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How to Apply For Canada Tourist Visa for Filipinos

Plan your next Canada trip! Here’s our guide for Filipinos about applying for Canada tourist visa. Enjoy a vacation in this wonderful country.

A lot of Filipinos dream is to go to Canada. Not only to work but also to travel. And we’re not surprised about that! With the country’s beautiful lakes and landscapes, who wouldn’t want to go here? 

However, going here requires Filipinos to provide a tourist visa. But the good thing is, that’s possible in the comfort of your own home. Yes! You can do everything online. But that doesn’t guarantee your visa approval. You have to complete all your requirements and provide enough proof of your financial capability and a strong tie to the Philippines. But don’t worry as we have a guide for you that can help you apply for a tourist visa to Canada.

Canada Visa

Quick Facts about Canada

  • Canada is the world’s second-largest country. 
  • Over half of Canada’s residents have degrees making it the ‘World’s Most Educated Country’.
  • In 1947, Canada had its lowest recorded temperature of -81.4 degrees Fahrenheit (-63 C).
  • The word “Canada” is an Iroquoian language that means “Village”.
  • Canada has the most lakes than the rest of the world’s lakes combined.

When and Where to Get Canada Tourist Visa 

The visa application for Canada can be done online or personally through the various visa application centers in:

Cebu: Canada Visa Application Centre, VFS Services Phils. Pvt. Inc., 9F Keppel Center Unit 905 Samar Loop cor Cardinal Rosales Ave, Cebu Business Park.

Manila: Canada Visa Application Centre, VFS Services Phils. Pvt. Inc., Mezzanine Floor Ecoplaza Bldg., Chino Roces Ave Ext., Makati City.

In this article, we’ll focus more on the online process. If you still prefer to do it personally, please refer to the VFS Global Page.

Main requirements in applying for Canada Tourist Visa

  • Valid Passport. Must have at least one-year remaining validity. Scan the bio-page;
  • Completed Form IMM5257. This is the Application for Visitor Visa Form. Fill out the items digitally and truthfully. (This only works on latest Adobe Reader version);
  • Completed Form 5645. This requires your Family Information. It must be filled out digitally as well. (This only works on Adobe Reader 8 or higher version);
  • 2 recent passport size photos (35mm x 45mm). It must be taken within the last 6 months. See complete photo specifications here;

How to Apply For A Canada Tourist Visa with Your Philippines Passport

  • Proof of income/financial capacity. (Bank Certificate/ Bank Statement for the last 4 months).
  • Affidavit of Support. Only applicable if somebody else is sponsoring your trip. Also, attach his/her proof of financial capacity;
  • Travel history. A scanned copy of your visas (valid or expired) and your entry/exit stamps. Make sure to just put everything in 1 file;
  • Purpose of Travel. Your flight reservation, hotel reservations, and daily itinerary. 

Rent A Flight

Supporting Documents for Canada Tourist Visa

For employees, self-employed, and digital nomads

  • Certificate of Employment and Income Tax Return

For students

  • School Records such as Enrollment Receipt/Certificate.

For Business owners

  • Business Permits 

Others

CANADA

Step-by-Step Guide for Pre-Visa Application

STEP 1: Prepare all the required documents stated above and scan them in the PDF, JPG, TIFF, PNG, DOC, DOCX format. Make sure that they’re in 1 file.

STEP 2: Create your CIC Account — this is where you can apply, upload your documents, pay for visa fees, and track your application status.

STEP 3: Upload all the required documents. Make sure they’re complete. 

STEP 4: Put your complete name in the Electronic Signature section. (That’s considered as your signature)

STEP 5: Pay the visa fee of 100 CAD online using your Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card.

STEP 6: Just wait for updates. When a consul opens your application, you will receive an email saying that ‘your application has been updated.’ Wait for the final decision.

STEP 7: Do your biometrics then submit. Here’s our guide for the Canadian Visa Biometrics.

STEP 8: If you receive an email saying that your visa has been denied, then we can’t do anything about that. If, however, it has been approved, just submit your passport and a copy of the Passport Request that was sent to your CIC account to VFS Global in Makati/Cebu. Pay the required fees, and you’ll receive your visa in a few days!

VISA APPLICATION BUNDLE SERVICE

Visa Processing Fee for Canada Tourist Visa

100 CAD for the processing fee. If your visa got approved, you need to pay VFS their fee of PHP 543.15 and Courier Fee of PHP 293.95. You can choose to pick-up your passport too.

Processing time: 10-14 days or sometimes even a month.

Canadian Embassy in the Philippines

Embassy of Canada in the Philippines
Address: Level 6-8, RCBC Plaza Tower 2 1200, 6819 Ayala Ave, Makati, 1227 Metro Manila
Contact number: (02) 8857 9000
Office hours: Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM / Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the best time to apply for a visa?

We strongly advise you to apply for a visa at least 2 months before your intended trip as the process can take up to a month.

2. How much money should I have in my bank account?

There is no clear answer to that. However, People say that 200 CAD/day of stay is more than sufficient. But make sure you have enough to cover your accommodation and flight expenses as well. Read our guide about show money for visa application.

3. Is there a limit to the file size that is to be uploaded?

Yes. Your file should not exceed 4MB.

4. I have a valid U.S. Visa. Do I still need to apply for a Visit Visa to Canada?

Yes, most travelers need a visitor visa or an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) to travel to, or transit through Canada.

5. I forgot to attach a document to my application. Can I send them after I have already submitted my application?

No, unless they asked you for it which is rare. This is why you need to go through your documents and make sure that they’re complete. 

6. How long can I stay in Canada?

Most visitors are allowed to stay in Canada for 6 months. However, you may also be allowed to stay for less than this period. This is indicated on your visa.

7. Is it possible for my authorized length of stay to be extended?

Yes. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at least 30 days before the authorized end of your stay.

8. Do I need to have travel insurance?

Though Canada is perfectly a safe country, we still recommend you to get insurance. We don’t know what will happen during your trip. Having one is advisable!

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79 thoughts on “How to Apply For Canada Tourist Visa for Filipinos

  1. Hi! I am applying with my parents. Do they still need Affidavit of support from me? They have their own bank cert and statement but i think its not enough.

  2. Hi, I want to apply my mother for a tourist visa. My husband and I both filipinos are residing here in Canada and will support my mom’s travel, accommodation and expenses. Can you assist me in applying a visa for her?

  3. Hi. I just want to ask how many days/weeks/ months were you able to receive the visa application status (tourist)? I’d applied last July 6, 2022 but until now I havent received a decision on my tourist visa?
    Also, I just want to know if anyone else is having the same issue..

  4. I’m planning to get tourist visa to Canada because my brother want me to go there to take care of him because of his serious illness do I need to still show some bank account I’ll be living in their house do I need an invitation letter coming from them?

    1. You need an affidavit of support from him as well as his documents, though I think you need a far more good purpose of travel. As per your statement, you may be denied due to the fact that you won’t be leaving Canada when your visa expires as you will continue taking care of your brother.

  5. Hi,
    I want to apply visitor’s visa for my sister to come here in Canada. She could stay in with my employer’s house. It there any agency that could assist us? Thank you and God bless

  6. Hello,

    I am applying for a visitor visa in Canada online and I am having a difficult time in the application forms. Is it necessary that after I answer digitally the application forms and press validate, there should be barcodes coming out? When I press validate, there is no barcode that comes out. May you please help me with this? Thanks!

  7. Hi I am planning to get a Tourist Visa to Canada, could you please assist me for the paperworks to prepare prior to application? Thanks in advance.

  8. Hi Lyza
    I applied online
    I am for passport request
    Questions ?
    Do you need an appointment in VFS global Manila for transmission of documents?
    I could not see any appointment system in Transmission of Documents only in Biometric
    Can I go walk in? to give my original passport for transmission of documents to VFS Manila?

  9. My girlfriend got turned down for tourist visa last year ,after one year of trying . Can we try again.. she lives in Philippines I live in Canada Thank you

  10. Hi! I am planning to go to Canada as a Tourist. Is it a good application if I just mention I am going there for leisure and travel given that it is covid? Thank you! – Eya

  11. Hi! In Purpose of Travel, we are going to live with a family, so we don’t have any hotel booking? Is Invitation Letter enough?
    And is flight booking really required?

  12. My girlfriend is going to come visit me in Canada and i and going to help her with the expenses. Is there any forms I need to fill out ? And what else do I need to do?

  13. Hi Lyza, can you guide me about how to send all the documents in Canadian embassy? How can I contact you Directly?

    1. Hello .good morning Po My fiance will just ask me if I want to travel Canada and he will answer my expenses. On my part what will I need to prepare .And there is a trip? And can I get visa for it? Because our policy both government and immigration for those want to travel is new ..hope I get the responce as soon frm you .thank you and god bless my I ask if you have an number to contact to talk personally to know all those info I need …..have good day

  14. Hi Lyza,

    With regards sa proof of income/financial capacity, pwede na ba ang payslip? Then bank declaration?

  15. Hi we recently got denied due to they suspect we wont leave the country after the end of stay, based on the following reasons:
    1. Travel history
    2. Purpose of the visit
    3. Current employment status (unemployed)
    4. Personal assets
    Is there anything we can do about this?

  16. Hi I am planning to visit my friends in Canada. How can I avail the tourist Visa. I owned condo, cars, and business. How much to show money in my bank statement? I want to go there for 15-30 days depends if need to be quarantine upon arrival. I am vaccinated already. Also i am willing to provide rountrip ticket and hotel accommodation for the whole period of my stay. Would you think I will be approve. Thank you

  17. My sister and her family does not have any travel history but they want to travel to Canada for vacation. Is there a possibility that they will get denied?

  18. Hi! i will be traveling with my mother (a senior citizen), my niece and my nephew (who is 17 yrs old) to canada. How do i apply – as a group or individually?

    Hoping for immediate response.

    Thank you.

  19. Hi, my friend is inviting me to visit Canada this December , im goin to stay with him for a week and he is the one who’s gonna fund for everything. I just wanna ask what we can do to get a Canadian tourist visa easy.Does a letter of invitation helps? Thank you!

  20. My grandfather and grandmother is US citizen and they what me to come with them. I’m Student and fully vaccinated. we are planning to leave next year January. What requirement that i need to apply for tourist visa to canada?

  21. How long will it take to get a travel visa for a woman in the Philippines to visit me in Toronto Canada for 10 days

    1. now, 1 – 3 months. And if she’s not vaccinated, she can’t travel for 10 days, it needs to be more than 15.

  22. Hi! Is it possible to get a visa if I don’t have ITR? But I have proof of employment. Is it really required to submit ITR?

  23. Hello
    I am from Turkey and now live ib Canada. I have workpermit here. My girl friend fiance live Phillipines and I want to bring her here as tourist.We ll marry in Canada.I can be sponsor for her.She applied one time tourist visa but could not get. How can get tourist visa for her.

  24. Hi,

    Can I ask, I have a rejected student visa 2yrs ago, can I still apply for tourist, will it affect my application if I applied again?

    Im an ofw in Singapore. Planning to visit canada by oct, will you be able to help me?

  25. Hello,

    Is it hard to get approval for Filipinos to get tourist visa? My brother was denied one. We extend invitation for him. He has 3 sisters in Canada who are all citizens. Thanks

    1. The Embassy probably thought he would stay longer than intended and find work as he has 3 sisters there.
      It’s better if he supports himself while traveling.

      If you need help in the visa application, you can contact us.

  26. Hello. Can i ask if i can avail a tourist visa to canada? I am from Philippines but currently working in Thailand. Or i need to go back Philippines to get a visa or i can able to process here in Thailand? I have work permit here in thailand. Thanks in advance.

    1. Hello, you can apply in Thailand! Just look for the nearest Canada Visa Application there.

  27. Hi! Just want to ask, i dont have any international travel history way back then and now since I’m a first timer to travel internationally. But the canada visitor visa has a requirement of travel history. In that case, Do i need to pass a none travel history explanation or just don’t submit anything about travel history? Thank you!

  28. Hi,
    Just wanna ask if applicable to apply tourist visa to Canada , I’m Philippine passport , as we have this COVID situation at the moment. and I’ve been travelling, I’m in Muscat Oman, right now next month I’ll be in UK.

  29. Its really a big help if you can tell me can i upload also the picture of my mother reason i will come back to the philippines i originally after 3 weeks tourist in canada???

  30. Good day!
    Am i allowed to inter canada by this january 2021 after i finished applying my tourist visa this coming December?
    Thank you!
    God bless!

    1. Hello, have you started processing you Canada tourist visa? Just want to know how the applications are going during this time. Thank you.

  31. How can I get a tourist visa to canada
    From italy with a philippines passport holder and residence in italy.

  32. Hi, do you have an idea if where could I get a biometric if I’m from Davao? Should I really go to Cebu or Makati just to get it?

  33. hi, i would like to follow up an application (renewal) of my tourist visa form that was submitted last february 2020 (pre-covid19).
    i paid the biometrics already but i dont have a schedule yet.
    i paid the application fee already.
    i submitted the application form & supported docs already.
    so whats my next step?
    Thanks.

  34. Hello. I would like to ask if it’s ok to attach my father’s Bank certificate because I am unemployed for now and my boyfriend invited me to visit Canada.

    Thank you.

  35. Hi. my husband and I have been travelling to the US with our tourist visas. Now my 8 yrs old daughter wants to go to canada to tour when all is well as her mates (shes a youtuber) are there and she wants to meet them. If we can apply for a CAN+ visa, can we apply her with it? She doesnt have a US visa though

  36. My boyfriend wanted to bring me in canada he is a canadian. Is it possible that he’s the one will apply a tourist visa for me?
    Hope you could answer me and help us for the process. Thank you.

    1. He can fill up your information online; however, you’ll need to go to an application center to get your biometrics taken.

      1. hi,same concern,i did my biometric last feb2021. till now theres no news to ircc,bcoz of the covid..i am hopeful that they will email me to submit my passport..my question is theres a way to make them quick processing?

  37. Can I apply for a Canadian visa outside the Philippines? I’m a tourist in the US and want to go to Canada after. I don’t really want to fly back to Manila if I dont have to especially since Canada is closer here. If it’s online and through a VAC only, is it possible?

    1. Hello/maam sir, hope u all fine!!! i wanna ask u if how can apply a tourist visa to canada im a philippine i am working here in lebanon so i want to exit from here ..please waiting for your reply thank u God bless u and ur staff..

      1. hi…ma’am/sir what is the requirment for visit visa from bahrain to canada i am philippine passport holder thank stay safe..

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.