Canada visa requirements for Iranian citizens

Iran has frequently ranked among the top 10 source nations for immigrants to Canada, indicating that many Iranians consider Canada a safe location to work, study, invest, or even call home. Obtaining a visa to visit Canada is not an easy procedure, and as an Iranian citizen, this might have serious consequences for you if you need to travel, study, work, or immigrate to the Great White North. Knowing how to navigate the Canadian immigration process is a valuable skill to have, especially given the continuously changing restrictions and processes.

In this tutorial, we will discuss the Canadian visa requirements for Iranian nationals, the application procedure, and all of the paperwork and costs you will need.

What is a Canadian Visa?

The Canada eTA visa is a streamlined entry requirement for visa-free foreign nationals flying to Canada by air. However, Iranians are often ineligible for eTA because Turkey is not on Canada's list of visa-exempt nations. This implies that most Iranian visitors to Canada must apply for a conventional visa, regardless of the reason or duration of their stay.

A Canadian visa is an official document granted by the Government of Canada that allows foreign citizens, such as Iranians, to travel and stay in Canada for a variety of purposes, including tourist, study, job, or permanent residency. Depending on the reason for your travel, several types of visas will be necessary. In Iran, Canadian visas are primarily provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or Canadian embassies, consulates, and visa offices.

Obtaining a Canadian visa from the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in Iran is insufficient to enter Canada, even if the Consulate determines that you are qualified and meet the conditions for entrance. The Canadian Border Services Officers (BSO) nevertheless maintain the power to determine whether you are fit to enter or not.

If you answer their questions honestly and accurately, they will let you to enter Canada; nevertheless, if they have any doubts, they may ask you to return to Iran, even if you have a Canadian visa.

Types of Canadian Visas for Iranians

There are three main types of Canadian Visas. These include:

• Canada Visitor Visa
• Canada Work Permit
• Canada Tourist Visa
• Canada Transit Visa
• Canada Study Permit
• Canada Permanent Residence Visa

Check Canada visa requirements for Iranian citizens

Iran passport holders are NOT ELIGIBLE for eTA

If you intend to travel to Canada from Iran, you will need to fulfil certain conditions in order to apply for a visa, including certified translation of all necessary documents in Canada. Some of these requirements are:

• You must be at least 18 years of age to apply as a primary visa applicant.
• You must assure the visa officer that you will leave Canada after the specified period of stay (for temporary visas).
• You must be able to prove that you have the financial ability to support yourself and any family members during your stay in Canada (for a temporary visa).
• You must agree not to work or study in Canada without proper authorisation (for a temporary visa).
• You must demonstrate to the visa officer that you do not pose a security risk to Canada.
• You must not have a criminal record.
• You must prove that you are in good health.
• You must provide all documents requested by the visa officer.
• You must certify and translate all requested documents from Farsi to English or French.

2. How To Apply For Canada eTA Visa From Iran

Citizens of Iran need to apply for a visa at the Canada Embassy in Iran

• Choose the visa program that's right for you: learn about the various immigration programs available and determine which one meets your goals, whether it's to work temporarily in Canada or to obtain permanent residency.
• Check if you are eligible to apply: Ensure that you meet the specific criteria outlined in your chosen immigration program or visa.
• Undertake the necessary assessments: Undertake a medical examination as required by the visa programme. Depending on the programme, you may be required to take a language proficiency test, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for obtaining a foreign qualification.
• Gather the necessary documents: Gather all the required documents that we have previously listed for the programme you have chosen, including general documents such as a passport and specific documents such as proof of acceptance for a Canadian student visa.
• Create a secure IRCC account: Creating an account on the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship (IRCC) platform will allow you to access all the forms and information you need regarding your application. You will need a GCKey username and password to register.
• Fill out a visa application form: You can fill out and submit a Canada visa application form online on the IRCC system. You can also download the completed form and submit it in person to a visa application centre in Iran or to the Canadian Embassy in Turkey in Ankara, as Canada no longer has a consulate in Iran. If you are unable to provide any of the required supporting documents, you will need to complete a visa waiver form along with the application form.
• Pay the required fees: Depending on your circumstances, you may be allowed to pay the visa fee online, otherwise, you will be required to pay at the Visa Application Centre or Embassy. Ensure that you pay all the required fees and retain the receipts.
• Attend the Interview: After submitting your application and paying the required fees, you will be given a date for your visa interview. Arrive on time for the interview, answer all questions correctly and honestly, and be willing to provide biometric information that will be requested, such as your fingerprints and photograph.
• WAITING FOR YOUR VISA: After your interview, please be patient and wait for a response regarding your visa status. If the Canadian government is satisfied with your application, you will be granted a visa within 15-30 days, but if not, you will receive a refusal letter. You can pick up your passport in person at the Visa Application Centre or have it delivered to you by courier.