Do you have Belgian citizenship and want to move to Canada? Do you need a visa to enter Canada? While this can seem like an overwhelming process, it can actually be fairly straightforward if you know what steps to take, who to contact, and what information to collect before submitting your application. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire Canadian visa application process from start to finish so that you understand what documents are needed and how long the wait time will be for approval. Let’s get started!
Apply for a valid passport
A passport is often your most vital document in securing a visa; if you don’t have one, you can’t apply for a visa. If you already have a passport and it’s expiring soon, now is an ideal time to renew it (you don’t have to do so at the same time as applying for your visa). To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, applicants need at least one year left on their passport before they can apply—this means that if you wait until your renewal date before submitting an application, there’s no guarantee that your document will arrive before Canada Day (if selected). Canada Visa for Belgian Citizens
Prepare your visa application
It’s time to start gathering all of the paperwork and info you need for your visa application (don’t worry, we’ll get into that below). And don’t forget—you can use our handy checklist in Section 4 on page xii! The next step is submitting your visa application, which you can do by either courier or mail; we recommend using one of these services because they will provide you with a tracking number and signature upon delivery, ensuring your package arrives safely at its destination. If you are planning on mailing your application, be sure to double-check that all forms are completed and correct before sending them off! Canada Visa Application Process
Attend your visa interview at the Canadian Embassy in Belgium
The Canadian Embassy in Belgium is where you’ll want to go for your visa interview—and it’s pretty easy to get there if you live in one of Belgium’s larger cities. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a car, use your GPS coordinates and drive there directly; if not, check out their website for directions by public transit or taxi. The visa application process itself can be divided into three steps: prepare, interview, and wait (but probably not very long).
Receive your visa from the embassy and board your flight to Canada
To visit Canada, you’ll need both an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and a visa. You can apply for both in one visit to your local embassy or consulate before leaving home (if possible). However, once you’ve received your visa, there are only 10 days left before your departure date—after that, it will expire! If you’re traveling with family members or if it takes longer than expected to receive your visa, don’t fret; leave yourself at least one extra day before flying so that everything is squared away. Before you know it, you’ll be starting your Canadian adventure!
Arriving in Canada
Once you’ve successfully applied and received your Canada visa, it’s time to make plans on how you’re going to get set up in your new country. There are a few aspects of immigration that many people aren’t aware of (or think about), so let’s start with these: Before you leave: Some things that need planning before you leave Belgium include shipping any important items, selling any furniture or other belongings and packing up anything left behind.
Getting settled in Canada
In order to apply for a Canada visa, you must first get settled in Canada. So, what is it that makes Canada so appealing? Well, according to many ex-pats across Europe and beyond, it’s quite simply because there’s no place like home… Canuck style! So if you are still trying to decide whether moving to Canada is right for you, here are 5 reasons why you should consider becoming an ex-pat.