Planning Your Trip to Canada as a Nepali Citizen

Do you want to experience the stunning beauty of Canada’s natural landscapes or explore its bustling cities like Toronto and Vancouver? From visiting the world-famous Niagara Falls to hiking in the majestic Rocky Mountains, Canada is a destination worth exploring. But before you pack your bags, securing your Canadian tourist visa is the first step. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right visa to budgeting for your trip.

Choosing the Right Visa for Your Trip

For most Nepali travelers, the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is the ideal option for tourism purposes. This visa allows you to visit Canada for leisure, business, or to visit family and friends. There are two main types of TRVs:

1. Single Entry Visa

• Duration: This visa allows you to stay in Canada for a specific period (usually up to 6 months) but only for a single entry.
• Ideal For: Travelers who plan on visiting Canada only once.

2. Multiple Entry Visa

• Duration: If you plan on visiting Canada multiple times within a specific period (usually up to 10 years), the multiple-entry visa is a great option.
• Considerations: This visa is more expensive but convenient for frequent travelers.

Visa Validity

• Most Canadian visas are valid for 6 months, and each stay is typically limited to 6 months per entry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Your Canadian Visa

1. Gather the Required Documents

Before you start the visa application process, make sure you have the following documents ready:

Passport

• Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Canada.
• Ensure your passport has at least two blank visa pages for the visa stamp.

Visa Application Form

• Complete the IMM 5257 form available on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) website.
• Answer all questions truthfully, ensuring your passport details match the form.
• You can complete the form in English or French.

Photographs

• Submit two recent passport-sized photographs (2x2 inches) with a white background.

Travel Itinerary

• Include round-trip flight bookings, hotel reservations, and a list of planned activities.
• If you're visiting family or friends, include an invitation letter and their proof of residence.

Proof of Financial Means

• Show proof that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Canada. This could be in the form of bank statements, pay slips, or employment verification.
• A general guideline is having at least CAD 2,000 (approximately NPR 250,000).
• If you're self-employed, include business registration documents or tax records.

Employment Certificate

• If you are employed, include an employment letter verifying your job, salary, and approved leave.
• If you're a student, provide a sponsorship letter from a guardian or parent.

2. Complete Your Online Application

Once you have all the required documents, you can apply online via the IRCC website:

Fill Out the Form

• Ensure all details on the form match your passport and travel details. Accuracy is key.

Schedule Your Appointment

• After submitting your application, schedule an appointment for biometrics (if needed) at the Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Visa Fees

• The visa application fee is CAD 100 (approximately NPR 9,000) per person.
• If you need to provide biometrics, the fee is CAD 85 (approximately NPR 7,650).
• There may be additional charges for express processing or additional services.

3. Submit Your Application

Once your documents and form are complete, submit your application:

Submit Your Documents

• For online applications, upload scanned copies of all required documents to the IRCC portal.
• If applying in person, visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in New Delhi, India, to submit your documents.

Biometrics Appointment

• Applicants are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) as part of the visa process.
• If required, schedule an appointment at the VAC and provide your biometric details.

4. Pay the Visa Fees

After submitting your documents, pay the required visa fees through the IRCC portal or at the VAC.

• Visa Fee: CAD 100 (approximately NPR 9,000) per person.
• Biometric Fee: CAD 85 (approximately NPR 7,650) per person.

5. Processing Time

Visa processing times can vary, but generally, it takes 2-4 weeks for the visa to be processed. For faster processing, you can opt for express processing, which reduces the processing time to 1-2 weeks, but comes with an additional fee.

Urgent Processing

• If you need your visa urgently, express processing is available for an additional fee ranging from CAD 50 to CAD 100.

6. Collect Your Visa

Once your visa is approved, you will receive a notification to collect your passport from the VAC or have it returned to you if you applied online.

• Double-check Details: When collecting your visa, make sure the details (name, dates, visa type) are correct.

Traveling with Family? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you're bringing along your family — whether it’s your parents, spouse, or kids — there are a few extra steps to keep in mind:

Individual Applications

Everyone (yes, including kids) needs to submit a separate application with all the required documents.

Proof of Relationship

Official documents like your marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for children will be needed to show the family connection.

Financial Support

If one person is sponsoring the trip, include their financial documents and a sponsorship letter.

Consent for Minors

If you're traveling with children, both parents need to give their consent. If one parent can’t be there, you’ll need a notarized letter from them giving permission.

Budgeting for a 7-Day Trip to Canada

Now that your visa is sorted, let’s look at how much you should budget for your 7-day trip to Canada. Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs you can expect during your visit:

1. Flights

• Round-trip flights from Kathmandu to major Canadian cities like Toronto or Vancouver typically cost between NPR 120,000 to NPR 150,000 (USD 900–1,100) for economy class.
• Tip: Book your flights 2-3 months in advance for the best deals.

2. Accommodation

• Budget Hotels: Expect to pay around NPR 10,000 to NPR 15,000 per night.
• Mid-Range Hotels: Prices range from NPR 20,000 to NPR 30,000 per night.

Total for 7 Nights

• Budget Stay: Between NPR 70,000 to NPR 105,000 (USD 500–750).
• Mid-range Stay: Between NPR 140,000 to NPR 210,000 (USD 1,000–1,500).

3. Food

• Budget meals at local restaurants or food courts may cost between NPR 3,000 to NPR 5,000 per day.
• Mid-range dining will cost around NPR 5,000 to NPR 10,000 per day.

Total for 7 Days

• Budget Meals: NPR 21,000 to NPR 35,000 (USD 150–250).
• Mid-range Meals: NPR 35,000 to NPR 70,000 (USD 250–500).

4. Local Transportation

• Public Transit: Subway and bus rides cost around NPR 1,000 to NPR 2,000 per day.
• Taxis and Rideshare: The average daily cost is between NPR 3,000 to NPR 5,000.

Total for 7 Days

• Public Transit: NPR 7,000 to NPR 14,000 (USD 50–100).
• Taxi and Rideshare: NPR 14,000 to NPR 21,000 (USD 100–150).

5. Attractions and Activities

• Entrance fees for top attractions like CN Tower or Banff National Park may range from NPR 3,500 to NPR 7,000.
• Guided Tours: Expect to pay between NPR 10,000 to NPR 20,000 for day tours.

Total for 7 Days

• Attractions and Activities: NPR 24,500 to NPR 42,000 (USD 175–300).

6. Miscellaneous Expenses

• Souvenirs, snacks, and other small expenses will typically add another NPR 5,000 to NPR 10,000.

Let’s Revise Your Canada Trip Budget!

Planning a 7-day trip to Canada can be thrilling, but it’s important to budget wisely. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly trip or a more comfortable experience, knowing your costs beforehand can help keep your journey on track. Below is a quick breakdown of what to expect:

Cost Breakdown for a 7-Day Trip to Canada

Conclusion

A trip to Canada from Nepal offers incredible opportunities to experience diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural history. By understanding the visa process, gathering the right documents, and budgeting effectively, you can enjoy a memorable and affordable journey.

So, get your Canadian tourist visa sorted, plan your budget, and start exploring the beautiful country of Canada! Safe travels!