).
 – Proof of assets/business.
 – Asset valuation summary.
 – Income tax acknowledgment and certificate (last 3 years).
 – Income tax assessment copy (last 1 year).
 – Letter of support and sponsor’s financial documents (if applicable).
07Digital Photo– A digital color photo meeting specifications (head and shoulders visible, 60-65% face coverage, 31-36 mm size, 420 x 540 pixels minimum). Note: Scanned printed photos are not accepted.
08Purpose of Travel – Invitation letter from family/friends (if applicable).
 – Proof of relationship with invitee.
 – Invitee’s bank statement and rental/ownership documents.
 – Flight itinerary booking.
 – Hotel booking.
 – Day-to-day travel plans.
 – Cover letter explaining trip importance.
 – Proof of appointment/conference tickets (if applicable).
 – Business invitation (for business trips).
09Family Information – Family information form (IMM5645).
 – Civil documents (marriage certificate, child’s birth certificate, etc.).
10Client Information– Additional supporting documents, such as sworn affidavits or further asset details.
Key Points for Uploading Documents
  1. Legibility: Ensure all scanned documents are clear and legible.
  2. File Size: Each file must be under 4 MB.
  3. File Combination: If needed, combine multiple documents into one PDF and compress the file.

Submitting complete and accurate documents online is critical for ensuring your application is processed smoothly.

Step 3: Submitting Biometrics at VFS Global

Providing biometrics is an essential part of the Canadian visa application process. This step enables the Canadian government to verify your identity while safeguarding against fraud or misuse of the immigration system.

After submitting your visa application, you will typically receive a Biometrics Request Letter from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) within 3 to 72 hours. This letter contains detailed instructions on how to complete the biometrics submission process.

Upon receiving the letter, you need to schedule an appointment with VFS Global in either Dhaka or Sylhet. VFS Global is the only service provider authorized by the Government of Canada in Bangladesh to handle biometrics submissions.

Appointments can be conveniently scheduled on the VFS Global website or via phone. When attending your appointment, ensure you bring your valid passport, a copy of the passport, the VFS appointment confirmation, and the Biometrics Instructions Letter.

During your visit, VFS Global staff will capture your fingerprints and photograph and transmit them securely to IRCC for processing.

Step 4: Waiting for Visa Decision

After completing your biometrics appointment at VFS Global, it’s normal to experience a period of waiting without any immediate updates.

You might find yourself wondering:

  • How long does it take to get a response after providing biometrics?
  • Could there be an issue with your submission?

Rest assured, this is a standard part of the process.

The visa review process begins as soon as your biometrics are submitted. Processing times typically range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the application volume and other factors.

Once your biometrics are updated in the system, immigration officials will review your application to assess whether you meet the eligibility criteria for a Canada visitor visa.

If your application is approved, you will receive a Passport Request (PPR) letter. In case of a refusal, you’ll be notified via a generic refusal letter on the visa portal.

Step 5: Submitting and Receiving Your Passport

Submitting your passport to the Canada Visa Application Centre (VFS Global) is a simple process. After receiving your Passport Request (PPR) letter from IRCC, you can visit the VFS Global office as a walk-in for passport submission.

Ensure you bring the following documents:

  • Your original passport
  • Any old passports with travel history
  • The Passport Request (PPR) letter from IRCC
  • Documents provided by VFS Global during your biometrics appointment

To avoid long waits, it’s a good idea to arrive early and have all required documents ready.

At the VFS Global office, the staff will assist with your passport submission and provide you with an estimated date for its return. You can choose to collect your passport directly from the VFS office or opt for home delivery at an additional cost.

The entire process, from passport submission to delivery, typically takes 7 to 14 working days.

Canada Visa Consultants in Bangladesh

Obtaining a Canada visa from Bangladesh is a manageable process, provided you carefully follow the required steps and meet all the necessary criteria.

It’s important to understand any specific eligibility requirements that may apply to your situation, including the purpose of your visit, your employment status, and your financial standing in Bangladesh.

To improve your chances of success, consider seeking guidance from experienced visa consultants in Bangladesh, such as Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs). They can assist in preparing your application accurately and ensuring all requirements are met.

At the Visa Processing Center, we specialize in helping clients navigate the Canada visa application process. With extensive experience and a proven track record of assisting hundreds of applicants, we are here to help you succeed too!

Reach out to us today for dependable and professional Canada visa consultancy services in Bangladesh.

What to Do If Your Application Is Refused

If your Canada visa application is denied due to ineligibility or insufficient documentation, don’t worry—you have options to move forward.

You can reapply after addressing the issues highlighted in the refusal letter. Alternatively, seeking guidance from a professional Canada visa consultant, such as the Visa Processing Center, or a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) can significantly improve your chances of success. There are over 50 RCICs in Bangladesh who specialize in helping clients with immigration and visitor visa applications.

Professional consultants or RCICs can guide you through every step, from preparing the necessary documents to strategizing the best approach for your reapplication.

Don’t risk another refusal. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in achieving a successful outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re considering applying for a Canada visa, you likely have several questions. Below are answers to some of the most common queries:

1. How can I get a Canada visa from Bangladesh?

To obtain a Canada visa from Bangladesh, you must submit an online application with the required documents. After submitting your application and biometrics, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will review them.

If approved, you will receive a Passport Request (PPR) to finalize the visa process. You can then submit and collect your passport at VFS Global Dhaka after the visa is stamped.

2. How much is the Canada visa fee in Bangladesh?

The visa fee depends on the type of visa you’re applying for:

  • Visitor visa: CAD 100
  • Student and work visas: CAD 150
  • Biometrics processing fee: CAD 85

Professional consultation fees range from 50,000 BDT to 1,00,000 BDT, while RCICs may charge 1,50,000 BDT to 3,00,000 BDT per application. These costs are in addition to government fees and documentation expenses.

3. How can I get a Canada visa immediately?

It is not possible to obtain a Canada visa immediately.

Visa processing can take several months, depending on the type of visa and the completeness of your application. To avoid delays, ensure all required documents are accurate and submitted promptly. Professional guidance can help streamline the process and reduce the chances of errors or refusals.

4. What is the Canada visa processing time from Bangladesh?

Processing times vary based on the visa type:

  • Visitor visas: 4-12 weeks
  • Student and work visas: Up to 2 months

These timelines do not account for the time needed to gather and submit documents. You can check the latest processing times on IRCC’s official website using their processing time calculator.

5. What are the requirements for a Canada tourist visa from Bangladesh?

To apply for a Canada tourist visa, you must provide:

  • A valid passport
  • Proof of financial support
  • Employment and professional details
  • The purpose of your trip
  • Evidence of home ties (e.g., family, property)

You must also meet Canada’s entry requirements, including being in good health and having no criminal record.