One of the first things you must do if you plan to visit Canada is to apply for a temporary resident visa (TRV), sometimes referred to as a Canada tourist visa.
Let’s explore whether you require an interview, what to expect, and how to get ready.
Does Canada Tourist Visa Require Interview?
- Do All Applicants Need an Interview for a Canada Tourist Visa?
In short answer, not every applicant needs an interview.
Attendance at a tourist visa interview is not mandatory for all applicants, according to the Canadian government.
Yet an interview may be asked for in specific circumstances.
The visa officer in charge of your case will make this determination; often, it will be based on information from your application or your personal history.
How to apply for a visitor visa – CLICK HERE
Factors That Determine Whether You Will Have an Interview
- There are several reasons for which you may be invited for a visa interview.
- One typical explanation is if the visa officer thinks you need to provide further details or clarification regarding your travel itinerary.
- Some explanations could be an incomplete application, uncertain financial information, or a confused travel history.
- A simple application with all the necessary documents will make it less likely that you will be invited for an interview.
What Happens During a Tourist Visa Interview?
- Do not panic if you are asked to attend an interview; for certain candidates, this is a required step in the visa application process.
- The purpose of the interview is for the visa officer to learn more about your trip itinerary, financial status, and relationships to your place of origin.
- Their objective is to confirm that you are traveling to Canada for legitimate purposes, such as tourism, and that you want to return home at the end of your stay.
Read: What is the fastest way to come to Canada?
How to Prepare for a Canada Tourist Visa Interview?
The secret to a successful interview is preparation.
Before the interview, carefully read over the details of your application if you are called for one.
The visa officer may interview you about your planned itinerary, expected length of stay in Canada, and your financial plans for the duration of your trip.
You should be prepared to give a detailed account of your goals and, if necessary, to provide any further paperwork.
Documents to Bring if You Are Called for an Interview
- To prove your case, you will need to bring specific documents with you to the interview.
- This includes your vacation itinerary, passport, proof of funds (such as bank statements), and any invitation letters you may have received from anyone inviting you to visit.
- It is a good idea to carry any return tickets you may have previously purchased, as they serve as proof that you plan to go back to your place of origin.
How Long Does the Canada Tourist Visa Process Take?
Getting a tourist visa for Canada can take plenty of time.
It depends on a number of things, including your application’s origin, the volume of work at the visa office, and whether or not you are required to attend an interview.
Usually good ideas to apply far in advance of the dates you want to travel to allow time for delays.
Can You Avoid the Interview Requirement?
If the visa officer determines that an interview is required, there is no surefire method to get out of one.
Yet, by making sure your application is thorough and easy to read, you can lessen the chance that you will be invited for an interview.
Bottom Line
Interviews are not mandatory for all applicants for a Canada tourist visa. The visa officer decides on the basis of each individual case.