Canada Visa for UAE Residents in 2024
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Do UAE Residents Need a Visa for Canada?
The requirement of a Canada visa for UAE residents depends on their nationality. UAE nationals can visit Canada without a visa for up to 6 months. Most expatriates residing in the UAE can apply for a temporary resident visa.
Citizens of around 53 countries are eligible for visa-free entry to Canada. Upon arrival in Canada, visa-exempt travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Other foreign travellers are required to apply for a visa in advance.
Types of Canada Visas Available for UAE Residents
Visitor Visa
UAE residents traveling to Canada for tourism, sightseeing, or meeting family & friends must obtain a visitor visa. This visa is also known as a temporary resident visa. It can either be a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa. A Canadian visitor visa can be valid for up to ten years
Work Visa
Foreign nationals require a legal work permit to take up paid employment in Canada. There are two types of work visas. An employer-specific work permit allows the holder to work for a specific employer for a specific period. An open work permit allows you to work for any eligible employer. The validity of a work visa depends on the visa type
Student Visa
Foreign nationals desirous of studying at an educational institution in Canada must have a student visa. This visa is typically valid for the duration of the study program
Immigrant Visa
UAE residents who wish to immigrate to Canada can choose from a wide variety of immigrant visas. This includes an Express Entry Visa, a Business Immigration Visa, a Family Sponsorship Visa, a Self-Employed Visa, and so on. The application process and the eligibility criteria may vary among these visa types
Canada Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
Eligibility Criteria
The applicant should have a valid passport
He/she should have physical & mental health with no major medical risks
He/she should have a clean police record with no criminal cases
The applicant should have strong ties to the home country (i.e. family, employment, assets, etc.)
The applicant should have sufficient financial resources to support the stay in a foreign country
Documentation
Completed and signed visa application form with the correct details
A passport with a minimum validity of six months. It must have at least two blank pages
A UAE residency visa with a validity of at least three months is required to apply for a Canada visitor visa
Recent passport-sized color photographs (2-3) with a white background
Biometric data (can be done at the visa application center)
Medical certificate from an authorized health center in the UAE
A letter or an NOC from the employer with details of the applicant’s job, position, and income. Self-employed applicants can submit a copy of their business registration documents or trade licenses
Travel itinerary with round-trip flight reservation
Hotel reservation or an invitation letter from a local host as proof of accommodation in Canada
Bank statements for the past six months as proof of finances to cover the cost of stay in Canada
How to Get a Canadian Visa for UAE Residents?
The procedure for applying for a visa to Canada depends on the type of visa. However, below is the general procedure for obtaining a Canada visitor visa (or a temporary resident visa).
Visit the official website of the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Create an account on the portal through the GCKey or by using a Sign-in Partner
Fill up the visa application form, upload scanned copies of the required documents, and submit them
Pay the prescribed visa application & biometric fee
Book an appointment to visit the Canada visa application center and complete the biometric verification. You may be asked to attend a visa interview or provide additional documents
Please wait for some time for the processing of your visa. If your application is approved, you will be required to send your passport to the immigration office for visa stamping. You can track the application status online through your IRCC account
How Much Does a Canada Visa Cost and What is its Validity?
| Visa Type | Processing Fee (in C$) | Processing Fee (in AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa for single or multiple entries to Canada | 100 (per person) | 266 |
| Visitor visa for single or multiple entries to Canada for a family of 5 or more (all family members must apply together) | 500 | 1,330 |
| Extending a Visitor Visa | 100 (per person) | 266 |
| Restoring a Visitor Visa | 229 (per person) | 609 |
Note: The Canada visiting visa cost in AED is based on the C$/AED exchange rate as of Oct 18, 2024 (i.e. C$ 1 = AED 2.66).
Canada Visa On Arrival for UAE Residents
Canada does not offer a visa on arrival for UAE citizens or residents. However, UAE nationals can visit Canada without a visa by obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). This is a simple online process that permits them to travel by air without a visa for short visits. Depending on their nationality, other UAE residents may be required to apply for a visa in advance to visit Canada.
How to Check the Canada Visa Status Online?
Visit the official website of the Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Log in to your IRCC account if you have applied online. For paper-based applications, you can use the Client Application Status (e-CAS) system
Navigate to the ‘Check Application Status’ section on the portal. Enter your application reference number and personal information as required
Click ‘Submit’ to view the status of your visa application
Frequently Asked Questions about Canada Visa for UAE Residents
The processing time for a Canada visit visa from the UAE depends on the type of visa and the volume of applications. However, it takes at least a month to obtain this visa and can typically extend up to two months.
UAE citizens can travel to Canada without a visa by obtaining an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Other residents who do not hold a UAE passport may be required to apply for a visa online through the IRCC website.
No. Travel insurance is not mandatory for travel to Canada. However, it is advisable to purchase travel insurance to cover the risk of medical emergencies, loss of baggage, theft, and flight/trip cancelations.
The general requirements for UAE residents to travel to Canada are as follows:
- Passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- UAE residence visa with a validity of at least 3 months
- The applicant’s biometric data
- Proof of accommodation in Canada (e.g., hotel bookings)
- Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements)
- Travel itinerary with round-trip flight tickets
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of the visit
- A letter or an NOC from the employer with details of the applicant’s job, position, and income. Self-employed applicants can submit a copy of their business registration documents or trade licenses
The standard cost of a single-entry visa or a multiple-entry visa to Canada is C$ 100 (approx. AED 270) per person (or) C$ 500 (approx. AED 1,330) for a family of five people applying together.
The acceptance rate of a Canadian visa has decreased from over 80% to about 65% over the last 15 years. However, you can improve your chances of getting a Canadian visa by submitting the correct application and following the prescribed guidelines.
The minimum balance required for a Canada visitor visa depends on the type of visa and the duration of your stay in the country. However, a bank balance of at least C$ 10,000 (approx. AED 27,000) is required for short-term visits.
The type of Canadian visa that is easy to get depends on the purpose of your travel. A Temporary Resident Visa or a Visitor Visa is ideal for tourism or leisure and allows you to stay for up to six months. Applicants who are seeking permanent residency can apply for an Express Entry Visa – Canada’s fastest immigration program.
Yes. You can now move to Canada without a job offer. Pathways such as the Express Entry System, Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program do not require applicants to have a job offer.
The processing time for a visa application at the German Consulate in the UAE is around 15 calendar days.
