CANADA
CANADA, Embassy of.Address: Level 6, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City 1200
Mission Tel.: (632) 857‐9001
Immigration Tel: (632) 857‐9002 (recorded information)
Mission Fax: (632) 843‐1082
Immigration Fax: (632) 843‐1094/1096; 857‐9176/77
Office days: Monday to Friday
Office hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 16:30
Friday 8:00 – 13:30
Immigration and Visa: Open to the public Monday to Thursday from 8:00 to 10:00 for enquiries
By phone
Recorded information on Temporary and Permanent Resident Visas is available 24 hours per day at
(632) 857‐9002.
To obtain information on Temporary Resident Visa requirements, you may call this free enquiry line:
(632) 845‐9200. Client service representatives are available from M‐F (8am‐5pm) and Sat (8am‐12nn).
Note that this line is for Visa information ONLY.
In Person
The Visa Section is open to public from 8:00 to 10:00, Monday to Thursday, except on Embassy holidays,
for enquiries that are not case‐related, or for enquiries on cases that are beyond the average processing
time.
Please note that security reasons, wireless devices are not permitted inside the Embassy.
By fax / By Mail
General and case‐specific enquiries as well as additional/requested documents and changes in personal
information (address, civil status, etc.) can be sent by fax:
(632) 843‐1094 or (632) 843‐1096
Or by mail at:
Embassy of Canada
Immigration and Visa Section
P.O. Box 2168 Makati Central Post Office Makati City 1200 Philippines
Please provide the following information along with your request:
Full name
Date of Birth
File number [letter followed by a nine‐digit number], if applicable
Telephone number, including area code
Fax number including area code
Mailing address
Please note that we will not send an acknowledgement of receipt for documents and information
received but we will take appropriate steps. We will reply to enquiries only if the application has
exceeded the normal processing time.
By e‐mail
General and case specific enquiries as well as additional/requested documents and changes in personal
information (address, civil status, etc.) can be sent through e‐mail.
For general information, we will send a reply only if the information you are requesting is not readily
available in our website.
For case‐specific enquiries, we will reply only if the application has exceeded the normal processing
times.
For additional documents and changes, we will not send an acknowledgement of receipt but we will
take appropriate steps.
We ask you to send your message through ONLY one form of communication (email, fax or mail) and not
to send multiple copies of the same enquiry.
Please note that only applicants are entitled to know about the status of their file. If you have a
representative, we can inform them only if they have your authorization in writing.
Temporary residence applications
Temporary resident visa (visitor visa)
Canada welcomes more than 35 million temporary residents (non‐immigrants) each year.
Unless they are citizens of a visa‐exempt country, individuals who wish to enter Canada for a temporary
purpose, such as tourists, temporary foreign workers (work permits) and international students (study
permits) must apply for and be granted a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
The TRV is a document issued by a Canadian Immigration Visa Office outside Canada, showing that the
holder has satisfied the requirements for admission to Canada as a visitor. Temporary Resident Visas
may be for single entry or multiple entries.
As a general rule, tourists are admitted for a period of six months. Temporary foreign workers and
international students are admitted for varying periods of time, as determined on a case‐by‐case basis.
Extensions may be applied for within Canada.
It is important to note that possession of a valid Temporary Resident Visa does not necessarily mean
that the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Officer at the Canadian Port of Entry will admit the visitor
in Canada. At the Port of Entry will deny admission to all persons who, in their opinion, do not intend to
leave Canada at the expiry of their visitor status.
In addition, criminality and medical issues may prevent a visitor from entering Canada. Visitors to
Canada must also be able to prove their ability to support themselves during their intended temporary
stay in Canada.
Visitor visa applications cannot be submitted directly to the Embassy. Only
those in possession of valid Work Permits (including Live‐in Caregivers) or
Study Permits applying for re‐entry visa can submit their applications directly
to our office.
Note:
Please be advised we will not be able to accommodate requests for
retrieval of passports while your application for a temporary resident visa is
in process. If you need your passport back, the alternative is to withdraw
your application. Consequently, your application will not be processed
further and you will have to re‐apply for a visitor visa to Canada, with new fees.
For security reasons, wireless devices are not permitted at the Embassy.
Only the applicants themselves are entitled to know about the status of
their file. If you have a representative, we can inform them only if they have
your authorization in writing.
Drop‐box service Immigrant and live‐in caregiver applications, as well as any documents
related to existing files in these two categories, may also be submitted by drop‐box.
These drop‐boxes are located at basement 4 of the RCBC building.
VISITING CANADA
Do I need a visa?
Citizens of the Philippines require a visa to enter Canada.
If you are a citizen of another country or permanent resident, visit
our website to see if you require a visa to enter Canada.
Filipino Diplomats: holders of diplomatic, service, or official passports are not visa exempted.
However, they are exempt from the processing fees. If you hold one of these passports and are
going to Canada, you can submit your application directly to the Embassy with a note verbal
from the Department of Foreign Affairs (for Philippines passport holders).
Returning live‐in caregivers and other temporary foreign workers with valid Work Permits and
students with valid Student Permits require a visa to re‐enter Canada.
United States of America permanent residents [Green Card holders] who are in possession of
their status document or who can provide other evidence of permanent residence in the USA
do not require a visa to visit Canada. However, if you have been outside of the United States for
a considerable period, you must confirm your permanent resident status before entering
Canada.
A foreign national who is not visa exempt transiting Canada for 48 hours or less en route to
another country requires a transit visa. An exception to this requirement is that nationals of
Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand transiting Canada at Vancouver Airport to the
United States do not require a Canadian
transit visa if:
a. they have in their possession a valid and subsisting U.S. visa to enter the U.S. and
b. are traveling on any of the following airlines‐Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines,
Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines or Philippines Airlines.
2. How do I apply?
Download and print the Application form and the Application kit:
Application form for Temporary Resident Visa
Application kit for the Philippines Include the correct processing fee.
3. When should I apply?
Please consider the processing time required. We strongly suggest
that you plan ahead and apply at least two (2) months before your intended
departure date. If there is an emergency and you need to travel to Canada
immediately, you can make a request for an emergency processing. This
request will only be considered in extenuating circumstances; lack of
advance planning to ensure that processing of your application precedes
your planned departure date does not create an emergency. Emergency
processing will be granted where an unforeseen event has occurred, such
as death in the family, around which a departure date could not be planned.
Please complete the form and fax it to (63‐2) 843‐1096 or (63‐2) 843‐1094.
4. What types of visas are there?
Single‐entry visa allows one entry only to Canada within the validity of the visa.
Multiple‐entry visa allows unlimited entries to Canada within the validity of the visa.
Transit visa allows for a short stop‐over (maximum 48 hours) entry to Canada en route to another
country. It can be granted for a single or multiple entries, depending on the applicant’s travel
requirements. Example: If your return travel is also through Canada, you should request a transit visa
valid for two entries. The validity of a visa is determined by a visa officer. Single‐entry visas are normally
valid for six months, and multiple‐entry visas may be valid for periods. The validity date is the period by
which you may enter Canada. The decision to admit the foreign national, however, is made by the
officer at the port of entry to Canada (airport or border crossing). The officer determines the length of
stay allowed. We cannot issue visas with a validity that exceeds the passport validity. If your passport
will expire soon, you may wish to renew it before you apply for your visa.
5. How do my spouse or common‐law partner and dependent children apply?
If you and your spouse or common‐law partner and/or dependent children will be applying together, it
will not be necessary for each person to fill out separate application forms. Only you’re accompanying
children who are aged 18 years old and above must complete their own application forms. If you and
your spouse or common‐law partner and/or dependent children will not file your applications together,
your spouse or common law partner and/or accompanying dependent children 18 years old and above
must complete separate application forms. Your spouse or common law partner becomes the principal
applicant. Dependent children who are applying without their parents must fill out separate application
forms. Your spouse or common law partner and children must meet all the requirements for temporary
residents to Canada. They must satisfy an officer that they are genuine temporary residents who will be
in Canada for a temporary stay. They may be required to provide evidence that they are law abiding and
have no criminal record. If they are financially dependent on you, he or she must submit a letter signed
by you which states that you are financially responsible for him or her. This should be accompanied with
proof of your financial situation. Important: You may be required to provide a marriage certificate and
birth certificates for any accompanying family members. If you are in a common‐law relationship and
your common‐law partner will accompany you to Canada, you may be required to complete the
enclosed form Statutory Declaration of Common‐Law Union (IMM 5409). Also provide evidence outlined
on the form to support your relationship.
6. What are the factors considered by a visa officer in assessing an application? Foreign nationals
wishing to come to Canada as temporary residents must show that they will respect the conditions that
apply to temporary residents. One of these conditions is that they will voluntarily leave Canada at the
end of the period authorized for the stay and that they will not contravene the conditions of admission
(for example, that they will not study or work without prior authorization) and that they do not belong
in a category of persons inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. In
reaching a decision whether the applicant is a genuine temporary resident, the visa officer considers
several factors, which include:
The applicant’s travel and identity documents;
The reason for travel to Canada and the applicant’s contacts there;
The applicant’s financial means for the trip;
the applicant’s ties to his or her country of residence, including immigration status,
employment and family ties;
whether the applicant would be likely to leave Canada at the end of the authorized stay;
The applicant’s health condition. Officers make decisions on a case‐by‐case basis. The onus is on
applicants to show that their intentions are genuine.
7. Do I need to undergo a medical examination?
In some cases you will require a medical examination. If a medical examination is required, you will be
informed by an officer who will send you instructions on how to proceed. A medical examination may
add three months to the processing of your application.
8. My application was refused. What can I do about it?
Refusals are not subject to reconsideration. If your circumstances have changed appreciably or you have
significant new information, and you believe that it would result in a different decision, you may wish to
reapply at any time. If, however, there is no change in your situation, it is unlikely that your application
would result in the issuance of a visa.
9. What can I do to support the application of my friend, relative, or
business contact that was refused? Can I find out what the reasons
were? Refusals are not subject to reconsideration. If applicant decides to reapply, and you wish to
support this application, you may again provide the documents required. Please remember that
although you may provide documentation in support of an application of a friend, relative, or business
contact, the decision of the visa officer is ultimately based on the applicant’s circumstances, and not on
any personal or financial guarantees that you or others may be prepared to offer on that person’s
behalf. The Canadian Privacy Act does not permit us to discuss the details of any case with anyone
except the applicant and certain authorized persons. Before we can release information to you the
applicant must provide us with specific written permission to do so.
10. Still have more questions?
What does the expiry date on my visa mean? The expiry date on the top line of the visa is the date by
which you must arrive in Canada, not the date by which you must leave Canada. You must arrive in
Canada on or before the date printed under “Expiry date” which is read DAY‐MONTH‐YEAR
(DD/MM/YY). I plan to re‐enter Canada after my visit to the United States. Do I need a
single or multiple entry visas? Your single‐entry visa will allow you repeated entries to Canada from the
USA within the period authorized for your stay in Canada. The authorized period of stay is the time
granted by the port of entry officer at the time of your original entry to Canada or, if you have been
granted an extension, the period allowed by your extension. However, if you leave Canada or the United
States for another country within the period of your authorized stay, this is no longer applicable. You
lose your temporary resident status once you leave Canada for another country other than the United
States.
How long can I stay in Canada?
Please note that admission to Canada is for a specific period of time and can only be granted at a
Canadian port of entry. Upon your arrival in Canada, your passport or travel documents may be stamped
to indicate how long you may stay in Canada. If you do not receive notice otherwise, you may remain in
Canada for up to six months. Please make sure you understand when you will have to leave. If you have
any questions about how long you can stay in Canada, be sure to ask an immigration officer upon your
arrival or during your stay. If you wish to extend your stay once in Canada, you should call the number
listed under Immigration in the local Canadian telephone directory. Ask for the application kit applying
to Change Conditions or Extend your stay in Canada, or you may download the application at
www.cic.gc.ca. Applications for an extension of status can only be made in writing and must be
submitted at least one month before your status is due to expire. Can I apply for a new visa once I am in
Canada? No. You must make an application at a visa office outside Canada for a new visa. You can only
apply for an extension. Visit our website and see Applying to Change Conditions or Extend your stay in
Canada.
I have a valid temporary resident visa but my passport was cancelled. What do I do?
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations require nonvisual‐exempt passport holders to
carry both a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and a valid passport. There is no regulatory requirement,
however, for the visa to be in the valid passport. Clients are encouraged to apply for a replacement visa
at the visa office, and the visa in your expired or cancelled passport will be visibly cancelled. The fee to
be charged for the simple replacement of a visa bearing the same number of entries and expiry date
as the original is on the fee schedule. If you wish to obtain a visa valid for a longer period, this will
constitute a visa application. Fees are to be charged at the normal rate and previous visa will still need
to be cancelled.
I lost my passport with a valid visa and I still need to travel to Canada. What do I do?
You will need to submit a new application. Kindly include a copy of the police report and an affidavit of
loss when submitting your application. I have an expired visa and I wish to renew it. What do I do? To
renew your visa, you will need to submit a new application. However, it is not a guarantee that if you
will be issued a visa if you have been granted a visa in the past. Your current circumstance must satisfy
the requirements of the Act before a visa can be issued to you. My planned travel is postponed and my
new departure date is beyond my visa validity. Can my visa validity be extended? No, the validity of a
visa may not be extended. If you are unable to use your visa within its validity, you will need to submit a
new application.
I have a pending immigrant application. Can I apply for a temporary resident visa?
Yes, you may submit an application for a temporary resident visa. Your visa application will be assessed
independently of your immigrant application and in accordance with the Regulations in force. An
intention by a foreign national to become a permanent resident does not preclude them from becoming
a temporary resident if the officer is satisfied that they will leave Canada by the end of the period
authorized for their stay.
TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA
All documents must be submitted at the same time as your application and processing fee. The
documentation you provide with your application will be used to establish that your authorization to
enter Canada would not be contrary to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Failure to provide
compete, truthful and accurate material will result in your application being assessed based on the
documentation submitted, which may result in your application being refused. Warning:
Misrepresentation will result in your application being refused. If you or someone acting on your behalf
directly or indirectly submits false documents or misrepresents facts relating to your application for a
temporary resident visa:
Your application will be refused;
The circumstances of your refusal will be entered into Canada’s global immigration database;
and
You could become inadmissible to Canada for 2 years under section 40 (2) of the Immigration
and Refugee Protection Act.
How to apply
All visitor visa applications will be assessed on paper. This means that a visa officer will review and make
a decision on your application based on the documents you submit. The completed application kit will
be picked up from you by our designated courier and will be delivered to our office for processing. The
result will be returned to you with your passport and documents via courier. You may be contacted by
our office if an interview or additional information is required.
1909‐101‐888 (PLDT/Digital/Smart)
1‐903‐101‐888 (Bayantel)
1‐900‐101‐888 (Globe)
To obtain information regarding visa application process, you may call our Free Visa Information and
Inquiry number at (63‐2) 845‐9200. An information recording is available 24 hours per day and you can
speak with a representative by calling between 8am – 5pm, Mondays to Fridays, and 8am – noon on
Saturdays.
Each applicant must provide:
Completed “Application for a Temporary Resident Visa” (IMM5257). If you and your spouse or
common‐law partner and/or dependent children apply together, it is not be necessary for each
person to fill out separate application forms. Only you’re accompanying children who are
aged 18 years old and above must complete their own application forms.
Completed “Personal Information form”, see Appendix below. Separate form should be
completed by your spouse or common‐law partner if accompanying.
(2) Photos for each person, meeting the requirements of the Appendix below – Photo
Specifications. On the back of one photo (and only one) in each set, write the name and date of
birth of the person appearing in the photo.
The correct fee. Fees must be paid by manager’s cheque, certified cheque, postal money order
or bank draft payable to the “Canadian Embassy, Manila”. Cheques and PMOs should be valid
for at least 6 months upon submission of your application. Cash will NOT be accepted processing
fee is non‐refundable.
Current passport (valid for six months after the date of intended entry to Canada), and old
passports showing previous travel. If the laminate on your bio page is disturbed around the
photo, your passport will be returned to you. In order to save valuable time, please obtain a new
passport prior to submitting your application.
Original proof of funds showing history, such as current and previous savings passbooks, time
deposits, original business registration forms, and income tax returns. If you have an ATM
account, please provide a history of transaction within the last 6 months.
Original proof of assets
Original employment certification confirming your position, salary, and duration of approved
leave, if employed, or original certificate of enrolment, if student.
Children under 16 years of age travelling without their parents require a letter of permission to
travel, from the non‐accompanying parent(s) and a letter from their custodian in Canada, as
well as a travel clearance certificate from the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD). If the child is the subject of a custody order, proof of custody and the other parent’s
consent must also be provided.
Photocopy of your valid return ticket (if you have one)
Use of Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable If you are going to visit family or friends, you
need to provide your own proof of income and funds to demonstrate your financial situation in
the Philippines. You may also provide the following:
A letter of invitation from your relative or friend that includes their full name, address,
telephone and fax numbers, your name and relationship to the inviter, the intended duration of
the visit, and a statement concerning who will pay for the trip expenses.
A copy of citizenship or immigration status document (to demonstrate that they are legally in
Canada) of the person inviting you.
For the person who will pay for your trip, please supply financial supporting documents to prove
that they can afford to support this visit, including reliable and verifiable information from a
third party source of your host’s income, employment letter and proof of funds. If you are going
on a business visit, you may provide:
A letter of invitation from the company you intend to visit including full name and title, business
address, telephone and fax numbers, your own name and title, the intended duration of the
visit, a brief summary of the reasons for the visit and a statement concerning who will pay for
the trip.
Copies of any additional documents that outline the business to be conducted during the visit.
These may include business correspondence and proof of previous business conducted
(contracts, shipments, orders, invoices, etc.)
Contact names, titles, and addresses, phone and fax numbers for third parties with whom you
have arranged meetings.
PHOTO SPECIFICATIONS
Requirements
provide two photos of you and each accompanying family member with your application. Your photos
must comply with the specifications below. If the photos do not meet the specifications, you will have to
provide new photos before
your application can be processed.
Specifications
The photos must be identical and taken within the last six months.
They may be either black and white or colour.
The photos must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white or light‐coloured
background.
If the photos are digital, they must not be altered in any way.
Your face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression, neither frowning nor smiling,
and with your mouth closed.
You may wear non‐tinted or tinted prescription glasses as long as your eyes are clearly visible.
Make sure that the frame does not cover any part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is acceptable if it does not disguise your normal
appearance.
If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your
full facial features are not obscured.
Min Frame Height 45mm (1.77")
Min Frame Width 35mm (1.37")
Max Face Height 36 mm (1.41")
Min Face Height 31mm (1.22")
The frame size must be 35mm X 45mm (1.37” X 1.77”).
The photos must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the
middle of the photo, and include the top of the shoulders.
The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31mm (1.22”)
and 36mm (1.41”). Crown means the top of the head, or (if obscured by hair or headwear),
where the top of the head or skull would be if it could be seen.
To avoid delays, make sure your photos meet these specifications