Ethiopia passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Ethiopia

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)

Citizens of Ethiopia 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.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	1825 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	30–60 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$35 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements or pay stubs showing sufficient funds for the trip

How to apply

1
Prepare application package
Gather all required documents and forms as per IRCC checklist
2
Pay government fees online
Pay the CAD 100 visitor visa fee plus CAD 85 biometrics fee (if applicable) via IRCC portal
3
Book biometric appointment at VFS Global
Schedule an appointment online at your nearest Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC)
4
Submit application and biometrics in person
Visit the VFS Global centre with your documents and provide fingerprints and photograph
5
Wait for processing
Typical processing time is 30–60 days; check status online via IRCC account
6
Receive decision and passport submission
If approved, submit your passport to the VAC for visa sticker issuance (by mail or in person)
7
Collect passport with visa
Pick up your passport from VFS or receive it by courier

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended departure date
Travel itinerary (flight reservations, accommodation bookings)
Round-trip or onward travel details

Financial

Proof of financial support (bank statements, employment letter, pay stubs)
Show you can cover stay and return expenses

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties to home country
Demonstrate return obligations

Supporting

Completed Temporary Resident Visa application form (IMM 5257)
Download and fill out from IRCC website
Family information form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707)
For applicants 18 and older
Digital passport-sized photograph (specifications on IRCC website)
Taken within the last 6 months
Biometric fee receipt
Pay and include the receipt in application package
Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family)
Optional
Includes host's contact and proof of status in Canada
Purpose of visit documentation (tourist plan, conference invitation, etc.)
Explain why you are visiting

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: CAD 2,000 minimum for short stay (plus accommodation costs)

Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
Pay stubs
Employment letter
Tax returns

Must demonstrate sufficient funds for entire stay and onward travel

Good to know

Biometrics are mandatory and must be done in person at a VAC
Processing can take up to 60 days; apply well in advance
Not providing proof of ties may increase rejection risk

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or missing documents

Use IRCC Document Checklist and double-click completeness

Insufficient funds or vague purpose of visit

Provide clear bank records and a detailed itinerary

Weak ties to home country (risk of not returning)

Include employment, property, or family proof

Previous immigration violations or criminality

Be honest; any misrepresentation leads to ban

FAQ

Do citizens of Ethiopia need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Ethiopia need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV).

How long can citizens of Ethiopia stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Ethiopia?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$35 service fee.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 30–60 days.

What documents do citizens of Ethiopia need for Canada?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed Temporary Resident Visa application form (IMM 5257); Family information form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707); Digital passport-sized photograph (specifications on IRCC website); Biometric fee receipt; Proof of financial support (bank statements, employment letter, pay stubs); and 4 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

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