Canada Visa for Colombia Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Canada as a Colombian citizen? You will need a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa). This guide covers everything you need: required documents, current fees of CAD $100 plus biometrics, processing times, and strategies to improve your approval chances.

Visa Application process

All visitor visa applications for Canada are submitted online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.1 Here are the steps:

Check Eligibility

Verify that you need a visitor visa (not an eTA) on the IRCC website.1 Colombian citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa.

Create Online Account

Create an account on the IRCC online portal to access the application forms and upload documents.2

Complete Application

Fill out the required forms (IMM 5257 and IMM 5645) and upload all supporting documents including passport, photos, financial evidence, and purpose of travel documentation.2

Pay Fees

Pay the application fee (CAD $100) and biometrics fee (CAD $85) online.4

Submit Biometrics

After submitting your application, you will receive a biometrics instruction letter. Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Bogotá to provide your fingerprints and photo.2

Wait for Decision

IRCC will process your application and notify you of the decision via your online account.3 If approved, submit your passport for visa stamping.

Visa Application Steps

1. Check Eligibility
2. Create Online Account
3. Complete Application
4. Pay Fees
5. Submit Biometrics
6. Wait for Decision

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Cost	Visitor Visa Application: CAD $100	Biometrics: CAD $85	Total: CAD $185	Fees are non-refundable and must be paid online when submitting your application.4 If applying as a family, maximum biometrics fee is CAD $170.

What you need to prove

To be approved for a Canadian visitor visa, you must demonstrate that you:

Have ties to your home country that will compel you to return
Have enough money for your stay and return travel
Will leave Canada at the end of your visit
Have no criminal or immigration violations
Are in good health (medical exam may be required for some applicants)
Have a genuine purpose for visiting

Required documents

Valid Passport
Online Application
Proof of Financial Support
Employment Evidence
Purpose of Travel
Ties to Home Country
Biometrics
Digital Photo

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for the duration of your planned stay in Canada • At least one blank page for the visa sticker; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous Canadian, US, UK, or Schengen visas if available] (Tip: If your passport expires within 6 months of travel, consider renewing before applyingKeep old passports as they demonstrate positive travel history)

Online Application

Complete the visitor visa application through the IRCC online portal • Create an account on the IRCC website; • Fill out application forms IMM 5257 and IMM 5645; • Upload all supporting documents; • Pay application and biometrics fees] (Tip: Create a checklist of required documents before startingEnsure all document scans are clear and complete)

Proof of Financial Support

Bank statements and financial documents showing sufficient funds for your trip • Last 3-6 months of bank statements; • Must show regular income and stable balance; • Should demonstrate funds for travel, accommodation, and daily expenses; • Minimum recommended: CAD $1,000 per week of stay plus travel costs] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateInclude certificates of deposit (CDTs) and investment accountsIf someone else is sponsoring, include their financial documents and invitation letter)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status, income, and ties to Colombia • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Contact details for verification] (Tip: If self-employed, provide Cámara de Comercio registration and recent tax filings (declaración de renta)Students should provide enrollment letter and transcriptsPensioners should provide pension statements)

Purpose of Travel

Details explaining why you want to visit Canada and your planned activities • Purpose of visit (tourism, family visit, etc.); • Planned itinerary and destinations; • Length of intended stay; • Accommodation arrangements] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedIf visiting family or friends, include their invitation letter with Canadian status documentation)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Colombia • Property ownership documents (certificado de libertad y tradición); • Family certificates showing dependents in Colombia; • Ongoing business or job commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: This is crucial for Canadian visa approvalStrong ties significantly improve approval chances)

Biometrics

Fingerprints and photograph collected at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) • Required for applicants aged 14-79; • Valid for 10 years once collected; • Must be done after submitting application; • VAC locations in Bogotá] (Tip: Book your biometrics appointment as soon as you receive the instruction letterBiometrics must be completed within 30 days of the request)

Digital Photo

Recent passport-style photo meeting Canadian specifications • 35mm x 45mm; • White or light-colored background; • Taken within last 6 months; • Full face, neutral expression] (Tip: Use IRCC's photo specifications guide to ensure compliancePoor quality photos can delay processing)

Comparison

Fee Type	Cost
Visitor Visa Application	CAD $100
Biometrics	CAD $85
Total	CAD $185

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
38%	Insufficient Ties to Colombia
28%	Insufficient Financial Resources
18%	Unclear Purpose of Travel
10%	Immigration History Concerns
6%	Incomplete Application

38% - Insufficient Ties to Colombia

How to avoid: Provide employment letter showing stable job, property documents, family certificates showing dependents, or business registration. Explain clearly why you will return.

28% - Insufficient Financial Resources

How to avoid: Show 3-6 months of bank statements with consistent income and sufficient balance for your trip. Include all financial assets like CDTs and investments.

18% - Unclear Purpose of Travel

How to avoid: Be specific about why you want to visit Canada. If visiting family, include their invitation letter and proof of their Canadian status. If tourism, explain your itinerary.

10% - Immigration History Concerns

How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Explain what has changed and provide evidence of improved circumstances since any refusal.

6% - Incomplete Application

How to avoid: Use the IRCC document checklist. Ensure all documents are clear, translated if needed, and uploaded in the correct format.

Frequently asked questions

Do Colombians need a visa to visit Canada?

Yes. Colombian citizens are not eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) and must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada.

How long can I stay in Canada on a tourist visa?

The visitor visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months. The exact length of stay is determined by the border officer when you enter Canada and stamped in your passport.

Can I work on a Canadian tourist visa?

No, the Temporary Resident Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid work in Canada. If you want to work, you need to apply for a work permit.

How long does Canada visa processing take from Colombia?

Current processing times are approximately 16-20 weeks. However, processing times can vary significantly based on application volume and individual circumstances.

What is the Canada tourist visa fee for Colombians in 2026?

The visitor visa application fee is CAD $100, plus a biometrics fee of CAD $85 for most applicants. Total: CAD $185.

Do I need to attend an interview?

Canada does not typically require in-person interviews for visitor visa applications. Your application is assessed based on submitted documents. However, IRCC may request an interview in some cases.

Can I reapply if my visa is refused?

Yes, you can reapply at any time. You should address the reasons for refusal with new or additional documentation. Alternatively, you can request a judicial review in Federal Court.

Can I extend my stay in Canada?

Yes, you can apply to extend your stay from within Canada at least 30 days before your status expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require a new application.

Apply for Canada tourist visa online

Sources

IRCC - Visitor Visa

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eligibility.html

IRCC - Application Process

https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp

IRCC - Processing Times

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

IRCC - Fees

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visitor-visa.html

At a glance