In order to immigrate to Canada as a South African citizen, you will need to apply for a Canadian work visa or Canadian student visa and go through the Canadian visa application process. Even if you don’t have any of these documents already, there are still ways to immigrate to Canada through the country’s various immigration programs. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Canadian Visa Application Process and provide you with the information you need to successfully move abroad and become a Canadian citizen.
What are the requirements?
To apply for a Canadian visa from your home country, you’ll need several pieces of documentation: one or more personal identification documents, such as a passport; proof of residence in your home country, which can be either personal or work-related; and proof that you have sufficient funds available to support yourself while in Canada. That last category includes everything from bank statements to employment letters. Your application will also include biographical information about yourself, including your family members and current job position. If you are applying for an internship with an educational institution in Canada, you may not need many of these documents—your academic standing may be enough proof that you can make ends meet while living there.
Who can apply?
Canadian visas are available to citizens of all countries except those on Canada’s no-entry list. The easiest way to find out whether you can apply is by visiting immigration.ca, Canada’s immigration portal. If you aren’t sure which visa category you should apply under, there are several pages on that site dedicated to explaining each option. If you do decide it’s time for a Canadian visa, here are some tips about where and how best to start your application process
How much will my application cost?
The application fee varies depending on your age, type of visa, and where you live. It’s best to check the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website (the Canadian visa application process is administered by IRCC) for specific pricing. And keep in mind that there may be additional fees later in your Canadian visa application process, including an issuance fee. For example, if you’re applying for permanent residence as a skilled worker or investor, you’ll have to pay an additional $490 after IRCC approves your eligibility and before you receive your permanent residence visa. This is commonly referred to as an invitation or right of permanent residence, though not all applicants are eligible. Canadian Visa for South African Citizens
Where do I apply?
The first step in applying for a Canadian visa is to determine where you will apply. For example, you may want to apply at your nearest Canadian embassy, or you may choose instead to go through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). In some cases, you may also be able to submit your application online or by mail. Keep in mind that depending on where you are located and what type of Canadian visa you are applying for, different application processes may be available.
How should I get started?
When you’re filling out your Canadian visa application, it can seem like there are an infinite number of questions. In reality, there are only a few categories of information that are actually required on every application. These sections include basic personal information, such as contact and identification details; questions about your finances and work history; and specific requests from individual Canadian embassies or immigration programs. It’s important to read each form carefully before you begin applying so that you know exactly what information is needed—and where on the form you need to provide it.
What is included in my processing fee?
Your processing fee covers all of your application fees, from your biometrics through your final interview. It also includes Two-way courier delivery of your documents or Biometrics Enrollment; Scheduling and conducting in-person interviews, if applicable; Medical examinations (if applicable); Adjudication of any remaining issues after an interview, if applicable; Reviewing and acting on submissions that may be made by mail or at an in-person interview, if applicable; Document authentication; Translation into English, French or both official languages where needed; Information Services support during your application process. Once you’ve paid your processing fee, no other fees will be charged by CIC unless additional services are required. Your processing fee will not increase because you require more services than expected.