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Canada Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) to Canada—apply online at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html; total visa fee CAD 185 per applicant including biometrics; processing times vary by country.

Guide last updated September 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in Canada; ideally having at least 6 months validity beyond your planned departure date is recommended.
  • Specific forms: Apply online and complete IMM 5257 (Application for Temporary Resident Visa) and IMM 5645 (Family Information Form). If applying on paper, include IMM 5257, IMM 5645, and the Document Checklist (IMM 5484) as required by the visa office.
  • Financial proof: Bank statements for the last 3–6 months, salary slips or tax documents, an employment letter, and evidence of assets to show you can cover travel and stay costs.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: Hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host, plus a return or onward travel itinerary.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport photos meeting Canadian visa photo requirements (size 50 mm x 70 mm, plain white background; taken within the last 6 months; clear full-face view; no heavy glasses or hats unless medically required).
  • Biometrics: Yes. You must provide biometrics (photo and fingerprints) at a Visa Application Centre after you submit your application; biometrics fee CAD 85 per person is payable.
  • Travel health insurance: Not mandatory for entry but strongly recommended to cover medical expenses during your stay.

Visa types

  • Visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) — Official name: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a Visitor Visa. Validity: up to 10 years or less; Maximum stay per entry usually 6 months; Entries: typically multiple-entry; Approx fee: CAD 185 per applicant (CAD 100 processing + CAD 85 biometrics).
  • Student permit — Official name: Study permit. Validity: for the duration of studies; after completion you may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit; Approx fee: CAD 235 total (CAD 150 study permit + CAD 85 biometrics).
  • Temporary work permit — Official name: Work permit (employer-specific). Validity: duration of job offer plus 90 days; Approx fee: CAD 340 total (CAD 255 work permit + CAD 85 biometrics).
  • Business visitor (within TRV) — Official name: Visitor visa with business purposes. Activities limited to meetings, consultations, etc.; Validity/entries as per TRV; Approx fee: CAD 185 + biometrics.
  • Note: International Experience Canada (IEC) programs are not available to Afghanistan nationals.

Application process

  • How to apply online: Go to the official portal and create a GCKey/Sign-In Partner account, complete the form for a Temporary Resident Visa, upload documents, pay CAD 185 (TRV + biometrics) and CAD 85 biometrics, and schedule a biometrics appointment at a Visa Application Centre. After approval, you will receive a digital visa or a visa vignette to put in your passport.
  • How to apply if you cannot apply online: You may apply on paper via a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) or through a partner country’s visa office; fees may include VAC service charges. Check the VAC locations and process for Afghanistan-adjacent countries (e.g., Pakistan/UAE) on the VAC site and the official embassy pages.
  • Biometrics: You will be instructed to provide biometrics at a VAC after submitting your online or paper application; biometrics are generally valid for 10 years for most applicants.
  • Where to submit documents: Online applicants upload digital copies; paper-based applicants submit printed forms and copies to the VAC; you will receive a decision notification in your online account.
  • Processing times: Processing times vary by country and case; check the official IRCC processing times tool for Afghanistan or the VAC country page for current estimates.
  • Important links: For visa application details and consular locations, see https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html and https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/index.aspx?lang=eng.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: CAD 185 per applicant (CAD 100 processing for TRV + CAD 85 biometrics). Approx USD equivalent depends on the current exchange rate.
  • biometrics: CAD 85 per person (usually included in the CAD 185 total for TRV applicants); note that some applicants may be exempt from biometrics under specific circumstances—verify eligibility during application.
  • VAC/VFS service fee: VAC/VFS handling fees vary by country; check the VAC Pakistan/UAE or closest VAC page for exact amounts.
  • Total cost estimate: CAD 185 + VAC service fee (if applicable) per applicant; convert to USD using the current rate for a rough estimate.
  • Standard processing time: Processing times vary; consult the official IRCC processing times page or the VAC country page for Afghanistan-adjacent processing estimates.
  • Express/priority option: Canada does not publish a guaranteed express option for Afghan applicants; some visa offices may offer faster processing in limited cases, but this is not guaranteed.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Start the process at least 4–6 months before your planned travel date to accommodate visa processing and biometrics scheduling.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants: insufficient funds or unclear ties to home country, incomplete or inconsistent documents, lack of a clear itinerary or purpose, or prior visa history concerns.
  • VACs vs direct embassy: In practice, Afghan applicants typically use a VAC in a neighboring country (e.g., Pakistan or UAE) and submit biometrics there; verify current VAC locations and procedures on the official VAC site and country pages.
  • Travel advisories: Check Government of Canada travel advisories and your own country’s advisories; review any country-specific notes from IRCC and the local visa office.
  • Extension options inside Canada: If you are in Canada on a TRV, you may apply to extend your status before it expires or switch to another status if you meet requirements; approval is not guaranteed and depends on your circumstances.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.