---
title: Canada visa for citizens of Mexico
description: "Citizens of Mexico 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$30 service fee. Processing: 15–30 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/mexico
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of Mexico

Citizens of Mexico 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 · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days
- **Entries:** Multiple entry
- **Processing time:** 15–30 days
- **Government fee:** CA$100 + CA$30 service fee
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Show sufficient funds for stay and return

## How to apply

1. **Determine eligibility** — Check if you qualify for eTA (if you have a US visa or previous Canadian visa) or need a full visitor visa.
2. **Prepare documents** — Gather all required documents as per the checklist.
3. **Complete application form** — Fill out IMM 5257 online or by hand.
4. **Pay fees online** — Pay the visa processing fee and biometrics fee via the IRCC portal.
5. **Submit application** — Submit the application online or at a VFS Global centre.
6. **Book biometrics appointment** — Schedule an appointment at a VFS Global centre to provide fingerprints and photo.
7. **Attend biometrics appointment** — Visit the VFS centre in person to enroll biometrics.
8. **Wait for processing** — Processing typically takes 15-30 days.
9. **Receive decision** — You will be notified by email or mail.
10. **Collect passport with visa** — If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker.

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Identity)
- **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Meet Canadian photo specifications
- **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Flight reservations and accommodation details
- **Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Canada
- **Employment letter or proof of ties to Mexico** (Employment): To demonstrate return intention
- **Proof of onward/return ticket** (Travel)
- **Biometrics fee receipt** (Identity): Paid online before appointment
- **Visa application fee receipt** (Identity)
- **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): For accompanying spouse
- **Birth certificate (for minors)** (Identity, optional): If traveling with children
- **Police clearance certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): May be required for some applicants
- **Medical exam results (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): For stays over 6 months or specific cases

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** CAD 2,500 (approx.)
- Bank statements
- Pay stubs
- Sponsorship letter

Must show sufficient funds for entire stay and return travel.

## Good to know

- If you hold a valid US non-immigrant visa or have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years, you may be eligible for an eTA instead of a full visa when flying to Canada.
- Land and sea arrivals from Mexico always require a visitor visa, not eTA.

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient financial proof** — Provide clear bank statements and proof of income.
- **Weak ties to home country** — Include employment letter, property deeds, or family ties in Mexico.
- **Incomplete application** — Double-check all forms and documents before submission.

## FAQs

### Do citizens of Mexico need a visa for Canada?

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

### How long can citizens of Mexico stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

### How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Mexico?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$30 service fee.

### How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 15–30 days.

### What documents do citizens of Mexico need for Canada?

Valid passport; Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of financial means; Travel itinerary; Employment letter or proof of ties to Mexico; 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 Mexico passport holders](/visa/passport/mexico)