Syria passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Syria

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Syria 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
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	30–60 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$20 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Proof of funds	Show sufficient funds for stay and return

How to apply

1
Check eligibility and gather documents
Ensure you meet visitor visa requirements and collect all required documents.
2
Complete online application (IMM 5257)
Submit the application via the IRCC portal or at VFS Global.
3
Pay visa fee and biometrics fee
Pay CAD 100 visa fee plus CAD 20 biometrics fee online.
4
Receive biometric instruction letter (BIL)
IRCC sends BIL within 24 hours of application submission.
5
Book biometrics appointment at VAC
Schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre.
6
Attend biometrics appointment in person
Provide fingerprints and photo at the VAC.
7
Submit passport and supporting documents
Mail or drop off passport and all documents to VFC.
8
Wait for processing
Processing takes 30 to 60 days on average.
9
Receive passport with visa stamp
If approved, passport is returned with visa.
10
Travel to Canada
Present visa and documents at border entry.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for entire stay in Canada
Two recent passport-size photos
Meet Canada photo specifications
Visa application form (IMM 5257)
Complete and sign online or print
Travel itinerary
Include flight reservations and accommodation
Passport translation (if not in English/French)
Optional
Certified translation required

Financial

Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter

Employment

Employment letter or leave approval
Optional
Confirm employment status and planned leave

Supporting

Biometrics instruction letter
Provided after online application submission
Purpose of visit letter
Explain why you are visiting Canada
Family information form (IMM 5645)
Optional
If applicable, list all family members
Proof of ties to home country
Optional
Property deeds, family certificates, etc.
Criminal record check (if requested)
Optional
Police clearance from home country
Medical exam (if applicable)
Optional
Required for stays over 6 months or certain cases

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient funds for stay and return

bank statements
pay stubs
sponsorship letter

Typically CAD 2,000 per month of stay recommended.

Good to know

Syrian nationals have a high refusal rate due to weak ties and security concerns.
Overstaying may result in a ban from Canada.
Incomplete applications cause delays or rejection.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient financial proof

Provide clear bank statements showing adequate savings for the entire stay.

Weak ties to home country

Include evidence of employment, property, or family obligations in Syria.

Incorrect or missing documents

Double-check application checklist and submit all required forms.

FAQ

Do citizens of Syria need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Syria 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 Syria stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Syria?

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

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 30–60 days.

What documents do citizens of Syria need for Canada?

Valid passport (at least 2 blank pages); Two recent passport-size photos; Visa application form (IMM 5257); Biometrics instruction letter; Proof of financial means; Travel itinerary; and 7 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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