Canada Tourist Visa
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) · For Colombia citizens
Planning a trip to Canada as a Colombian citizen? You will need a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). This guide covers everything you need: required documents, current fees of CAD $100 plus biometrics, processing times, and strategies to improve your approval chances.
Canada Tourist Visa for Colombian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Colombia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada
Complete the visitor visa application through the IRCC online portal
Bank statements and financial documents showing sufficient funds for your trip
Documentation proving your employment status, income, and ties to Colombia
Details explaining why you want to visit Canada and your planned activities
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Colombia
Fingerprints and photograph collected at a Visa Application Centre (VAC)
Recent passport-style photo meeting Canadian specifications
Application Process
All visitor visa applications for Canada are submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.1 Here are the steps:
1. Check Eligibility
Verify that you need a visitor visa (not an eTA) on the IRCC website.1 Colombian citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa.
2. Create Online Account
Create an account on the IRCC online portal to access the application forms and upload documents.2
3. Complete Application
Fill out the required forms (IMM 5257 and IMM 5645) and upload all supporting documents including passport, photos, financial evidence, and purpose of travel documentation.2
4. Pay Fees
Pay the application fee (CAD $100) and biometrics fee (CAD $85) online.4
5. Submit Biometrics
After submitting your application, you will receive a biometrics instruction letter. Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bogotá to provide your fingerprints and photo.2
6. Wait for Decision
IRCC will process your application and notify you of the decision via your online account.3 If approved, submit your passport for visa stamping.
Fees
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa Application | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics | CAD $85 |
| Total | CAD $185 |
Fees are non-refundable and must be paid online when submitting your application.4 If applying as a family, maximum biometrics fee is CAD $170.
What You Need to Prove
To be approved for a Canadian visitor visa, you must demonstrate that you:1
- Have ties to your home country that will compel you to return
- Have enough money for your stay and return travel
- Will leave Canada at the end of your visit
- Have no criminal or immigration violations
- Are in good health (medical exam may be required for some applicants)
- Have a genuine purpose for visiting
Processing Times
Current processing times for visitor visas from Colombia are approximately 16-20 weeks.3 Processing times are estimates and can vary based on:
- Application volume
- Completeness of your application
- Whether additional documents are requested
- Individual circumstances requiring further review
Check the IRCC website for the most current processing times before applying.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, you will be notified through your IRCC online account. You will need to submit your passport to the VAC for the visa to be stamped.
When entering Canada, have ready:
- Your passport with valid visa
- Return flight ticket or onward travel plans
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
The border officer will determine your allowed length of stay and stamp your passport accordingly.
If Your Visa is Refused
If refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. Your options include:
- Reapply with improved documentation addressing the refusal reasons
- Request reasons for refusal through an Access to Information request
- Judicial review through Federal Court (within 15 days of refusal)
There is no formal appeal process for visitor visa refusals. If you reapply, you must pay the fees again and should include new information or evidence addressing the concerns raised.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Ties to Colombia
Unable to demonstrate strong economic, family, or social ties that would compel return to Colombia after the visit.
How to avoid: Provide employment letter showing stable job, property documents, family certificates showing dependents, or business registration. Explain clearly why you will return.
Insufficient Financial Resources
Financial documents do not show enough funds to cover the trip, or income sources are unclear or inconsistent with the proposed itinerary.
How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with consistent income and sufficient balance for your trip. Include all financial assets like CDTs and investments.
Unclear Purpose of Travel
The stated purpose of visit is vague, unconvincing, or inconsistent with supporting documents.
How to avoid: Be specific about why you want to visit Canada. If visiting family, include their invitation letter and proof of their Canadian status. If tourism, explain your itinerary.
Immigration History Concerns
Previous visa refusals, overstays, or other immigration issues in Canada or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Explain what has changed and provide evidence of improved circumstances since any refusal.
Incomplete Application
Missing documents, unclear scans, or forms not properly completed.
How to avoid: Use the IRCC document checklist. Ensure all documents are clear, translated if needed, and uploaded in the correct format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Colombians need a visa to visit Canada?
Yes. Colombian citizens are not eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada.
How long can I stay in Canada on a tourist visa?
The visitor visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months. The exact length of stay is determined by the border officer when you enter Canada and stamped in your passport.
Can I work on a Canadian tourist visa?
No, the Temporary Resident Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in Canada. If you want to work, you need to apply for a work permit.
How long does Canada visa processing take from Colombia?
Current processing times are approximately 16-20 weeks. However, processing times can vary significantly based on application volume and individual circumstances.
What is the Canada tourist visa fee for Colombians in 2025?
The visitor visa application fee is CAD $100, plus a biometrics fee of CAD $85 for most applicants. Total: CAD $185.
Do I need to attend an interview?
Canada does not typically require in-person interviews for visitor visa applications. Your application is assessed based on submitted documents. However, IRCC may request an interview in some cases.
Can I reapply if my visa is refused?
Yes, you can reapply at any time. You should address the reasons for refusal with new or additional documentation. Alternatively, you can request a judicial review in Federal Court.
Can I extend my stay in Canada?
Yes, you can apply to extend your stay from within Canada at least 30 days before your status expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a new application.