If you’re planning to visit Canada with a Philippine passport, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa or officially called a Visitor Visa or Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). The process is straightforward, but it’s important to understand the steps and the necessary requirements to ensure your application is successful.

Canada Visa

In this guide, I'll walk you through how to apply for a Canada tourist visa, from where to submit your application to what documents you’ll need.


Canada Visitor Visa vs. eTA

Before applying, it’s important to know the difference between a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV) and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

  • Visitor Visa (TRV): This is the standard visa required for most Filipino travelers. It is a physical sticker placed in your passport and allows you to visit Canada for tourism, business, or family visits.
  • eTA: Filipinos are eligible for an eTA if they already hold a valid U.S. visa or have had a Canada visa approved in the last 10 years. The eTA is a faster and more convenient option since it is electronically linked to your passport, and most applications are approved within minutes. However, it is only valid for those flying into Canada—travelers arriving by land or sea will still need a regular visa.

If you don’t meet the criteria for an eTA, you will need to apply for a tourist visa (TRV) instead.

Where to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa

To apply for a Canada tourist visa, you’ll need to submit your application online through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Visit the IRCC website to create an account, fill out your application, and upload all required documents. I will explain the steps in detail below.

Even though the submission of the documents is done online, you will still need to visit a VFS Global center to provide your biometrics. The biometrics center will take your fingerprints and photograph, which is a mandatory step in the application process.

Canada Visa

Requirements for a Canada Tourist Visa

Here’s a list of the documents you’ll need to prepare.

  • Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
  • Visa Application Form (IMM 5257) – The main application form for a visitor visa.
  • Family Information Form (IMM 5645 or IMM 5707) – A required form listing details about your immediate family members.
  • Proof of Financial Support – These include bank statements, income tax documents, or any documents proving you can afford your trip
  • Passport-Sized Photos – Two recent photos following Canada’s visa photo specifications.
  • Cover Letter - Take note that this is NOT REQUIRED, but it is highly recommended as it helps explain the purpose of your trip, your travel plans, and how you will fund your visit. Many applicants include it to strengthen their application.

Additional Requirements if Employed

  • Employment Certificate – States your job position, salary, and approved leave dates.
  • Payslips – At least three months’ worth of salary slips.

Additional Requirements for Business Owners

  • Business Registration Documents – Proof that your business is legally registered.
  • Tax Returns – Recent tax payments or business financial records.

Additional Requirements if Sponsored

  • Sponsorship Letter – A formal letter from your sponsor explaining their relationship to you and their financial support for your trip.
  • Proof of Sponsor’s Financial Status – Bank statements, payslips, or income tax returns from your sponsor.
  • Proof of Relationship – Documents showing your connection to the sponsor, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other supporting evidence.

Additional Requirements If Invited by a Canadian Citizen or Resident

  • Invitation Letter – A signed letter from your host in Canada stating their full name, address, status in Canada, and details of your visit.
  • Valid ID of the Invitor – A copy of their passport or Canadian residency card.
  • Proof of Relationship – Documents showing your connection to the invitor, such as a birth certificate, family tree, or photos.

For example, when I was invited by my uncle, I submitted my birth certificate, which shows my mother’s name, my mother’s birth certificate, and my uncle’s birth certificate to prove that they are siblings.

How to Apply for a Canada Tourist Visa

Follow these steps to complete your Canada tourist visa application:

1. Create an Account on the IRCC Website

Sign up on the IRCC website and select "Visitor Visa" to start your application.

2. Fill Out the Forms

Complete the IMM 5257 (Visa Application Form) and IMM 5645/IMM 5707 (Family Information Form) online. These forms can only be filled out using Adobe Acrobat Reader, as they require special software to open and complete properly.

3. Upload Required Documents

Attach your passport, proof of funds, travel plans, and any additional documents based on your employment or sponsorship status. The IRCC website does not have separate upload sections for each document—for example, you can only upload one file for financials, so you need to compile your bank certificate, bank statements, certificate of employment, and payslips into a single PDF. 

Also, keep in mind that there is a file size limit, so you may need to compress your documents before uploading. 

This is the most tedious part of the application, in my opinion, so take your time. You have 30 days from the day you start your application to finish uploading all your documents. In my case, it took me more than a week to complete everything.

4. Pay the Application Fee

The visa fee must be paid online before proceeding to the next step.

5. Receive a Biometrics Appointment Letter

Once payment is completed, you’ll receive an instruction letter for biometrics, which includes setting an appointment. You must complete this step within 30 days.

6. Go to a VFS Global Center for Biometrics

Visit a VFS Global office to submit your fingerprints and photo. This is required before your application is processed.

7. Wait for a Decision

After completing all the steps, IRCC will review your application. Processing time usually takes 2 to 3 weeks after biometrics but may vary depending on the volume of applications.


Applying for a Canada tourist visa may seem overwhelming, but following the steps above will make the process easier. With proper preparation, you’ll be on your way to exploring Canada soon. Good luck with your application!