Canadian visa application procedure

The new visa application procedure - News - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | September 3, 2013

Dear Ms Powell,

My cousin is getting married in Toronto in December and I would like to apply for a visitor's visa to go to Canada. I have searched the Internet for information, and I'm finding all kinds of confusing information. Can you help me please? How do I find the forms and what documents do I need to submit? How long will the application process take?

- JM

Dear JM,

Effective September 4, applicants for temporary or permanent resident visas will no longer be permitted to submit their application directly to the Canadian High Commission's office at West King's House Road. All applicant are now required to submit their application through either of the two Visa Application Centres (VAC).

The location and contact information are:

1. Visa Application Centre - Kingston

31 Upper Waterloo Road,

Kingston 10.

Phone number: (876) 632-7370

Email address: kingston-info@csc-cvac.com

2. Visa Application Centre - Montego Bay

14 Sunset Boulevard

Montego Bay, St James

Phone number: (876)632-7370

Email address: montegobay-info@csc-cvac.com

Fingerprinting

All Jamaican citizens between the ages of 14-79 are required to submit their fingerprint as part of their application. The fingerprinting must be done at one of the two centres. You are required to pay a biometrics fee of CDN$85. All applicable fees may be paid through Scotiabank or by using a credit card at the VAC.

Documents

The documents that you should submit are the following:

1. Valid passport, which should not expire within the next 12 months.

2. Old/cancelled passports.

3. Birth certificate

4. Two recent passport photographs.

5. Marriage Certificate

6. Letter of employment, payslip.

7. If self-employed, provide evidence of your business registration, licence and financial documents. You may also submit a letter from a prominent member of your community such as a minister, counsellor, justice of the peace attesting to the type of business that you operate, and the length of time that you have done so.

8. Bank statement, to show that you have enough funds to cover the cost of the airfare, medical insurance and activities while in Canada. Your bank statement should reflect information about your banking investments for the last three months.

9. Proof of social ties to Jamaica such as children's birth certificate, proof of executive membership in a community or professional organisation.

10. Proof of assets in Jamaica such as land, vehicle title or registration.

11. Wedding invitation or letter of invitation from your relative.

12. Any other information which will prove their ability to afford the trip, show social, financial and family ties to Jamaica.

Processing Time

You must submit a complete application in order to avoid delays. If you submit a properly completed application form, attach all the relevant supporting documents, complete the biometric requirements, pay the appropriate fees, and there are no medical or security concerns, your application should be completed within 20 business days.

You may complete your application online and take your completed forms to the VAC , to provide your biometrics information. You must provide the reference number received online, and be prepared to pay additional fees, if required. Application forms and additional information are available online at www.csc-cvac.com/en-JM/selfservice/cvac_application_processing

If you are still having issues or concerns contact an immigration lawyer to assist you. Best of luck!

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with main office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are in immigration, real estate, commercial, personal injury, family and administration of estates. She is on the roster of mediators for Ottawa, Toronto, and the Dispute Resolution Foundation of Jamaica.

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