--- title: Canada visa for citizens of North Korea description: "Citizens of North Korea 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$20 service fee. Processing: 14–45 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/north-korea lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Canada visa for citizens of North Korea 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.* 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 - **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 - **Valid North Korean passport** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. - **Completed visitor visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Supporting) - **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Supporting) - **Two recent passport-size photographs** (Identity): Must meet Canada photo specifications. - **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or proof of funds (minimum CAD 2,500 per person). - **Flight itinerary or travel booking** (Travel): Round-trip ticket or onward travel proof. - **Hotel reservations or accommodation proof** (Travel) - **Letter of invitation from host in Canada (if applicable)** (Supporting, optional): Not mandatory but strengthens application. - **Employment letter or leave approval** (Employment): Indicates position, salary, and approved leave. - **North Korean government travel authorization** (Supporting): Exit permit from North Korean authorities. - **Biometrics fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Biometrics fee CAD 85 per person. - **Visa application centre (VAC) consent form** (Supporting): Required if applying via a VAC. - **Proof of ties to North Korea** (Supporting): Property deeds, family certificates, or employment contract to show return intent. - **Translation of any non-English/French documents** (Supporting): 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html) ## More - [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada) - [Every destination for North Korea passport holders](/visa/passport/north-korea)