Updated: July 2026 · Official sources below
- Fee: CAD $100 per person (a family of 5+ applying together pays a maximum of CAD $500). (source)
- Biometrics: CAD $85 per person / maximum CAD $170 per family. (source)
- Biometrics in Ecuador: Quito only, VFS Global centre (Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00). There is no centre in Guayaquil. (source)
- Processing from Ecuador: ~24 days (as of July 2026; excludes biometrics and passport shipping; it fluctuates weekly). (source)
- Visa valid up to 10 years; typical stay up to 6 months per visit.
What does the process involve?
The Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) allows travel to Canada for tourism, family visits or business. Unlike the US visa, the Canadian process is done entirely online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal, without the need for an in-person interview in most cases.
The process includes creating an account on the IRCC portal, completing official forms (IMM 5257 and IMM 5645 for applicants 18+), uploading supporting documents like travel history and bank statements, paying the $100 CAD fee, and providing biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo, $85 CAD) at an official collection center (VAC). Not all documents listed by IRCC are mandatory — some are optional, but the more complete your file, the higher the probability of approval.
Required Documents (Mandatory)
According to IRCC: Not all documents listed are required — some are optional. Only submit the recommended documents that prove you're eligible.
- Valid passport (clear colour copy of the page with birth date and country of origin, plus pages with stamps, visas or markings)
- IMM 5645 form — Family Information (required for each applicant 18 years or older)
- IMM 5476 form — Use of Representative (only if a family member or third party applies on your behalf)
- Biometrics: fingerprints and digital photo at official VAC center ($85 CAD)
- Processing fee payment: $100 CAD (visa) + $85 CAD (biometrics)
- Additional documents for minors (if traveling with only 1 parent, a relative/friend, or alone)
Optional Supporting Documents
Canada evaluates applications on a documentary basis. There is no interview, so supporting documents are your only opportunity to demonstrate ties to your country and financial solvency.
- Travel history (copies of previous visas showing past travel)
- Detailed itinerary (how long you plan to stay and what you'll do in Canada)
- Bank account statement showing sufficient funds
- IMM 5475 form (if you want IRCC to share your case status)
- Employment letter with position, salary and tenure
- Tax return from the last fiscal year
- Real estate property ownership certificate
- Invitation letter from Canadian resident/citizen (if applicable) — see what it must include
- Marriage certificate or children's birth certificates
- Travel or medical insurance
📋 Key Facts
- Type: TRV (Temporary Resident Visa)
- Cost: $100 CAD + $85 CAD (biometrics) — family cap $500 / $170 CAD
- Validity: Up to 10 years (limited by passport and biometrics)
- Max stay: Up to 6 months per visit
- Interview: Not required (online process)
- Forms: IMM 5257 + IMM 5645
📍Where to Apply?
Step 1: Create IRCC account
Register on the official IRCC portal to start your online application:
canada.ca - Apply for Visitor VisaStep 2: Complete forms and upload documents
Fill out forms IMM 5257 and IMM 5645, upload your supporting documents and pay the fee directly on the portal.
Step 3: Provide biometrics
Pay the biometrics fee ($85 CAD) when you apply. Wait for your biometric instruction letter (BIL) — you must use the BIL issued for this specific application. Then book an appointment and visit an official VAC center.
In Ecuador, Canada's only VAC is in Quito, operated by VFS Global (Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00). There is no centre in Guayaquil, so plan the trip to Quito if you live on the coast.
💡 IRCC cannot issue a visa longer than 10 years from the last date you gave your biometrics. If you want a visa for a longer period, you can choose to give your biometrics again when you apply, even if they're still valid.
Find official VAC centerStep 4: Wait for decision and send passport
If your application is approved, you will receive instructions to send your passport for the visa stamp. As of July 2026, processing time for Ecuador is ~24 days per IRCC's official tool (excludes biometrics and passport shipping); check it, it changes weekly.
Check processing times (IRCC)💡 Official & Important Tips
- •Canada does NOT accept: passports from Somalia, non-machine-readable passports from the Czech Republic, temporary passports from South Africa, or provisional passports from Venezuela.
- •Travel history is key: include copies of previous visas (US, Europe, etc.). It shows you've obtained visas before and respected them.
- •Bank statements must show a consistent balance, not last-minute deposits. IRCC wants to understand if you have enough money to support yourself during your stay.
- •If a minor under 18 travels with only 1 parent, a relative/friend, or alone, you'll need specific additional documents. Consult with us for more details.
Related guide
Letter of Invitation for Canada
What it must include, who writes it and why it does not guarantee the visa.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Canada visa take from Ecuador?
About ~24 days as of July 2026 according to IRCC's official tool (Ecuador-specific figure); add the biometrics appointment in Quito and passport shipping. Check the number in the tool, it updates weekly. (source)
Where do I give biometrics if I live in Guayaquil?
In Quito: it is Canada's only VAC in Ecuador (VFS Global). Plan the trip; the BIL letter is a prerequisite before booking your biometrics appointment. (source)
Does the letter of invitation guarantee the visa? Must it be notarized?
It does not guarantee the visa, and IRCC does not require notarization. It is a supporting document the officer weighs alongside your ties and financial means. See the full template and checklist in our guide.
Official Sources
- IRCC — Apply for a visitor visa (Government of Canada)
- IRCC — Eligibility to visit Canada
- IRCC — Where to give biometrics (official VAC centers)
Information verified July 2026. Requirements may change. Always check official sources before applying.
Once your visa is approved, where to start?
The favorite gateway for travelers to Canada:
Need help with your Canadian visa?
At The Clubbe we are experts in Canadian visa applications. We help you complete the forms, write your purpose of travel letter, organize your documents and guide you step by step until your visa is approved.