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Canada Visa for Afghanistan Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Afghan citizens need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada – apply online via IRCC, then provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in a third country; visa fee CAD 100, biometrics fee CAD 85, processing times are highly variable and lengthy.

Guide last updated June 20, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada. It is highly recommended to have a passport with validity extending several months beyond your planned departure date.
  • Specific forms:
  • Application for a Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)
  • Family Information (IMM 5707)
  • Schedule 1 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257 – Schedule 1) (if applicable)
  • Use of a Representative (IMM 5476) (if using an agent)
  • Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475) (if applicable)
  • Financial proof: While there isn't a specific minimum amount, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay. Generally, this means showing at least CAD 1,000-2,000 per month per person. Provide:
  • Bank statements (for the last 4-6 months)
  • Pay slips or employment letters
  • Proof of assets (property, investments)
  • Letter of support from a host in Canada, including their financial capacity (if applicable)
  • Accommodation and return ticket requirements:
  • While not strictly mandatory for the application, it is strongly recommended to provide a detailed travel itinerary, including confirmed or proposed accommodation bookings (hotel reservations, invitation letters from hosts).
  • A return flight reservation or itinerary is also recommended to demonstrate your intent to leave Canada after your visit.
  • Photo spec: Two recent passport-style photos (taken within the last 6 months) meeting Canada's specifications:
  • Size: 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8 inches x 1 3/4 inches)
  • Background: Plain white or light-colored
  • Face: Centered, neutral expression, no head covering unless for religious reasons (must show full face)
  • Quality: Clear, in focus, no shadows or reflections
  • Biometrics: Yes, biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) are required for most Temporary Resident Visa applicants. After submitting your application, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). You must then travel to a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometrics. For Afghan citizens, this usually means traveling to a VAC in a neighboring country such as Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, or Turkey.
  • Travel health insurance: While not legally required for a Temporary Resident Visa, it is highly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. Healthcare costs can be very high.

Visa types

  • Afghan citizens primarily apply for the following Canadian visa type for temporary visits:
  • Official name: Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), often referred to as a Visitor Visa
  • Purpose: Tourism, visiting family/friends, short-term study (less than 6 months), business meetings (not work)
  • Validity: Typically granted for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever comes first. This allows you to travel to Canada multiple times during the visa's validity.
  • Max stay: Upon each entry, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will determine the maximum length of your stay, usually up to 6 months.
  • Entry type: Multiple entry (standard for TRV).
  • Approximate fee: CAD 100 (for the visa application).

How to apply

  • Afghan citizens applying for a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) must follow the online application process, followed by an in-person biometrics submission at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) outside Afghanistan.
  • Application process:
  • 1. Gather documents: Collect all necessary supporting documents as outlined in the "What you need" section and the IRCC document checklist. Ensure all documents are translated into English or French by a certified translator, if necessary.
  • 2. Create an IRCC account: Go to the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html) and create a GCKey account or sign in with a partner.
  • 3. Complete the online application: Fill out the online application forms accurately (e.g., IMM 5257, IMM 5707).
  • 4. Upload documents: Scan and upload all required supporting documents. Ensure they are clear and readable.
  • 5. Pay fees: Pay the visa application fee and biometrics fee online using a credit or debit card.
  • 6. Submit application: Review all information carefully and submit your application.
  • 7. Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL): After submission, you will receive a BIL within 24-48 hours. This letter instructs you to provide your biometrics.
  • 8. Provide biometrics: You must travel to a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your fingerprints and photo. For Afghan citizens, this typically means traveling to a VAC in a neighboring country such as Islamabad or Lahore in Pakistan, Abu Dhabi or Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, or Istanbul or Ankara in Turkey. You must bring your passport, the BIL, and the VAC appointment confirmation (if booked).
  • 9. Wait for processing: Your application will be processed by IRCC. You may be contacted for additional documents or an interview.
  • 10. Passport request: If your application is approved, you will receive a Passport Request Letter. You must then submit your passport to the VAC where you provided biometrics (or another designated VAC) for visa stamping. This usually involves another trip or courier service if arranged through the VAC.
  • 11. Receive passport with visa: Your passport, now containing the Canadian Temporary Resident Visa, will be returned to you.
  • Documents checklist (common list):
  • Valid passport
  • Completed IMM 5257 and IMM 5707 forms
  • Two passport-sized photos
  • Proof of financial support (bank statements, employment letter, pay slips)
  • Travel itinerary and accommodation details
  • Letter of invitation from a host in Canada (if applicable)
  • Proof of strong ties to Afghanistan (e.g., property deeds, marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependents, letter from employer confirming leave and return)
  • Purpose of travel letter explaining your visit
  • Previous travel history (old passports with visas/stamps)
  • Payment method: Online payment via credit card or debit card is the standard for online applications.
  • Interview requirement: An interview is not always required for TRV applications but may be requested at the discretion of the visa officer. If an interview is required, you will be notified and given instructions on how and where to attend.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: CAD 100 (approximately USD 73-77, depending on exchange rates).
  • Biometrics fee: CAD 85 (approximately USD 62-65, depending on exchange rates).
  • VFS Global service fee: If you use VAC services for passport transmission or other assistance after biometrics, there may be additional service fees (e.g., passport transmission fee). These fees vary by VAC location and specific services requested.
  • Total cost estimate: Approximately CAD 185 for the visa and biometrics (excluding VFS service fees for passport transmission and travel costs to a VAC).
  • Standard processing time: Processing times for Afghan citizens applying for Canadian visas are highly variable and often lengthy due to the complex security situation in Afghanistan, the need for thorough background checks, and the lack of direct processing facilities within Afghanistan. Processing can range from several months to over a year (e.g., 6-18 months or even longer). It is crucial to check the most up-to-date processing times on the IRCC website at the time of application.
  • Express/priority option: There is no express or priority processing option available for Temporary Resident Visa applications.

Tips for Afghanistan travelers

  • How far in advance to apply: Due to the significantly long and unpredictable processing times for Afghan citizens, it is highly recommended to apply for your Canadian visa as far in advance as possible. Aim to apply at least 12-18 months before your intended travel date.
  • Common rejection reasons for Afghanistan applicants specifically:
  • Insufficient funds: Not convincingly demonstrating enough money to support your stay without working.
  • Weak ties to Afghanistan: Failing to provide strong evidence that you will return to Afghanistan after your visit (e.g., family responsibilities, employment, property ownership).
  • Purpose of visit unclear: Not clearly articulating the reason for your visit or having inconsistencies in your application.
  • Misrepresentation: Providing false information or forged documents.
  • Security concerns: Due to the current situation in Afghanistan, applicants may undergo more extensive security screening, and any past associations or activities that raise concerns can lead to rejection.
  • Travel history: Lack of previous international travel or overstaying visas in other countries.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For Canadian visas, there is no direct embassy application for Temporary Resident Visas for Afghan citizens. All applications are processed through the IRCC online portal, and biometrics must be submitted at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) operated by VFS Global in a third country (e.g., Pakistan, UAE, Turkey). You will need to factor in the logistics and cost of international travel to submit biometrics and, subsequently, your passport for stamping.
  • Any current travel advisories or bilateral notes: Always check Global Affairs Canada's official travel advisories for Afghanistan (travel.gc.ca/destinations/afghanistan) as well as any specific travel restrictions or advice from the Canadian government regarding travel from/to Afghanistan. The security situation in Afghanistan is very volatile, and this may impact visa processing or travel advice.
  • Extension options inside Canada: If you are legally in Canada as a visitor and wish to extend your stay, you must apply for a visitor record before your current authorized stay expires. You should apply at least 30 days before your status expires. An extension is not guaranteed and requires demonstrating continued eligibility and sufficient funds.

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.