---
title: Canada visa for citizens of Syria
description: "Citizens of Syria 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: 30–60 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/syria
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of Syria

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.*

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
- **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

- **Valid passport (at least 2 blank pages)** (Travel): Must be valid for entire stay in Canada
- **Two recent passport-size photos** (Travel): Meet Canada photo specifications
- **Visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Travel): Complete and sign online or print
- **Biometrics instruction letter** (Supporting): Provided after online application submission
- **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Include flight reservations and accommodation
- **Purpose of visit letter** (Supporting): Explain why you are visiting Canada
- **Employment letter or leave approval** (Employment, optional): Confirm employment status and planned leave
- **Family information form (IMM 5645)** (Supporting, optional): If applicable, list all family members
- **Proof of ties to home country** (Supporting, optional): Property deeds, family certificates, etc.
- **Passport translation (if not in English/French)** (Travel, optional): Certified translation required
- **Criminal record check (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): Police clearance from home country
- **Medical exam (if applicable)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html)

## More

- [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada)
- [Every destination for Syria passport holders](/visa/passport/syria)