How to Apply for Canada Visa Yourself in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide for Tourists, Students & Workers

Planning to move to Canada in 2025? Learn how to apply for a Canada visa by yourself—no agent needed! This guide includes eligibility, documents, and official websites to apply for visitor, student, or work visas.

✈️ How to Apply for Canada Visa Yourself in 2025

Applying for a Canada visa by yourself is easier than you think. You don’t need to pay agents when the official steps are clear and completely online. Whether you’re applying for a tourist visa, study permit, or work permit, this guide will help you do it all on your own.

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✅ Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Choose the type of visa you need based on your purpose:

1. Visitor Visa (Tourist or Business Visit)
2. Study Permit (for students enrolled in Canadian institutions)
3. Work Permit (open or employer-specific)
4. Permanent Residency (PR) – through Express Entry or PNP
5. Family Sponsorship Visa

📌 Use this tool to find out which visa you need:
👉 https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp

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📋 Step 2: Check Your Eligibility

Use the Government of Canada’s eligibility tool to check your eligibility.
👉 https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/come-to-canada/

You will need to answer a few questions like:

• Purpose of travel
• Nationality
• Age
• Language ability
• Work/education history
• Funds availability

The tool will tell you:

• Which visa you qualify for
• What documents you’ll need
• Where and how to apply

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🗂️ Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Common documents for most visa types:

• Valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Travel history (old passports, visas)
• Proof of funds (bank statements)
• Purpose of visit letter
• Invitation letter (if any)
• Police clearance (if required)
• Medical exam (for some long-term visas)

Study Permit:

• Letter of Acceptance from Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• IELTS/TOEFL score
• Proof of tuition fee payment

Work Permit:

• Job offer letter
• LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) from employer (if required)

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🌐 Step 4: Create Your Online Account

Apply through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada):

👉 Official portal: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html

👉 Direct to online application (GCKey):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html

Create an account using GCKey or Sign-in Partner (like your bank account if you’re in Canada).

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🧾 Step 5: Fill the Application Form

Once your account is set up:

• Choose your visa type
• Fill in the details carefully
• Upload all documents (PDF or JPEG)
• Pay the visa fee online using credit/debit card

💰 Fees (2025 Estimated):

• Visitor visa: CAD $100
• Work Permit: CAD $155
• Study Permit: CAD $150
• Biometric fee (if required): CAD $85

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🧬 Step 6: Biometrics Appointment

After submitting your application, you’ll receive a Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL). You must visit a Visa Application Center (VAC) to submit your biometrics (photo & fingerprints).

📍 Find a VAC near you:
👉 https://www.vfsglobal.ca/

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⏳ Step 7: Wait for Visa Decision

Check your application status on the IRCC portal. Processing times vary:

🔄 Check processing times here:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html

Once approved, you’ll get:

• eTA (for visa-exempt countries)
• Visa sticker on your passport (for others)
• Letter of introduction (for study/work visas)

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💡 Bonus: PR via Express Entry (for Skilled Workers)

Want to live in Canada permanently?

You can apply under the Express Entry System if you’re a skilled worker. Learn more here:
👉 https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html

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🔒 Beware of Fraud: Always Use Official Sources

Avoid fake agents or websites. Always apply only through official websites ending in .gc.ca or vfsglobal.ca.

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📚 References:

1. Government of Canada – Immigration and Citizenship
2. IRCC Visa Wizard Tool
3. Visa Application Centre – VFS Global
4. Express Entry – Canada.ca

Applying for a Canada visa by yourself in 2025 is fully online, simple, and secure. Just follow the step-by-step instructions above, and you can save agent fees and control your own visa process. Whether you’re going to study, work, or visit, Canada is just a few steps away!