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Senegal → Canada

How to get a Canada visa from Senegal

Visa types, fees, processing times and application requirements for Senegalese passport holders travelling to Canada.

Visa types & fees

3 visa options for travelling to Canada.

Business visa

Processing time15 business days
Validity90 days

Student visa

Processing time15 business days
Validitymore than 90 days

Tourist visa

Processing time15 business days
Validity90 days

Application requirements

Documents Senegalese applicants need to provide.

  • Completed and signed the Canadian Visa application form.
  • An original and copy of your Senegalese passport.
  • The passport will need to be valid for at least six months beyond your date of return and have at least two blank pages.
  • Two colour photographs that are recently taken within the last three months on a white background is required.
  • Proof of visa application processing fee is required.
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip such as three months bank statements, payslips and proof of investments.
  • If you are not paying for the trip you will need a letter from the person or institution sponsoring your trip and additional documents such as a copy of their passport and a bank statement proving they have sufficient funds.
  • Proof of ties to Senegal such as employment letter, proof of businesses or assets.
  • Copy of provisional flight booking and travel itinerary (i.e. accommodation reservations).
  • You may need to provide a medical history or proof of good health.
  • Previous passports showing travel history.
  • Minors (under 18) travelling alone will need a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians.
  • For minors travelling with one parent, a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian is required.
  • Applicants should take note that paper photographs are not required if you need to supply biometrics.

Visa type details

Tourist visa

  • Tourist visa is issued to foreigners travelling to Canada for tourism purposes such as recreation, relaxation or holidays.
  • Canada Tourist Visa Application Form completely filled and signed by the applicant.
  • Bank or other financial statements to prove you have enough funds for the trip to Canada.
  • A travel itinerary if you have already booked air tickets or just a description of what you plan to do once in Canada.
  • A Canada visa letter of invitation from the applicant’s family or friends if the applicant is visiting them.
  • Proof of the relationship if you are visiting your family.
  • The immigration statuses of your family or friends by submitting a copy of their Canadian residence permit.
  • Bank statements or other financial statements of your friends or family in Canada.
  • A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a Tourist visa.
  • Proof that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your home country once your visit is over, such as a lease, and property deed.
  • Proof that you do not plan to work or study in Canada.
  • Court documents that prove you have a clean criminal history.
  • All the documents that you have that are in another language other than English or French should be translated.

Student visa

  • A Canadian student visa is issued to foreigners visiting Canada for the purpose of studying in any Educational institute in Canada.
  • A passport with validity that extends to cover the intended stay in Canada is required.
  • Proof of Acceptance by a Designated Learning Institution by providing the acceptance letter from the university/institute you are planning to attend.
  • Proof that you would have enough funds to pay our tuition fees as well as take care of living expended.
  • The Canadian Immigration deems a student would require at least Canadian $10,000 for every year of your stay.
  • Apart from the above two, the student would also have to prove that he/she has enough funds for a return fare as well.
  • Two passport-sized photographs, neutral facial expression, plain background as well as no headgear (unless for religious purposes).
  • The size of the passport image should be at least 35 mm x 45 mm and be recent (not older than 6 months).
  • Canadian Immigration requires international students from Senegal to undergo a compulsory Immigration Medical Examination from empanelled doctors.
  • The panel physician will perform a complete medical exam and may refer you for chest x-rays and laboratory tests.
  • Applicants are required to provide a copy of English Language Proficiency Exam Scores such as TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, or IELTS.
  • The applicant is required to submit an essay stating the purpose of the trip to Canada and why the applicant has chosen a particular institution.
  • The non-refundable visa application fee for Canada is CAD $150.
  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools the applicant attended is required.
  • Applicants are required to depart from Canada upon completion of the course of study.
  • Letters from the court and police in your country to prove you have a clean criminal record
  • A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a visa and study permit.
  • You must submit a letter of explanation saying why you want to study in Canada and guaranteeing that you accept and understand your responsibilities as a student in Canada.
  • If a minor is going to Canada to study and need a custodian that is not a parent of the minor, then you also need to submit a Custodian Declaration Form which states who the custodian of the child is and must be signed by the parents or legal guardians of the child.
  • If your family members (spouse or common-law partner and minor children) are also accompanying you, you must also have the application forms ready for them and apply together as a family.
  • All the documents must be translated into English or French and you must have certifications and proof that the translation is correct.

Business visa

  • A Canadian business visa is issued to foreigners travelling for business purposes such as signing business contracts, engaging in trade fairs and attending business meetings or conferences.
  • Applicants are required to submit receipt showing proof of paid Canada visa fees.
  • Proof of financial means by submitting bank statements for the last 6 months.
  • Proof you will return to your home country once the Canadian visa expires.
  • Applicants are required to provide valid identity card and Senegal residence permit if the applicant is not a citizen of Senegal.
  • Applicants are required to provide a copy of a valid medical exam result showing that the applicant has no illness or disease that is contagious.
  • A copy of the confirmed travel itinerary is required.
  • An invitation letter from the company you are visiting from the Company, workshop, conference, or trade show organizers in Canada is required.
  • The invitation letter must clearly state the nature of the business to be carried out in Canada.
  • Registration documents of the company you work for.
  • A letter from your employer stating your job title, salary, and reason why you are visiting Canada.
  • Registration documents from the Canadian company which has invited you to Canada.
  • A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a visa.
  • All documents must be in English or in French and if they have been translated, you must provide a certification that the translation is correct.

Where to apply

Canada embassy & visa application centers in Senegal.

Dakar

AddressRue Galliéni x Brière de l'Isle P.O. Box 3373 Dakar Senegal
Phone(+221) 889 47 00
DayOpensCloses
Mon08:0017:00
Tue08:0017:00
Wed08:0017:00
Thu08:0017:00
Fri08:0013:00
Sat——
Sun——

Frequently asked questions

What is the official language of Canada

Canada is an officially bilingual country, with two official languages: French and English. In practice, however, the majority of Canadians speak English, with progressively smaller numbers speaking English and French, English and some other language, or only French.

When is the best time to visit Canada

September and October, are the best time to travel to Canada, as the weather is frequently very pleasant, the crowds have dispersed, and accommodation prices are lower than summer. If you are looking for value, during the spring is another good time to visit Canada.

How safe is the tap water in Canada

Tap water in Canada is generally safe to drink. Although the health impact has not yet been evaluated, micro-plastics have also been found in most municipal tap water. To be on the safe side, it is recommended to use an easy-to-install and affordable carbon filter like TAPP.

How safe is Canada

Canada is a very safe country and is often viewed as a safe haven compared to the US where crime and violence are still issues. Canada is ranked 8th out of 162 on the safest and most dangerous country ranking.

Canada embassy in Senegal All Senegal visa requirements
Visa fees and rules change often. Confirm the latest Canada visa requirements with an official embassy or consulate before booking travel.