Visitor Visa Process and Checklist for Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, and Germany
1. Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Process:
- Determine the Visa Type: Apply for a Visitor Visa if you’re visiting for tourism, business, or family visits.
- Create an Account: Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal or at the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC).
- Complete the Application: Fill out the visa application form and upload the necessary documents.
- Pay the Visa Fee: CAD 100 for the application, additional biometric fees if applicable.
- Biometrics Appointment: Provide fingerprints and photographs at a VAC (if required).
- Submit the Documents: Submit required documents including proof of financial support.
- Wait for Processing: Processing times can range from 14 to 30 days depending on the application volume.
- Receive the Visa: If approved, the visa will be issued on your passport.
Checklist:
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity
- Completed Visitor Visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photographs (as per specifications)
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, pay slips)
- Travel itinerary (flight tickets, accommodation bookings)
- Purpose of visit (invitation letter or personal letter explaining visit details)
- Proof of ties to home country (employment letter, property documents)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Travel insurance (optional but recommended)
2. Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
Process:
- Create an ImmiAccount: Apply online via the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs portal.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out Form 1419 (Visitor Visa application).
- Pay the Visa Fee: AUD 145 for Visitor Visa.
- Submit Required Documents: Upload documents such as passport copies, financial statements, etc.
- Provide Biometrics (if required): You may need to visit a Visa Application Center for biometrics.
- Wait for Processing: The processing time is typically 20 to 50 days.
- Receive Visa Decision: If approved, you will receive the visa electronically.
Checklist:
- Valid passport (at least six months validity)
- Completed visa application form (Form 1419)
- Two passport-sized photos (according to specifications)
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statements, pay slips)
- Travel itinerary (flight tickets and hotel reservations)
- Purpose of visit (invitation letter, business invitation if applicable)
- Proof of ties to home country (employment, family details, property ownership)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Travel insurance (optional)
3. New Zealand Visitor Visa
Process:
- Complete Online Application: Apply online via the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Provide Required Documents: Submit documents proving your identity, travel plans, and ability to financially support yourself during the visit.
- Pay the Visa Fee: NZD 246 (or more depending on your nationality).
- Submit Biometrics: You may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Center.
- Wait for Visa Decision: Processing takes approximately 20 to 35 days.
- Receive the Visa: If approved, you will be issued a Visitor Visa.
Checklist:
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Two passport-sized photos (as per specifications)
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, income, etc.)
- Travel itinerary (including flight tickets and accommodation)
- Purpose of visit (letter of invitation if visiting friends or family)
- Proof of ties to home country (job letter, family details)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Travel insurance (optional)
4. UK Visitor Visa (Standard Visitor Visa)
Process:
- Apply Online: Submit the visa application form via the UK Government Visa website.
- Pay the Visa Fee: The visa fee is £100 for up to 6 months.
- Complete the Application: Fill in the necessary details and upload required documents.
- Submit Biometrics: Attend a biometric appointment at a visa application center.
- Provide Documents: Submit all required supporting documents (financial proof, itinerary, etc.).
- Wait for Processing: Processing takes around 15 to 30 days.
- Receive the Visa: After approval, you will receive the visa stamped in your passport.
Checklist:
- Valid passport (at least six months validity)
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-sized photos (2, according to UK specifications)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, income tax returns)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
- Purpose of visit (invitation letter or details of your visit)
- Proof of ties to home country (employment letter, property, etc.)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Travel insurance (recommended)
5. USA Visitor Visa (B2 Tourist Visa)
Process:
- Complete DS-160 Form: Fill out the Non-Immigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form online.
- Pay the Visa Fee: USD 160 for B2 Tourist Visa.
- Schedule an Appointment: Book your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Attend Biometrics Appointment: Visit a Visa Application Center (VAC) to provide biometric details.
- Attend the Visa Interview: Submit your application and documents during the interview at the U.S. Embassy.
- Wait for Processing: Processing takes about 7 to 10 days after the interview.
- Receive the Visa: If approved, the visa will be placed in your passport.
Checklist:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Passport-sized photos (as per US specifications)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Proof of financial support (bank statements, pay slips, sponsor letter)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
- Purpose of visit (invitation letter, details of the trip)
- Ties to home country (employment or business, property ownership)
- Travel insurance (optional)
6. Germany Visitor Visa (Schengen Visa)
Process:
- Fill Out the Visa Application Form: Apply for a Schengen visa through the German Consulate or visa center.
- Pay the Visa Fee: EUR 80 for a short-stay visitor visa.
- Provide Biometrics: Attend an appointment at the Visa Application Center for biometrics.
- Submit Documents: Provide all required documents, including travel insurance and proof of financial means.
- Wait for Processing: Typically takes 15 to 30 days.
- Receive the Visa: If approved, the visa will be issued for the duration of your visit.
Checklist:
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
- Completed Schengen visa application form
- Passport-sized photos (as per Schengen specifications)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, proof of income)
- Travel itinerary (flight bookings, hotel reservations)
- Travel insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30,000)
- Proof of purpose of visit (invitation letter, travel details)
- Ties to home country (employment or property details)
- Visa fee payment receipt
Comparison of Visitor Visa Processing Times and Costs
Country | Visa Fee | Processing Time |
---|---|---|
Canada | CAD 100 | 14–30 days |
Australia | AUD 145 | 20–50 days |
New Zealand | NZD 246 | 20–35 days |
UK | £100 | 15–30 days |
USA | USD 160 | 7–10 days |
Germany | EUR 80 | 15–30 days |
This guide provides detailed steps and requirements for obtaining a Visitor Visa for these countries, ensuring you are well-prepared for your application process.