Lesotho passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Lesotho

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Lesotho 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)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Entries	Single entry
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements, pay stubs, or proof of assets

How to apply

1
Determine eligibility and gather documents
Check IRCC website for visitor visa requirements and prepare all required documents.
2
Complete online application
Fill out the application form (IMM 5257) on the IRCC portal and upload supporting documents.
3
Pay application and biometrics fees
Pay the visa processing fee (CAD 100) and biometrics fee (CAD 85) online via IRCC.
4
Book biometrics appointment
After submitting, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide fingerprints and photo.
5
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the VAC in person to enroll biometrics; bring passport and appointment confirmation.
6
Wait for processing
IRCC processes the application; processing time varies (check IRCC website for current estimates).
7
Submit passport (if approved)
If visa is approved, submit your passport to the VAC for visa stamping (if required).
8
Receive passport with visa
Collect your passport from the VAC or have it couriered back with the visa affixed.
9
Travel to Canada
Present your passport with visa at the port of entry; border officer may ask for additional documents.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay
Passport-sized photographs
Two recent photos meeting IRCC specifications
Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Fill online via IRCC portal
Birth certificate (for minors)
Optional
If applying with children

Travel

Travel itinerary
Flight reservations and accommodation details
Proof of travel insurance
Optional
Recommended but not mandatory

Financial

Proof of financial support
Bank statements, pay stubs, or letter of employment

Employment

Employment letter or proof of ties to home country
To demonstrate intention to return

Supporting

Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
From host in Canada with proof of status
Biometrics fee receipt
Proof of payment for biometrics enrollment
Visa application fee receipt
Proof of payment of processing fee
Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Optional
For accompanying spouse
Police clearance certificate (if requested)
Optional
May be required for certain applicants
Medical exam results (if requested)
Optional
May be required for long stays or specific countries

Proof of funds

Bank statements
Pay stubs
Letter of employment
Tax returns

Sufficient funds to cover stay and return; amount varies by trip length and accommodation.

Good to know

Biometrics are mandatory for Lesotho citizens; must be done in person at a VAC.
Processing times can be lengthy; apply well in advance of planned travel.
Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision at port of entry.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial proof

Provide clear bank statements showing adequate funds for the trip.

Weak ties to home country

Include employment letter, property ownership, or family ties to demonstrate return intention.

Incomplete application or missing documents

Double-check document checklist and ensure all forms are filled correctly.

Previous immigration violations

Be honest about history; provide explanation if applicable.

FAQ

Do citizens of Lesotho need a visa for Canada?

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

What documents do citizens of Lesotho need for Canada?

Valid passport; Passport-sized photographs; Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Proof of financial support; Travel itinerary; Employment letter or proof of ties to home country; and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Canada

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Canada.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides