Canada visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Canada

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

  • A valid South African passport with a validity of more than 6 months.
  • You must be 18 years or older to apply for a visa. If you intend travelling with minors, they are to apply with you.
  • If your documents are written in another language, you must have them translated and you must have a verification that the translation is correct.
  • All the applications must be signed and dated correctly.
  • You must provide two passport that meet the Canada Photo Requirement.
  • Applicants are required to have a clean criminal record and have proof of this through valid court document.
  • A Proof of Financial Status: Your bank statements must show that you can afford to stay in Canada.

Canada Visa for South Africans

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. 

Foreigners traveling to Canada for whatever purpose are not allowed to apply for Canadian citizenship. They are also deprived of benefits such as health insurance and social security.

Types of Canada Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 8 - 40 days 6 months
Student visa 8 - 40 days 6 months
Business visa 1 - 6 weeks 6 month
Official visa 8 - 40 days Duration of Itinerary

General Requirements for Canada Visa

  • A valid South African passport with a validity of more than 6 months.
  • You must be 18 years or older to apply for a visa. If you intend travelling with minors, they are to apply with you.
  • If your documents are written in another language, you must have them translated and you must have a verification that the translation is correct.
  • All the applications must be signed and dated correctly.
  • You must provide two passport that meet the Canada Photo Requirement.
  • Applicants are required to have a clean criminal record and have proof of this through valid court document.
  • A Proof of Financial Status: Your bank statements must show that you can afford to stay in Canada.
Canada Tourist visa Canada Student visa Canada Business visa Canada Official visa

Canada Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • A Canadian tourist visa is one which allows you entry into the country for tourism purposes and visiting a family that stays in the country. 
  • You can attend a wedding ceremony.
  • You should have a valid medical insurance.
  • A letter of invitation from your host is required if you are visiting a friend or relative.
  • Minors are required to apply with their parent or guardian.
  • This visa takes 8 - 40 days to process.
  • With this visa, you are allowed to travel around Canada for a period of not more than 6 months.
  • You cannot stay in the country permanently neither can you be allowed to work or study.
  • The visa allows multiple entry for its holders.

Canada Student Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This visa is issued to those who have the desire to study in Canada. 
  • The visa is a combination of a tourist visa and a study permit. 
  • With a study permit, you can start your study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).  
  • The holder of this visa can stay in the country till the conclusion of his/her study. 
  • In some cases, the holder is permitted to work during the duration of the study. 
  • Acceptance letter from the institution you plan on attending.
  • Proof of paid fees.
  • An essay written by the applicant stating the reason for the choice of institution and purpose of visit.
  • It is a multiple entry visa.

Canada Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Canada attract a plethora of business people as a result of its highly developed economy. 
  • Holders of this visa hope to foster a working relationship with Canadian companies and meet potential business partners. 
  • The visa takes 1 - 6 weeks to be processed and is valid for a period of 60 days. 
  • Whoever holds this visa is not allowed to work for a Canadian company but is free to discuss business and sign potential agreements.
  • Holders of this visa can visit the country anytime as long as their visa is valid.
  • Proof that you plan to leave the country at the end of your business.
  • You need a letter of invitation from your business partner in Canada. The company’s address and certificate of registration should be provided in the letter.
  • Proof of clean criminal record.
  • Proof that you do not plan to enter the Canadian labour market.

Canada Official Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • Diplomatic visa is granted to diplomats and officials who go to Canada for official duties and obligations.
  • These officials visit Canada to improve relations between Canada and South Africa.
  • It takes 8 - 40 working days for the visa to be processed and lasts for the duration of the itinerary of duties. 
  • You will not be granted this visa if your purpose in the country is non-official.
  • The official’s name, position and title, place of visit, purpose of travel and duration of stay should be included in the letter.
  • Your status in the government and the purpose of your visit should be clearly stated in the letter.
  • There is no form of extension to it.
  • Only a security check is required for holders of this type of visa. You are allowed to enter the country without going through the regular customs check. 

Canada Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

100.00 (CAD)

Student visa

100.00 (CAD)

Business visa

100.00 (CAD)

Official visa

Diplomatic Visa

100.00 (CAD)

Canada Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

Canadian High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa 1103 Arcadia Street Private Bag X13 Hatfield Pretoria 0028 South Africa

https://www.canada.ca/en.html

pret@international.gc.ca

+27 12 422 3000

Cape Town

5th Floor, 30 Waterkant Street, Cape Town, South Africa

info.cansa@vfshelpline.com

+27124253002

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Canada Visa Application Center (CVAC)??

A Canada Visa Application Center is an agency established to ensure the successful submission of various clients visa application.

Who is the CVAC in South Africa??

VFS Global Ltd. is the authorized CVAC in South Africa.

Where do I submit my visa application??

Your visa application should be submitted at a Canadian Visa Application Center close to you.

What type of Visa do I require??

The suitable visa for you is dependent on the purpose of your visit to the country.

Can someone else submit the application on my behalf??

Yes, anybody can submit your visa application as long as the “use of representative” form has been filled.

My visa application and biometrics were submitted from Cape Town in July 2022. When I log in my status still shows as 'in progress'. Should I be concerned that my application has been lost and if so, what should I do ??
Hi there I'm Shahid mehmood I'm inquiring about my business visa application if you can assist me thanks 0738127040 Chshahidm786@gmail.com?