Taveling to Canada - How long does it take?

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gino

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Traveling to Canada - How long does it take to get visa?

Hi everyone,

I planning to travel to Canada on RTD. Does anyone know how long does it take to get the visa for Canda? Also, do I need an invitation letter from friends/relatives? Would appreciate receiving your advice.

Gino
 
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I always had experience dealing with their Buffalo office. They want completed application, 2 pictures, RTD, letter from employer, bank statement and money order. (This all is also mentioned on application forms)

ONce you submit all these materials through mail with return envelop, expect 2 weeks for them to process (although they recommend 4 weeks).

good luck
 
A few years ago - I walked into the Canadian Consulate in DC and applied in person. I took all the documents mentioned by Lazerthegreat. Basically take documentation that proves your ties to the USA.

Walk-in applications are usually taken in the morning and they will tell you right-then-and-there if you've been approved for a visa. Then you will be asked to leave your RTD and pick-up the visa in the afternoon.

If you do it in person - be prepared to ask a few questions. Like:
1. How long have you been in the USA?
2. What is the nature of your visit?
3. Do you have relatives in Canada?

Hope this helps. Goodluck.
 
Thaks! I called the embassy in Washington this morning and they told me that in my case it will take them at least 10 business days to issue the visa. It sucks to be any asylee!

Gino
 
Wow Gino -

This must be a new thing. When I applied end of 2001 (after 9-11) I was an asylee and I clearly remember going in at 10am Monday morning and then picking up my visa that afternoon at 3pm.

I suppose they are conducting background checks of sorts. Any way - they should still be able to tell you on the spot if you are approved - pending checks of course.

What else did the immigration officer (at the embassy) tell you?
 
LolaLi, thanks. They told me that it will take at least 10 business days for issuing the visa. I asked them whether I needed an invitation letter, they told me that it will be better to get one. But I spoke to my friends in Canada and they told me that if cross the border, I won't need a visa, a driver's license will suffice. Do you know anything about this?

Gino
 
Do not show up at Canadian border with just RTD (without a valid visa). they will simply turn you back. (happened to my friend's uncle)
 
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