How to Apply for a Canadian Visa in Zimbabwe

Part 1: Which Canadian Visa Do You Need?

Choosing the correct visa category is the essential first step. The main non-immigrant visas for Zimbabweans are:

• Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV): For tourism, visiting family and friends, or short business trips. This is the most common type.
• Study Permit: For academic courses at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. You must have a letter of acceptance before you can apply.
• Work Permit: For temporary work in Canada. This usually requires a job offer and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from a Canadian employer.

Part 2: The Online Application (IRCC Portal)

The entire Canadian visa application is submitted online through the secure IRCC portal. This is where you will fill out forms and upload all your supporting documents.

1. Check Your Eligibility: Before starting, use the official "Come to Canada" tool to confirm which visa you should apply for.
2. Create Your IRCC Secure Account: Go to the IRCC login page and create a secure account using either a GCKey or a Sign-In Partner. The GCKey is the most common option. **Keep your login details and security questions safe!**
3. Start Your Application: Once logged in, you will be guided through a questionnaire that generates a personalised document checklist for you.
4. Fill Out the Application Forms: You will need to download, complete, and then re-upload several PDF forms (like the IMM 5257). Answer every question truthfully.
5. Upload Supporting Documents: Scan and upload clear digital copies of all the documents on your personalized checklist (see Part 3 below).
6. Pay the Fees: You must pay both the application fee and the biometrics fee online using a valid credit or debit card.

Part 3: Required Documents

While your personalised checklist will be your guide, most visitor visa applications will require the following:

• Digital Photo: A recent, passport-style digital photograph that meets the specific size and quality requirements.
• Passport: A clear scan of the bio-data page of your valid Zimbabwean passport.
• Proof of Financial Support: Recent bank statements (usually 4-6 months) showing a stable financial history and enough funds to cover your trip.
• Purpose of Travel: A detailed itinerary, flight reservations (not purchased tickets), hotel bookings, or a letter of invitation from family or friends in Canada.
• Proof of Ties to Zimbabwe: This is crucial. You must prove you have strong reasons to return. This can include:
  • A letter from your employer confirming your job, salary, and approved leave.
  • Proof of property ownership or a rental agreement.
  • Evidence of family ties in Zimbabwe (marriage certificate, birth certificates).
  • Proof of enrolment if you are a student in Zimbabwe.
• Travel History: Scans of visas from previous travel to other countries (e.g., UK, USA, Schengen).

Part 4: The Biometrics Appointment in Harare

Nearly all applicants from Zimbabwe are required to provide biometrics.

• Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL): After you submit and pay for your application online, you will receive a BIL in your IRCC account. You **must** have this letter to book your appointment.
• Book Your Appointment: Once you have your BIL, you can book an appointment at the **VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre** in Harare.
• At the Appointment: You will need to bring your passport and your Biometric Instruction Letter. They will take your photograph and scan your fingerprints.