Planning a Trip to Canada from Dubai? Here’s How to Get Your Visa Without Stress
Are you dreaming about seeing the majestic Niagara Falls, exploring Old Quebec’s cobblestone alleyways, or taking in Montreal’s French charm? The first step is to apply for your Canada tourist visa in UAE, regardless of whether you’re traveling to see family, taking a vacation, or finally checking Canada off your bucket list.
To enter, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is needed, also known as a Canada Visitor Visa. This visa allows for short stays, such as holidays or visiting relatives, and usually permits stays of up to six months.
– Valid for up to 6 months
– Perfect for short stays, vacations, or family visits
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Getting ready is key to an easy process. Here’s a fast list:
- Required documents
- A passport that’s valid for no less than 6 months
- UAE residency visa (valid for a minimum of 3 months after your return)
- Two recent passport-sized photos (with a white backdrop)
- Filled-out visa form (IMM5257)
- Family Information Form (IMM5645)
- Supporting documents
- A cover letter detailing your travel plans
- Flight and hotel bookings (if you have them)
- Bank records (from the last 4–6 months)
- An employment letter, or NOC, from your employer
- Evidence of connections to the UAE (job, family, or property)
- An invitation letter (only if seeing relatives/friends)
Advice: Be honest, consistent, and straightforward. Visa officials want to see an authentic travel plan.
Step 2: How to Submit
You have two options:
Option 1: Submit Online (Do It Yourself)
- Make a GCKey account at www.canada.ca
- Complete the forms, upload papers, pay costs
- Get your Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
Option 2: Submit Through an Agency
- A lot of travelers in Dubai choose reliable agencies like Regal Tours. They:
- Review your documents
- Help with cover letters & funds
- Manage submission & appointments
- Lower the chance of refusal
Step 3: Pay the Fees
- Visa biometric fee: CAD 85 (about AED 235)
- If applying through an agency, expect a small service fee (worth it for peace of mind).
Step 4: Biometrics Appointment
- Once you have your BIL, book an appointment at VFS Global (Canada Visa Center) in Dubai.
- Take along:
- Appointment confirmation
- Biometric Letter
- Original passport
- They’ll scan your fingerprints and take a quick photo—done in less than 20 minutes.
Step 5: Processing Time
- Processing usually takes 15–30 working days. It may be a bit longer during peak travel time.
- Keep track your application online via GCKey or VFS portal.
Step 6: Passport Stamping
- If your application is accepted, you will receive a Passport Request (PPR).
- Send your passport to VFS Global.
- They’ll send it on to the Canadian Embassy.
- You should receive your visa stamp in approximately 7–10 business days.
Step 7: Prepare for Canada!
Before your flight, have these ready:
- Passport with the necessary visa
- Your return flight confirmation
- Evidence of where you’ll be staying
- Sufficient money to support your visit
- An invitation, if you have one
At the Canadian airport, expect questions from immigration. Simply respond truthfully and with assurance. You should also consider helpful tips mentioned below.
- Fill out forms carefully and precisely.
- Carefully fill out forms
- Show strong financial ties to the UAE
- Provide accurate information about previous travels.
- Submit application 1.5-2 months before trip.
- Provide complete information about previous travels.
- Submit applications 1.5-2 months before the trip.
- Always consider consulting a professional’s advice to avoid minor mistakes.
Need Help with Your Visa?
If you feel that the process can be complicated, you don’t have to go through it alone. At Regal Tours UAE, we’ve helped thousands of travelers from Dubai successfully get their Canada visa from Dubai.
Our team:
- Reviews and prepares all your documents
- Handles your online submission and VFS appointments
- Follows up until your visa is approved
Call us today or send a WhatsApp message +971502315207 we’ll make your Canada visa process easy and stress-free.
Summery
A trip to Canada is more than just a vacation — it’s a lifetime memory. Whether you want to explore nature, meet loved ones, or simply experience a new culture, getting your Canada tourist visa from Dubai is your first step.
With the right documents, a clear plan, and perhaps a little expert help, your dream of visiting Canada can become a reality sooner than you think.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Canada tourist visa processing typically takes 15 to 30 working days from the date of biometric submission. However, in some cases, it may take up to 60 to 90 days due to peak travel seasons, and depending on the details of your visa application. It’s advisable to apply at least 6–8 weeks before your intended travel date to avoid any delays.
Yes, you can apply without confirmed bookings. However, providing a provisional itinerary with hotel reservations and a return flight helps demonstrate the seriousness of your travel plan and strengthens your application.
No, Canada does not offer visa on arrival for UAE residents. All travelers must apply in advance for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) unless they are eligible for an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) — which is limited to select nationalities.
In most cases, a personal interview is not required. Only biometric data (fingerprints and photo) needs to be submitted at VFS Global. However, the visa officer may request an interview in special cases.
Yes, you can apply for an extension while in Canada. You must apply at least 30 days before your visa expires. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the reason and supporting documents.
Yes, you can apply as a family or group. Each member (including children) must submit a separate application, but you can link them together in your GCKey account or submit them as a family bundle through an agency.
Rejection may occur due to insufficient funds, unclear travel plans, incomplete documents, or weak ties to the UAE. Submitting accurate documents and consulting a trusted visa expert can greatly increase your approval chances.
While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have travel health insurance that covers your entire stay in Canada. It offers protection against medical emergencies and strengthens your visa profile.
