Canada visa requirements and application for Filipinos: Travel guide
Canada is an attractive destination to visit, live, work or study, with stunning natural scenery and vibrant cities. The Canada visa requirements for Filipinos can vary quite a bit depending on your personal situation and the reason for your trip to Canada - so it’s important to check what’s needed before you arrange travel.
This guide walks through the normal Canada visa requirements, including the documents required for a Canada tourist visa. We'll also introduce the Wise card, a handy travel companion to make seamless card payments when you're overseas.
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Do Filipinos need a visa to Canada?
Canada visa requirements depend on several different factors, including the length and purpose of your visit. In most cases, you’ll need to get a visitor visa for Canada, including giving your biometric information, before you travel as a tourist.
There are occasionally exceptions to this requirement. The Canada tourist visa requirements may be removed, allowing you to apply for an eTA - electronic travel authorisation - instead, if you are travelling to Canada by air and if, at the time of application, either of the following applies¹:
- You have held a Canadian temporary resident visa (TRV) in the past 10 years
- You hold a valid US nonimmigrant visa (NIV)
If you’re going to Canada for a longer stay, to work or to study, you’ll need an appropriate visa or permit.
The easiest way to learn how the requirements for tourist visas in Canada apply to you is to use the Canada visa wizard² on the Canadian government’s website. This lets you enter some information about yourself and your planned visit, to learn which types of visa might be a good fit for you.
Types of Canada visas available for Philippine citizens
There are many different types of visa for Canada so you can select the one which most closely meets your specific needs and travel plans.
Some of the most common Canada visa application options include:
- Visitor visas
- Work and study visas
- Visas to visit family members in Canada
- Business visas
- Transit visas
- Extensions to stay longer than your initial visa allowed
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Canada visa requirements for Filipinos
In most cases, as we’ve seen, you’ll need a tourist visa for Canada - although some people may be able to apply for an eTA instead. In all cases you’ll need a specific permit or visa if you’re heading to Canada for a long stay - to work or study for example.
To give an idea let’s look in more detail at how to apply for a tourist visa in Canada and the tourist visa (Canada) requirements which you’ll need to understand.
Canada tourist visa requirements
Usually you will need to apply for a visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) before you travel to Canada. This will allow you to stay for up to 6 months in Canada. As part of the application process you may be required to give biometrics like your fingerprints. Generally you can start the application online for your Canada visitor visa, and then wait for a letter inviting you to complete your biometric appointment.
There are a few situations in which online applications aren’t possible, so do check how the rules apply in your specific situation before you get started³.
Canada work visa requirements
There are different types of Canadian work permits which can allow you to either work for one specified employer, or for any employer⁴. You can use the Canadian work permit finder to enter the details of your situation and your plans, to decide which work permit type might be the best fit for your needs, and based on meeting the eligibility rules.
If you have a work permit issued, you’ll also automatically be issued a visitor visa which allows you to enter the country. When you travel to Canada, bring your letter which shows your work permit application is approved, and your valid passport which will have your visitor visa stuck to one of its pages.
How to apply for a Canadian visa as a Filipino
Here’s how to apply for a Canadian visa as a Filipino:
Step 1 - Gather your documents
The documents you need will vary depending on the visa type, with some flexibility in what you provide. For example, if you want a tourist visa you will always need to provide your passport as an ID document, but you could also supply other paperwork to support your application such as:
- Your travel plans and itinerary
- Travel history, including your passport with visas for other countries in it
- Proof of onward travel, such as a flight back home after your trip
- A bank statement showing you have enough money for your stay
Step 2 - Apply online
Once you have all the paperwork you need to support your application you can use the IRCC Portal to apply for a visitor visa. There are 2 different versions of this portal, so make sure you select the right one based on the application you’re making. You’re guided through the steps for your application through on screen prompts.
Step 3 - Arrange an appointment to give your biometric details if needed
When you submit your online visa application you will also need to pay a biometrics fee unless you have biometric information already stored by the Canadian government. You’ll receive a letter inviting you to a biometric appointment once your application has been processed.
Step 4 - receive your visa
Once your application has been processed you will be notified of the outcome. If you submit your application online, and get approved, you’ll be told to send in your passport to have the visa added.
Processing times vary but there’s a tool to enter the application type you made and then get an estimate⁶. Applications can take several weeks to be dealt with so allow plenty of time.
Canada visa application fees
If you’re applying for a visitor visa you’ll need to pay a 100 CAD fee when you submit your application digitally⁷.
Fees for a Canada work visas are as follows:
- Starting from 155 CAD for an employer-specific work permit
- Starting from 255 CAD for an open work permit
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Once you get your Canada visa, you’ll be looking for a way to seamlessly and conveniently spend in CAD with low, transparent fees.
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Maaari kang mag-order ng physical card ng Wise sa halagang 369.90 PHP. Kung mayroon kang physical na card, makakagawa ka ng chip and PIN payments, at may 2 libreng ATM withdrawals na aabot sa 12,000 PHP bawat buwan.
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Pricing/fees: Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the Canada visa application form?
Your application for a Canadian visa is usually processed online through the IRCC Portal. You’ll need to follow the online prompts to answer the questions about your application and upload electronic versions of your documents. If your application is then approved you are asked to send in your passport to get your visa added to it.
What are the Canada visa photo size and requirements?
As part of your application for a visa you may be required to provide a passport style photo - although this is not always needed. If you do have to provide a photograph it should be at least 35 mm x 45 mm, and show your face clearly.
How long does a Canada visa application in the Philippines take?
The processing time for your Canadian visa can depend, but visitor visas are expected to take several weeks. You can check the processing time based on the type of visa you’ve applied for on the Canadian government website.
How much money do Filipinos need to show as proof of funds to get a Canadian tourist visa?
There’s not a fixed amount of money you must show as proof of funds to get a Canadian tourist visa as the amount needed will depend on your travel plans. If you are using bank information to support your visa application you are advised to upload documents which include your bank name and contact information, proof it is your account, and at least 6 months of account details, including balances.
Do check respective bank websites for the latest information and promotions
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Sources:
- eTA Canada
- Canada visa wizard
- Canada visitor visa
- Canada immigration - work visas
- Canadian work permit finder
- Canada government - check processing time
- Canada visa fee list
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
