How to Apply for Canada Visa in Ghana
Canada is one of the top travel destinations in the world. If you’re looking at visiting Canada from Ghana, then you’ll need a visa. In this post, we’ll take you through the step by step guide on how to apply for Canada visa in Ghana, Canada visa requirements, Canada visa fees, and Canada visa processing time in Ghana.
As a Ghanaian applying for a visa to Canada, you must apply for the right visa category. That is to say, you must have a cogent reason for wanting to visit the country.
Depending on the purpose of your travel to Canada, there are different types of visas that will apply to the occasion. Whether you are planning to go on a visit, study or work and reside in Canada permanently, you’ll have to apply for a different Canadian Visa, accordingly.
Contents
What is Canada Visa?
Canada visa is a formal endorsement on a passport of a foreigner by the Canadian government that allows the passport holder to enter and leave Canada without any restriction.
The visa contains some vital information about the passport holder like duration of stay, the purpose of visit and other details. The Canada visa is valid for a period of time and they are of different types depending on the purpose of your visit.
Types of Canada Visa
There are different categories for Canada visas applicable to Ghanaians. These categories are based on the reason for traveling, and the duration of travel.
Visitor visa
The Canada visitor’s visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is primarily for individuals who intend to visit family or vacation for a short period of time. The visitor’s visa has a validity period of 6 months. You’ll be issued a temporary residents permit which avails you the opportunity to move around freely throughout your period of stay.
Study Permit
The Canada study visa is issued to individuals who intend to study in Canada. As a requirement, you’ll be required to show proof of provisional admission by an institution in Canada. The visa is valid throughout the duration of your studies plus an additional 90 days.
For more information, see our guide on how to apply for Canada Student Visa in Ghana.
Business Visa
The Canada business visa is issued to individuals who intend to visit the country for a business purpose. The business visa has a validity period of 6 months.
Work Visa
The Canada work visa is issued to individuals who have been offered a job in Canada. The visa duration is based on the type of work applied for. There are 2 types of work permits and they include the following;
Employer-specific work permit:- An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit.
Open work permit:- An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada.
For more information about Canada Work Permit, click here.
Canada Visa Requirements for Ghanaians
The general documents that you must have in order to obtain a Canada visa are as follows:
- Completed Visitor Visa (IMM 5257) and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- An original and copy of your Ghanaian passport. The passport will need to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of return and have at least two blank pages.
- Two colour photographs that meet the visa photo requirements.
- Proof of application processing fee and, if applicable, biometric fee.
- Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip (i.e. three months bank statements, payslips, proof of investments, etc.).
- If you are not paying for the trip you will need a letter from the person or institution sponsoring your trip and additional documents (i.e. a copy of their passport and a bank statement proving they have sufficient funds).
- Proof of ties to Ghana (i.e. employment letter, proof of businesses or assets, etc.).
- Copy of provisional flight booking and travel itinerary (i.e. accommodation reservations).
- You may need to provide a medical history or proof of good health.
- Previous passports showing travel history, if any.
- Additional documents to support your application (i.e. marriage certificates, invitation letters, etc.).
- A self-addressed return courier envelope.
- Minors (under 18) travelling alone will need a letter of authorisation signed by both parents or legal guardians. For minors travelling with one parent, a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian is required.
- If you are visiting family or travelling for business you will need an invitation letter detailing the nature of the visit, length of stay, details of the host person or business etc.
NOTE: Paper photographs are not required if you need to supply biometrics.
Documents may vary if you are applying through VFS Global.
How to Apply for Canada Visa in Ghana
For more information on how to prepare for your application, click here.
Step 1
Read complete information on the visa/permit requirements on the IRCC website and download the appropriate application forms and checklist relevant to the purpose of your visit. Find out if you need to give your biometrics.
Step 2
Fill out the application form and other relevant documents. If you are unable to provide all the supporting documents as mentioned in the official IRCC document checklist, you are required to fill out and sign the CVAC waiver form and attach it with your application form.
Failure to provide a completed and signed CVAC waiver form may result in additional delays or refusal of your application for a visa, permit or travel document.
Step 3
It is advised you read the attached privacy policy and to complete and sign the CVAC Consent Form prior to submitting your application at the Canada Visa Application Centre (CVAC).
Step 4
Pay Visa fees and biometric fee, if required, as per instructions in the IRCC fee list.
Step 5
Submit your passport, photographs, completed forms and all supporting documents as per checklist and IRCC fee instrument ate the Canada Visa Application Cenre (CVAC) in Accra.
Important Note: If you need to give your biometrics, the CVAC will collect your biometrics at the same time you submit your application. DO NOT submit your application by mail to this CVAC.
Step 6
When applying at CVAC, pay the service charges, submit the complete application and obtain a receipt. This receipt contains a unique tracking number which is important as it is required to track the progress of your application online.
Important Note: If you need to provide biometrics, your $85 CAD biometric fee covers the CVAC service charge for application handling.
Canada Visa Processing Time in Ghana
The processing time for Canada visa application in Ghana is about 11 days. However, the visa processing time may vary depending on how many applications were received. Also, the application may be delayed or returned if it’s not complete.
Canada Visa Application Centre in Accra
Office Address:Â
(CVAC operated in partnership with OIM/IOM) International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ghana
House 10, Plot 48, Osu Badu Road/Broadway
Airport West, Accra
Mailing Address:
(CVAC operated in partnership with OIM/IOM) International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ghana
P.O. Box 5222,
Accra-North, Ghana
Days of Operation:
From Monday to Friday (excluding declared holidays)
Hours of Operation:
VAC Opening time:Â 09:00-17:00
Application Submission:Â 09:00 to 16:00
Passport Collection:Â 14:00 to 16:00
Helpline phone numbers and Email:
Helpline number:Â +233 (0) 50 129 5270, +233 (0) 50 129 5273
Email:Â [email protected]
All information on this page was correct at the time of publication and may change at any time without prior notice. Ghstudents.com is not affiliated to immigration authorities or their application centres and will not be liable for loss or inconvenience arising from the use of this volatile information.
