How Much Money Do I Need to Apply for a Tourist Visa in Canada?

Applying for a tourist visa to Canada involves various costs, and understanding these can help you budget effectively. The total amount of money you need can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the visa application fees, additional expenses like biometrics, travel costs, and potential legal or consultancy fees if you choose to use professional services.

To start, the basic application fee for a visitor visa (also known as a temporary resident visa) is CAD 100 per person. If you are applying with family members, each individual will need to pay this fee, leading to a cumulative cost. For example, a family of four would need to budget at least CAD 400 just for the visa fees.

In addition to the visa fees, you may also be required to pay for biometrics, which is a mandatory step for many applicants. The fee for biometrics is CAD 85 per person. If you have a family of four, this would add another CAD 340 to your costs.

Further, if you are applying from outside Canada, you might incur other expenses such as:

• Travel Costs: Depending on your location, travel costs to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate can vary widely. This can include transportation and accommodation if needed.

• Medical Insurance: It's advisable to have travel medical insurance when visiting Canada. This can cost anywhere from CAD 5 to CAD 25 per day, depending on your age, health, and the length of your stay.

• Supporting Documents: You may need to submit various supporting documents, including proof of funds to show you can support yourself during your stay in Canada. This is typically expected to be at least CAD 1,000 per month for the duration of your visit, along with any costs associated with obtaining these documents (like translation fees, if applicable).

• Legal or Consultancy Fees: If you choose to hire an immigration consultant or lawyer, their fees can range widely based on the services they provide, typically from CAD 500 to CAD 2,000.

Considering these factors, the total estimated cost for applying for a tourist visa in Canada could easily range from CAD 500 to over CAD 2,500 depending on personal circumstances and the length of your stay.

To provide a clearer picture, here’s a simple breakdown of potential costs:

Expense	Cost (CAD)
Visitor Visa Application Fee	100 per person
Biometrics Fee	85 per person
Supporting Funds (1 month)	1,000
Travel Costs	Varies
Medical Insurance (10 days)	50-250
Legal/Consultancy Fees	500-2,000
Total (approximation)	500 - 2,500+

Key Takeaway: It’s crucial to factor in all potential costs beyond just the visa application fee. Having a clear understanding of these expenses will help you plan your trip to Canada more effectively.