North Korea passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of North Korea

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of North Korea 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
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	1825 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	14–45 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$20 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	CAD 2,500 per person

How to apply

1
Prepare required documents
Gather all documents including passport, forms, photos, financial proof, itinerary, and employment letter.
2
Complete visa application forms
Fill out IMM 5257 and IMM 5645 accurately, sign and date.
3
Pay visa and biometrics fees
Pay CAD 100 visitor visa fee and CAD 85 biometrics fee, plus VAC service fee if applicable.
4
Book biometrics appointment at a VAC
Schedule appointment at the nearest Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) that accepts North Korean applicants.
5
Submit application and biometrics in person
Attend VAC appointment to submit application package, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
6
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 14 to 45 days. Check application status online.
7
Receive decision and passport instructions
If approved, you will be asked to submit passport for visa stamping at the VAC or embassy.
8
Send passport for visa issuance
Mail or drop off passport per VAC instructions along with any additional fees.
9
Collect passport with visa
Once visa is affixed, collect passport in person or receive by courier (depending on VAC service).
10
Travel and entry to Canada
Present visa and supporting documents to border officer; max stay 180 days per entry.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid North Korean passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay.
Two recent passport-size photographs
Must meet Canada photo specifications.

Travel

Flight itinerary or travel booking
Round-trip ticket or onward travel proof.
Hotel reservations or accommodation proof

Financial

Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or proof of funds (minimum CAD 2,500 per person).

Employment

Employment letter or leave approval
Indicates position, salary, and approved leave.

Supporting

Completed visitor visa application form (IMM 5257)
Family information form (IMM 5645)
Letter of invitation from host in Canada (if applicable)
Optional
Not mandatory but strengthens application.
North Korean government travel authorization
Exit permit from North Korean authorities.
Biometrics fee payment receipt
Biometrics fee CAD 85 per person.
Visa application centre (VAC) consent form
Required if applying via a VAC.
Proof of ties to North Korea
Property deeds, family certificates, or employment contract to show return intent.
Translation of any non-English/French documents
Certified translation with translator affidavit.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: CAD 2,500 per person

Bank statements
Pay stubs
Fixed deposit certificates
Sponsor letter

Must show sufficient funds for entire stay and return.

Good to know

North Korean passport holders face strict scrutiny; provide all requested documents.
Biometrics and in-person appearance are mandatory — there is no waiver.
Processing times can exceed 45 days; apply well in advance.
Ensure exit permit from North Korea is included.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial proof

Provide bank statements showing minimum CAD 2,500 per person plus proof of funds for entire trip.

Weak ties to home country

Submit employment letter, property deeds, and family certificates to demonstrate intent to return.

Incomplete or incorrect application forms

Double-check all forms, use latest versions, and answer all questions truthfully.

FAQ

Do citizens of North Korea need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of North Korea 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 North Korea stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of North Korea?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$20 service fee.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 14–45 days.

What documents do citizens of North Korea need for Canada?

Valid North Korean passport; Completed visitor visa application form (IMM 5257); Family information form (IMM 5645); Two recent passport-size photographs; Proof of financial means; Flight itinerary or travel booking; 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

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