Ghanaian’s Guide to Applying for a Canadian Visa

Statistics show that the second-largest African group in Canada is the Ghanaians. Most Ghanian immigrants are found in Montreal, Toronto, and Manitoba. To date, over 60,000 Ghanaians are living in Canada, and more are planning to make the move. Are you one of them?

There are different reasons why Ghanaians want to move to Canada why Ghanaians want to move to Canada). Some move for a better work opportunity, others move due to family class sponsorship, and some move to Canada to pursue higher education and land better employment opportunities to support their family back home.

Whatever your reason is for wanting to go to Canada, this article will help you know the ropes of applying for a Canadian visa if you are a Ghanaian or currently in Ghana.

Types of Canadian Visas You May Apply For

There are different types of Canadian visas you may apply for it depending on the purpose of the visit and duration of stay. Some of them include:

Visitor visa – for tourism, visiting relatives and friends, or doing business in Canada for up to 6 months.

Parents and grandparents super visa – visiting children or grandchildren for up to 2 years.

Canada student visa – for students admitted to a Canadian university to complete their studies. If you stay here for more than six months to complete your studies, you will be given this Student visa.

Canada Temporary Work Visa – for those who have a job offer in Canada and will work in the country for up to 6 months. To apply for this visa, you should present your valid job offer letter from an employer in Canada.

These visas are usually issued as a single entry or multiple entries. The former means you can enter Canada once before it expires. The latter means you can go to Canada as many times as possible before it expires.

Ways to Apply for a Canadian Visa from Ghana are the two ways you can apply for a Canadian visa from Ghana.

In-person: You may apply at VFS Global in Accra.

Online:You may apply at the website of Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Steps to Applying for a Canadian Visa from Ghana Online

If an online Canadian visa application works well with your circumstance, here are the steps you need to take. This guide features an application for a visitor visa in Canada. The similar process is often the same with other types of Canadian visas.

Step 1: Make sure you are eligible to travel to Canada.

Here are the basic requirements you need to meet to be considered eligible to enter Canada. Failure to meet these may disqualify you from getting your Canadian Visa.

Aside from being eligible, you may also need a medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

Step 2: Prepare all the required documents for you to get your visitor visa.

Whether you’re applying for a Canadian Visa in person or online, here are the documents you need to prepare:

• Temporary Resident Visa application form – IMM 5257 that is completed and signed
• Your passport. It should be valid during your stay in Canada and for at least six months after your trip with two blank pages.
• Copy of the passport biodata page
• Two photos following the photo specifications. Make sure they are signed, dated, and taken within the last six months. Write back your name and birthdate.
• Proof of legal right to remain in your country of residence

If the applicant is a minor, a travel authorization letter with the parent(s) passport is required.

Visa fee

Other specific documents are required for applicants from Ghana. For this, you may check the IRCC website. Go to the “Apply online” page to find these additional requirements, then click “Read the instruction guide.” Go to the “gather documents” section, then the “application for a visitor visa.” Choose Ghana in the “select a country/territory” tab, then click on “Get documents.” Next, click “Visa office instructions – Visit (IMM 5854).”

Step 3: Apply online.

To apply, create an account at the IRCC website. Answer any forms or questions asked during the application process, then upload your documents. Once everything is done, you should pay your fees. You may pay the fees at IRCC with your credit or debit card. A Canadian visitor visa, including a super visa, starts at 100 CAD or 400 GHS. Once you’ve paid, submit your application.

Step 4: Give your biometrics (fingerprints and photos).

Follow these instructions to process your biometrics.

Step 5: Wait for the processing of your Canadian visa application.

After submission, your application will be checked for completion and compliance. If it’s incomplete, it will be returned to you without processing it. If approved, the IRCC will ask you to send your passport.

After sending your passport to them, follow the instructions they will give you for you to get your visa.

Step 6: Prepare for your flight and arrival in Canada.

Prepare all the documents you will need to fly to and enter Canada. You may be required to present these to the border services officer once you arrive in Canada.

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