Canada visa requirements for Somalis

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for Somalis visiting Canada

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Canadian Visa.

  • An original passport valid for at least six months from the period you intend to arrive in Canada and must have two blank pages too which would be available for visa stamp.
  • A fully signed and completed the Canada Visa application.
  • If a minor is traveling to Canada from Somalia, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form. 
  • Three colored passport-size photographs (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches high) taken on a white background.
  • Travel documents are required.
  • Proof of financial capability.
  • Proof of accommodation/hotel reservations.
  • A copy of a return flight ticket.
  • A police report to prove that the applicant does not have a criminal record.
  • Medical insurance covers the supposed medical expenses during the duration of your stay. 
  • Documents that confirm the purpose of the travel and the applicant’s ties to the home country.

Canada Visa for Somalis

Facts about Canada

Canada is a country in the northern part of North America. It stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west; to the north lies the Arctic Ocean. It also covers  9.98 million square kilometers (3.85 million square mile area making it the second-largest country by total area. Ottawa is Canada's capital city while its largest metropolitan cities are Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Canada is a parliamentary and constitutional democracy, the Elizabeth ll serves as its queen while a prime minister is the chair of the Cabinet and head of government.  


The Canadian economy is the tenth-largest in the world. It has a mixed economy system.  Canada is a net exporter of energy having  13th percent of the global oil reserve which makes it the third-largest share after Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. 

Types of Canada Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Visitor Visa 15 days 6 months
Work visa 3 months 6 months
Student visa 4 weeks 3 years depending on the course duration

General Requirements for Canada Visa

  • An original passport valid for at least six months from the period you intend to arrive in Canada and must have two blank pages too which would be available for visa stamp.
  • A fully signed and completed the Canada Visa application.
  • If a minor is traveling to Canada from Somalia, the parents/legal guardians have to sign the form. 
  • Three colored passport-size photographs (2 inches wide x 2 3/4 inches high) taken on a white background.
  • Travel documents are required.
  • Proof of financial capability.
  • Proof of accommodation/hotel reservations.
  • A copy of a return flight ticket.
  • A police report to prove that the applicant does not have a criminal record.
  • Medical insurance covers the supposed medical expenses during the duration of your stay. 
  • Documents that confirm the purpose of the travel and the applicant’s ties to the home country.
Canada Visitor Visa Canada Work visa Canada Student visa

Canada Visitor Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • The Canadian visitor visa allows applicants to visit Canada for the purpose of tourism and leisure.
  • Somalia citizens applying for a Canadian visitor visa are required to have  a valid passport and other travel documents
  • The  Canadian visitor visa is also known as the Canadian tourist/ business visa or Canadian temporary resident visa (TVR). 
  • Somalia citizens must be in good health to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.
  • The Canada visitor visa is valid for a maximum period of 6 months.
  • The Canada tourist visa is of two types:
  •  Single entry visa:
  • for a single visa, you are eligible for a fee-exemption and the purpose of your entry to Canada is limited (such as, for an official visit by a foreign national)
  • you will be permitted to take part in a one-time special event in Canadas.
  • Multiple entry visa:
  • With a valid multiple entry visa, you will be permitted to travel to Canada for six months at a time as many times as you want.
  •  It will be valid for up to 10 years or one month before your passport expires, whichever is shorter.
  •  You must arrive in Canada on or before the expiry date on your visa.
  • Both the visas are valid for a fixed period and cannot be used after they expire.

Canada Work Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Somalians can work in Canada on a temporary basis but they will require a work permit.
  • Proof that you plan to leave Canada upon the expiration of your work permit.
  • Proof of sufficient funds to return home and take care of yourself and any family members coming with you.
  • Somalia citizens are expected to provide a police report that proves they have no criminal records.
  • And also not be a danger to Canada’s security.
  • Applicants must be in good health (a medical exam may be required).
  • Plan to work for an eligible employer (i.e., no strip clubs, escort services, or erotic massage places).
  • An offer of employment from a Canadian employer is usually required before the worker may be granted a Temporary Work Permit by the Department of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
  • Depending on the foreign worker's country of citizenship, a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) may also be needed in order to enter Canada.
  • Before a Temporary Work Permit can be issued, the Canadian employer who wishes to hire a temporary foreign worker may need to apply for and be granted a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) by ESDC.
  • The ESDC will grant a positive LMIA if it is satisfied that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to do the job.
  • Work Permits may be issued by Canadian immigration officials without the LMIA requirement in a limited number of situations.
  • A Temporary Work Permit may be issued for a period of time ranging from a few days to a few years.

Canada Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • To study in Canada, you will need to obtain a Canadian study permit.
  • The student permit also serves as a Canadian student visa for the duration of your stay.
  • Once you have a Canadian study permit, you can apply to renew it from within Canada if you decide to continue your studies.
  • You also need a study permit to enable you to work off-campus, work as a co-op or intern as part of your program, stay in Canada as a permanent resident or find work after you graduate.
  • You can apply for a Canadian study permit either online or through a paper application, which can be obtained from the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website.
  • You need to prove that you have adequate funds to pay your tuition fee and living expenses.
  • You need to prove that you have a clean background and no criminal record. A police report is required to prove this.
  • You need to do a health checkup and produce a medical certificate that certifies that you are in good health.
  • Paper applications typically take about twice as long, and it’s always recommended to check the processing times well in advance.
  • Applicants from Europe, the Middle East or Africa may need to provide biometrics (photograph and fingerprints) during the visa application.
  • Two passport-sized pictures are also required, with your name and date of birth written on the back.

Canada Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Visitor Visa

100.00 (CAD)

Work visa

150.00 (CAD)

Student visa

160.00 (CAD)

Canada Visa Application Centres & Embassies in Somalia

Location

Address

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The Government of Canada has no resident representation in Somalia. Services are offered through the High Commission in Nairobi, Kenya

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-

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I submit my visa application?

You may deposit your application at the Canada Visa Application Centre. Applications may also be submitted to IRCC by using IRCC’s online application system (E-Apps).

Can someone else submit the application on my behalf??

Yes. You may appoint a representative to deposit your application on your behalf. To do so please complete the Use of a Representative [IMM 5476] form.

How long does it take to get a permanent residence visa to immigrate to Canada??

Every application is different and processing times largely depend on the type of visa being applied for. For an indication of current Canadian visa processing times please click here.

Will the Canadian immigration authorities or embassy help me to prepare my application and make sure that everything is correct before applying??

No. This type of service is no longer provided by the Government. The authorities exist to enforce the immigration law, rule on residence applications and to issue residence visas. Although basic information and applications forms are available, the authorities are unable to provide independent advice and personalized guidance on your specific case. An RCIC Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant or Canadian Lawyer/Paralegal can provide this sort of service.