Canada Visitor Visa Application [For Filipinos Holding a B1/B2 US Visa]

Are you planning to go to Canada on a Visitor Visa? This is your guide on how to get a Canada Visa in the Philippines if you possess a valid US B1/B2 Visa. The application process is straightforward and you basically just need three (3) documents to proceed. Here’s a step-by-step guide for your reference.

Step 1: Create an account in the IRCC Portal

The first thing that you should do is create an account in the IRCC Portal. After signing up, login with your credentials and you will be directed to the terms and conditions page. Just click “I accept” and you will be taken to the application page. Fill out the form and upload the required documents.

Latest development! You can now opt to apply for an eTA if you hold a valid US visa! Read the announcement here.

Canada Visitor Visa Application Requirements – for Filipinos holding a valid US visa

Please take note that this only applies to travelers who hold a valid US visa – in my case, a B1/B2 visa for business and leisure purposes.

1. Passport Copy
2. Copy of National ID
3. Copy of US Visa

You will be required to upload these three documents at the end of the application process.

Step 2: Pay the Visa and Biometrics Fees

The visa and biometrics fee is CAD185 or roughly Php7,700 which you can pay by credit or debit card. I forgot if there are other payment options but I paid with my credit card.

Step 3: Schedule a visit to the Canada Visa Application Center

The third step is to schedule a visit to the Canada Visa Application Center in Manila (VFS) for the biometrics. There are plenty of slots from early morning until the afternoon so you will not have any issues with scheduling. I recommend going there early so you don’t have to queue, around 7 or 8 am.

You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment letter which you need to print. You will be required to bring a hard copy of the letter along with your passport.

The process was very quick. I scheduled my visit at 8:15 and I was done in less than 20 minutes. Bags are not allowed inside so you’ll have to pay Php105 to use the locker if you have a bag or even a power bank.

Step 4: Wait for the approval of your visa application

After the biometrics, you will receive an update from the IRCC regarding the results of your application. I got mine in less than 2 hours after my biometrics but I had to come back a week later because I already brought my passport to an agency to process my Japan Visa. You will have 30 days to bring your passport to VFS for visa stamping.

Step 5: Go back to VFS to submit your passport

Once your application is approved, you will again receive an email from IRCC. You need to log in to your account to know the update. You will be given another letter which you need to print and bring to VFS along with your passport. You don’t need to schedule an appointment so you can just visit any time during office hours.

I went to VFS around 11 am and there was a long line even outside the building. I thought it was only for biometrics but it turned out to be a line for passport submission and collection as well as for biometrics.

After about 30 minutes, we were finally called to go to the VFS office where we lined up again. After several minutes, I was called to go inside for passport submission.

I presented the letter and my passport and was asked if I want to pick up or courier my passport. I chose the latter and so she gave me the courier form (LBC) to be filled out and told me to go back to her for my number.

My number was 511 and the last number called when I entered the waiting area was 449 so I had to wait for more than an hour to get served. Phones are not allowed inside VFS so you will have to endure the waiting game.

My number was finally called after over an hour and it only took less than 10 minutes to complete the process. I paid Php470 for the courier fee.

Step 6: Pick up your passport or wait for it to be delivered

If you chose to pick up your passport, you will need to go back to VFS, line up, and pick up your passport. If you opted for a courier service, your passport will be delivered to your desired address. You will be notified by VFS via email regarding updates to your passport delivery.

Once you receive an email from VFS that your passport has been forwarded to the courier service, you can start tracking it on the LBC website.

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Important reminders

1. Phones are not allowed inside the VFS, you will be asked by security to turn them off.
2. Don’t bring a bag unless you need to. As I said above, bags are not allowed inside but VFS has a locker room where you can pay Php105 to store your bags.
3. Schedule an early timeslot for biometrics for a faster transaction.
4. Go to VFS early when you submit your passport for stamping to avoid the crowd.

Canada Visa Application Center – Manila (VFS)
29F The World Centre Building, 330 Sen Gil Puyat Avenue Makati City, Philippines