Sri Lanka passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Sri Lanka

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Sri Lanka 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	15–60 days
Government fee	CA$100
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Provide evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your stay (e.g., bank statements for the past 4 months).

How to apply

1
Check eligibility and gather documents
Ensure you meet all requirements and collect all necessary documents listed above.
2
Complete the online application
Create an account on the IRCC portal and fill out the visitor visa application form (IMM 5257). Pay the visa fee of CAD 100 online.
3
Book a biometrics appointment
Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre in Sri Lanka (Colombo).
4
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the VFS centre in person to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
5
Submit your passport and documents
After biometrics, you will submit your passport and all supporting documents at the VFS centre.
6
Wait for processing
Canada processes most visitor visas within 15-60 days. Check status online.
7
Receive decision and passport
VFS will inform you when your passport is ready for collection with the visa vignette.
8
Travel to Canada
Enter Canada within the visa validity, up to 180 days per visit.

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport
Must have at least 6 months validity and at least two blank pages.
Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Download and fill out accurately.
Family information form (IMM 5645)
Include details of all dependents.
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Meet the Government of Canada photo specifications.
Biometrics page receipt
Provided after biometric appointment.
Consent form for biometrics (IMM 5659)
Required if applying through VFS.

Travel

Travel itinerary
Round-trip flight booking or detailed travel plan.
Proof of accommodation
Hotel bookings or host's invitation details.

Financial

Proof of financial support
Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of studies
To show ties to Sri Lanka.
No objection letter from employer or school
Optional
Recommended to demonstrate return intention.

Supporting

Letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends)
Optional
From host in Canada including their status and contact.
Visa fee payment receipt
Proof of payment of CAD 100.
Cover letter explaining purpose of visit
Optional
Optional but helps clarify intentions.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: None specified; provide evidence that you have sufficient funds for the entire stay.

Bank statements (last 4 months)
Pay slips
Sponsorship letter
Fixed deposit certificates
Property valuations

Funds should cover transportation and accommodation.

Good to know

Incomplete or incorrect application may cause delays or refusal.
The visa is at the discretion of the visa officer; ensure strong ties to Sri Lanka.
US permanent residents can enter visa-free (not applicable to this application).

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial proof

Provide clear bank statements showing recent transactions and adequate balance.

Weak ties to home country

Submit employment letters, property documents, or family commitments.

Incomplete application forms

Double-check all forms and signatures before submission.

FAQ

Do citizens of Sri Lanka need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Sri Lanka 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 Sri Lanka stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Sri Lanka?

Government fee: CA$100.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 15–60 days.

What documents do citizens of Sri Lanka need for Canada?

Valid passport; Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Family information form (IMM 5645); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of financial support; Travel itinerary; 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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