Does a Canada visitor visa require biometrics?
Yes, Canada requires biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) for most visitor visa applications, including the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This requirement applies to nationals from countries and territories who need a visa to enter Canada. The biometric information is used by Canadian authorities to verify your identity upon arrival in Canada and is an important part of security measures.
When you apply for a visitor visa, you’ll be instructed to provide your biometrics at an authorized Visa Application Centre (VAC). Typically, biometrics are valid for ten years, meaning if you have provided biometrics for a previous visa in the last ten years, you may not need to provide them again. However, it’s important to check the latest requirements and instructions provided by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) during your application process, as policies and requirements can change.
Does a Canada visitor visa require a medical examination?
For a Canadian visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa, TRV), a medical examination is not typically required for all applicants. However, there are specific circumstances under which you might be asked to undergo a medical exam:
- Duration of Stay: If you plan to stay in Canada for six months or longer.
- Recent Travel History: If you have lived or traveled in certain countries for six consecutive months in the year before coming to Canada. The list of countries can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Intended Occupation: Certain occupations that bring you in close contact with people, such as those in the health sciences field or agricultural occupations, might require a medical exam regardless of the length of stay.
- Medical Condition: If there are grounds to believe you have a medical condition that could affect public health or safety.
If a medical exam is required, the Canadian visa office will provide instructions on how to proceed. This typically involves making an appointment with a panel physician approved by the Canadian government. The results of the medical exam are then sent directly to the visa office by the physician.
It’s important to wait until you receive instructions from the visa office before undergoing a medical exam, as it must be conducted by a physician on Canada’s list of approved panel physicians.