--- title: Canada visa for citizens of Sri Lanka description: "Citizens of Sri Lanka need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100. Processing: 15–60 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/sri-lanka lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # Canada visa for citizens of Sri Lanka 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.* 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:** 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 - **Valid passport** (Identity): Must have at least 6 months validity and at least two blank pages. - **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Identity): Download and fill out accurately. - **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Identity): Include details of all dependents. - **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Meet the Government of Canada photo specifications. - **Proof of financial support** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter. - **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Round-trip flight booking or detailed travel plan. - **Letter of invitation (if visiting family or friends)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Canada including their status and contact. - **Employment letter or proof of studies** (Employment): To show ties to Sri Lanka. - **No objection letter from employer or school** (Employment, optional): Recommended to demonstrate return intention. - **Proof of accommodation** (Travel): Hotel bookings or host's invitation details. - **Biometrics page receipt** (Identity): Provided after biometric appointment. - **Visa fee payment receipt** (Supporting): Proof of payment of CAD 100. - **Consent form for biometrics (IMM 5659)** (Identity): Required if applying through VFS. - **Cover letter explaining purpose of visit** (Supporting, 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. ## FAQs ### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html) ## More - [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada) - [Every destination for Sri Lanka passport holders](/visa/passport/sri-lanka)