Are you dreaming of exploring the astonishing beauty of Canada and planning to visit there to experience the beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm cosmopolitan culture? A Visitor Visa for Canada is your gate pass to enter the beautiful county, also known as the Land of Maple Leaf. Well, applying for and getting a visitor visa for Canada is not a cakewalk anymore and requires proper planning to avoid visa refusal. The main role along with proper eligibility, documents, and filing, is the statement of purpose for the Visitor Visa Application. Before you start packing your bags, you should secure your visitor visa first and for that, you need an experienced visa consultant, who can guide you through the whole process and help you in presenting your case the best way. We have created a comprehensive guide to prepare SOP for a Canadian Visitor Visa in 2024 through which you can have a better understanding of how to prepare the draft. You can check the visitor visa sop samples, formats, and tips we have given below in this article. But, we dive deeper into the guidelines, please go through this Sample SOP for Canada Visitor / Tourist Visa.
Below is the Sample SOP for a Tourist Visa, in Canada
To
The Visa Officer
Embassy of Canada
Sub: Application requesting a temporary resident visa
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am Hassan Tairu, a Gambian, bearing passport number xxxxxx. I am fond of traveling to different places and learning about their native culture, arts, and history. As I have not traveled for a long time in the last two years due to the COVID-19 emergency, I want to resume my traveling plans. I want to explore the West and none better than Canada appeals to me due to its vast multicultural history. Therefore, I utilize this opportunity to detail my travel plans and summarize my genuine intentions to return home. I purposely writing this letter to you to reveal my desire to visit Canada.
My visit to Canada is solely focused on sightseeing as I am extremely mesmerized by its beautiful landscapes. Canada is among the top travel destinations in the world, boasting picturesque locations, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and above all, a vibrant multicultural environment. Also, having already grasped details about the umpteen hospitality of this country, I am more intrigued to experience world-class cuisine and personalized treatment. To add meaning to my trip, I have already researched and pre-planned the places where I want to primarily visit while in Canada.
During my time in Canada, I will discover Ontario and Quebec in particular. In Ontario, I am particularly eager to visit some of the top attractions such as the majestic Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Casa Loma, Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, and soak in the beauty of Lake Ontario. In Montreal (Quebec), I will be visiting the famous Old Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, Mont Royal Park, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and other top tourist attraction sites in Ottawa and Toronto. While on a visit to this beautiful country, I am determined to interact with the locals and find some short local excursions. Above all, I am excited about the Formula One Canadian Grand Prix event which happens each year during June in Canada. All of these are hard to find in my country. Hence, I will make the most of my time during my visit to this beautiful country of landscapes. It will surely add to a wonderful journey experience that I anticipate in the fun-loving, open, and warmly cultured Canada.
Especially because I have not been able to take any visits in the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to burst that stress by releasing adrenaline in my tentative visit to Canada. I have already pre-planned my visit and obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) in favor of my leave from work for which I have got approval from the senior management in my existing institution. Immediately after I arrive in Gambia, I will resume my services. Hence, my arrival in Canada, at Toronto Pearson International Airport has already been planned for 12th June 2023 while I will depart from the country on 21st June 2023.
Financial ability to fund my trip
I come from a well-established family in The Gambia. I own a standard house which is currently valued at GMD6,000,000 (CAD133,333). I work at the Central Bank of The Gambia and earn an annual salary of GMD604,480.20 (CAD13,432.89). Hence, I have sufficient funds to sponsor my travel, which includes flight tickets, accommodation, food, and other miscellaneous travel expenses. I have savings at the Central Bank of The Gambia Corporative Credit Union amounting to GMD824,248.26 (CAD17,747.98), which will be used
to meet my expenses during my short trip to Canada. Also, I am confident that our already existing wealth and consistent earnings make my family strong enough to provide additional financial support if I incur any throughout my stay in Canada.
Reasons to return to Gambia
Family ties and employment
In The Gambia, I have my entire family waiting to see me back home from my international trip. My closest family ties include my wife and two loving daughters. I share a unique bond with them. As I am closely attached to my family members, I find it my duty to return to my home country and be their earnest support. Also, due to having decent property and investments in my home country, I am determined to show serious interest in managing our assets judicially so our children can make the best use of them. I am in deep love with my wife who is my soulmate and my most sincere partner. I cannot think of staying away from her for a long time. Hence, I will return home within the authorized stay period.
Regarding my work commitment, I have a permanent full-time job in my home country which earns me a decent living. I am employed by the Central Bank of The Gambia which is the most prestigious institution in the country. I am presently stationed at the Financial Markets Department and mainly concentrating on Foreign Exchange Analysis, Foreign Exchange Market Intelligence, Investment Analysis and prudently managing the Foreign Reserves of The Gambia. I am also a member of the Cash/Banknote Destruction Board.
I have huge plans for my future in the Gambia because I possess rich exposure as a professional. As I am already doing well in my profession, I want to seek progression in the following year. The Gambia is about to launch its maiden Stock Exchange Market. In November 2022 I was nominated by the Central Bank of The Gambia and traveled to Lagos, Nigeria to attend a study tour on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as I will be one of the key players in this market. Therefore, I cannot keep myself out of work for more than the approved leave period. Hence, I will obey the conditions of the NOC provided to me in favor of my annual leave and return home to join my work with immediate effect.
Conclusion
As I have explored many places indigenously and visited Italy in 2017 and 2018, I am determined to fulfill my dream of visiting Canada and having some fun as a solo traveler away from my city. I am curious to expand my area of excursion and I am sure this visit will be a memorable experience too. I, hereby, inform you that I do not possess any history of visa refusal. Also, I am very hopeful about having a mesmerizing journey in Canada. I do not have any family ties in Canada, and I am determined to reunite with my family in Gambia. Hence, I will be returning home as per the itinerary.
I assure you that I have gone through the eligibility criteria for international visitors, and I meet the same. I am in good health and am fully vaccinated against Coronavirus. Also, I have no criminal record in the Gambia or elsewhere. I assure you that I have provided all my legitimate documentation and evidence which validates my candidacy as a genuine temporary entrant. I, hereby, reiterate my purpose for visiting which is to explore Canada as a solo traveler. I pledge to follow all the Canadian Immigration Rules and I will return home within the authorized stay period. I, therefore, seek your kind approval in allowing me a valid visa grant for my temporary visit to Canada.
Yours sincerely,
Hassan Tairu
Importance of SOP for Canadian Visitor Visa in 2024
Canada is a country that is famous for its beauty, landscape, infrastructure, education, and welcoming culture. This is the reason why millions of people visit Canada every year for education, job opportunities, PR, and tourism purposes and for all these purposes all the candidates have to apply for a Temporary Residence Visa (TRV) which has different sections to apply according to the purpose. In this blog, we are talking about the visitor visa application. A Canadian Visitor Visa is a temporary residence permit issued by Canadian Immigration Authorities to allow any foreign national to visit and stay in Canada with certain conditions that limit the visa holder to work, do business, or study in Canada. The usual duration of the visitor visa permits to enter and stay in Canada for up to 6 months, but that can vary upon the discretion of the border services officer who evaluates the candidates physically in person. Citizens of most countries, except the visa exempted countries for Canada, which even include the United States, require a visitor visa to visit Canada which is of mainly two types – Single Entry Visitor Visa and Multiple Entry Visitor Visa, but the duration can be the same in both of these.
Canada Tourist / Visitor Visa Eligibility Criteria
As we know, a Canadian Visitor Visa or Torusit is a temporary resident visa for travelers or visitors who are planning to visit Canada for a short period, and for that, they are seeking a visitor permit to enter the land of Canada. Though it is very easy to understand what is the eligibility criteria for visiting Canada, going by the simple rules, not everyone will get the visa. Apart from the basic rules for temporary visitors, they are also required to satisfy the immigration officer that the entrant has no other intentions apart from what is mentioned in the documents as the purpose of the visit. However, it is important to review the basic eligibility criteria and list of documents required for a Canada Visitor Visa before starting the process of applying for a visitor visa or tourist visa to Canada.
- A valid passport with a minimum 6 months validity
- A clear intent for visiting Canada as a tourist/visitor
- A detailed travel plan/itinerary
- Sponsor Letter or Letter of invitation
- Hotel Bookings in case of no sponsors
- Return flight tickets to Canada
- Health Fitness Certificate
- Travel Insurance for the duration of the stay
- Clean Police Records
- Strong ties to your home country
- Sufficient funds to sponsor your travel
- Clear intent to leave Canada
List of Documents required to file a Canada Visitor or Tourist Visa
- Original Passport
- Filled Visa Application Form
- Color Photographs
- Cover Letter / SOP for Canada Visitor Visa
- Invitation letter from company, friends, or relatives
- Official Leave letter from your employer, college or university
- Police Verification Report from Clean Records
- Financial Sufficiency / Proof of funds
- Provide evidence of your financial stability, including:
- Original personal bank statements for the last 6 months
- Salary slips from the last 6 months (if employed)
- >Shop Act / MOA / Deed (if self-employed)
- Income Tax returns / Form 16 for the last 3 years
- Other financial documents like Fixed Deposits (FD), National Savings Certificates (NSC), Public Provident Fund (PPF), Shares, Property papers, etc.
Frequently asked questions for Canada Visitor / Tourist Visa & SOP
Who needs a visitor visa to enter Canada?
Everyone who is not living in Canada as a Canadian citizen or on a permanent residency visa requires a visitor visa which is also called TRV – Temporary Residence Visa. TRV is applicable for all those entrants in Canada who are visiting Canada for tourism, business, attending events, and visiting family & friends.
What is an SOP for a Tourist Visa in Canada?
A statement of purpose is required to apply for a tourist visa or a visitor visa for Canada where the candidates need to clearly define the purpose of their visit to Canada along with showcasing their strong ties to India. This is to convince the immigration officer that you are a genuine temporary entrant and you have no intention of staying permanently there.
How long does it take to process a visitor visa application for Canada in 2024?
Canadian Visitor Visa Applications usually take 2 to 5 weeks (15-35 days) on average and the durations are the same in 2024 as well. There were some delays in the last quarter of 2023, due to operational issues but now it has come to the normal standard time.
Do I need a medical exam for a Canada visitor visa?
Yes, in certain cases, you may need to undergo a medical examination for a Canadian Visitor Visa, if in case you have plans to stay more than 6 months or you have certain medical conditions.
What should I include in my SOP for a Canada Tourist Visa?
Your SOP should explain your purpose of visit, your planned itinerary, ties to your home country, and your reasons to surely return to India. You have to mention that you have no intention of staying back in Canada after the termination of your tourist visa or visitor Visa
Do I need to submit proof of employment or studies while applying visitor visa?
Well, it is not required to include proof of employment or education while applying for a visitor visa to Canada, but including that surely makes your application stronger. If you show that you can take a leave of absence from your employer or college/university, then it will give a very strong impression and support your intention to go back to your country.
Can I apply for a visitor visa online?
Yes, most applicants can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You can also hire Canadian Visa Consultants or experts who can help you with the correct process and right documentation to avoid visa rejections.
What happens if my visa application is denied?
You have the right to request a reconsideration or appeal the decision, but this process can be complex and time-consuming. You can read this detailed blog for Canada Visa Refusal.
Can I extend my visitor visa while I am in Canada?
Under certain circumstances, you may be able to apply to extend your stay, but it’s important to understand the limitations and process involved. It is mandatory to check for the details much before your visa is going to expire.
What happens if I overstay my visitor visa?
Overstaying your visa can have serious consequences, including difficulty obtaining future visas, fines, and even deportation. You should follow the immigration rules and come back before the visa expiry date. If you need to overstay, you should apply for a visa extension on the IRCC portal or talk to your Visa Counselor.
