--- title: Canada visa for citizens of Afghanistan description: "Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$45 service fee. Processing: 30–90 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/afghanistan lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Canada visa for citizens of Afghanistan Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. *Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.* Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html ## Key facts - **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) - **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center - **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days - **Visa validity:** 180 days - **Entries:** Multiple entry - **Processing time:** 30–90 days - **Government fee:** CA$100 + CA$45 service fee - **Passport validity:** At least 6 months - **Biometrics:** Required - **Appointment:** Required - **Interview:** Not required - **Onward or return ticket:** Not required - **Proof of funds:** Bank statements showing sufficient funds for stay and return ## How to apply 1. **Gather documents** — Collect all required documents listed above, including valid passport, forms, photos, and financial proof. 2. **Complete application forms** — Fill out IRCC forms IMM 5257, IMM 5645, and IMM 5257 B accurately. 3. **Pay fees online** — Pay visa fee (CAD 100) and biometrics fee (CAD 85) via IRCC online payment system. 4. **Book biometrics appointment** — Schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) for fingerprints and photo. 5. **Submit application and documents at VAC** — Bring printed forms, photos, passport, payment receipts, and all supporting documents to the VAC; submit in person. 6. **Biometrics enrollment** — Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC during your appointment. 7. **Processing by IRCC** — Your application is processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC); you may be contacted for additional documents. 8. **Visa decision and passport return** — Once approved, IRCC will affix the visa in your passport and return it via the VAC or courier. 9. **Travel to Canada** — Ensure you have the visa in your passport before travel; carry copies of documents and proof of funds. 10. **Upon arrival** — Present your passport and visa to CBSA officer; may be asked about purpose, funds, and onward travel. ## Documents checklist - **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure from Canada - **Two recent passport-sized photos** (Identity): Meet IRCC photo specifications - **Completed Temporary Resident Visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Identity): Fill out online or by hand - **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Identity): Provide details of all family members - **Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257 B)** (Identity): For certain applicants including Afghanistan - **Biometrics fee receipt and appointment confirmation** (Identity): Pay the biometrics fee and book an appointment at a VAC - **Proof of financial support** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsor letter - **Letter of invitation (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Canada, including their status proof - **Travel itinerary (round trip booking or flight reservation)** (Travel): Confirmed or placeholder reservation - **Proof of employment or studies** (Employment): Employer letter, payslips, or school enrollment letter - **Purpose of visit (cover letter)** (Supporting): Explain reason for travel and ties to home country - **Marriage certificate or birth certificate (if applicable)** (Identity, optional): For accompanying family members - **Criminal record certificate (if required)** (Supporting, optional): May be requested by visa officer - **Medical exam evidence (if required)** (Supporting, optional): Only if you plan to stay more than 6 months ## Proof of funds - **Minimum balance:** Sufficient to cover stay and return (e.g., CAD 2,000+ for a short visit) - Bank statements (last 3-6 months) - Pay stubs - Sponsor letter with sponsor's bank statement Consular officers may request additional proof; no fixed minimum but must clearly show ability to fund trip. ## Good to know - Afghan passport holders face additional scrutiny; a strong application with clear ties to home country is essential. - Canada does not offer a visa-on-arrival or eVisa for Afghan nationals; only the regular in-person TRV route is available. - Biometrics appointment is mandatory; no walk-ins accepted. - Processing times vary and can exceed 90 days for Afghan applications due to security checks. ## Common refusal reasons - **Insufficient ties to home country** — Provide strong evidence of employment, family, property, or studies in Afghanistan. - **Lack of funds or unclear financial support** — Submit detailed bank statements and a clear sponsor letter if applicable. - **Incomplete or incorrect application forms** — Double-check all fields and include all required schedules. - **Criminal or security inadmissibility** — Obtain police clearance if needed and disclose any issues honestly. - **Previous visa refusal or violation** — Provide explanation and evidence of changed circumstances. ## FAQs ### Do citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for Canada? Citizens of Afghanistan need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). ### How long can citizens of Afghanistan stay in Canada? Up to 180 days. ### How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Afghanistan? Government fee: CA$100 + CA$45 service fee. ### How long does Canada visa processing take? Typically 30–90 days. ### What documents do citizens of Afghanistan need for Canada? Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Two recent passport-sized photos; Completed Temporary Resident Visa application form (IMM 5257); Family information form (IMM 5645); Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257 B); Biometrics fee receipt and appointment confirmation; and 8 more. ### How long must my passport be valid for Canada? At least 6 months. ### Where do I apply? Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay. ## Sources - [canada.ca](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html) ## More - [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada) - [Every destination for Afghanistan passport holders](/visa/passport/afghanistan)