Welcome to the Beijing Visa Office information page. The following information and links are intended to help residents of China who need information about Canadian visas.  If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, click here for information about how to contact our office.For information regarding visa applications at this office, please check the following links: 

1) What kind of visa do I need to go to Canada?
The answer depends on your intentions. If you plan to be in Canada only for a short period of time to conduct business or visit, you should apply for a visitor visa. If you plan to study or work, you should apply for a student authorization or an employment authorization. If you would like to settle permanently in Canada, you may decide to apply for immigration. If you are a permanent resident but not yet a Canadian citizen and intend to be outside Canada for more than 183 days in any twelve-month period, you may choose to apply for a returning resident permit.

2) How do I get an application form? How long does it take?
If you reside in mainland China, we recommend that you apply in Beijing.  There are several ways to get an application form: by mail, by fax, in person, or by downloading.

PLEASE READ FIRST:Check the following links for a list of supporting documents and correct processing fees that must be submitted with your application. Persons residing outside China can click here for a listing of other Canadian visa offices.

If you are an immigrant, student, or worker, you will probably have to undergo a medical examination and special medical instructions will be sent to you. Students and workers should apply two to three months in advance of their anticipated start dates to allow sufficient time for us to process their applications. Click here for a summary of our processing standards. 

THEN TO DOWNLOAD FORMS: Follow the links to Citizenship and Immigration Canada's main website:

Visiting Canada
Working in Canada
Immigration to Canada
Returning Residents
Studying in Canada - Under Construction

  -  Currently the student application kit cannot be downloaded as our site is being updated.
  -  To obtain a student application kit for the Beijing Canadian Embassy, please contact us by faxing 86-10-6532-1684 with your address in written chinese characters, requesting that a student application kit be sent to you.
  -  You can also pick up an application kit at 19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Beijing PRC 100600 at the NORTH gate during hours of operation. (contact information)

We appologize for any inconvience caused.

3) How long does it take to get a visa?
Straightforward applications are usually processed in Beijing within our standard processing times.  If you do not complete your application properly or submit the correct documents and processing fees, or if you must attend a personal interview, the processing time may be longer. 

4) Can I get a visa at the border or at the airport?
No, a visa must be obtained from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate before you can board your flight. 

5) Do I have to have a passport before I can apply?
Click on the link above for more information. 

6) What supporting documents do I have to submit with my application?
Click on the link above for more information.

7) Can my friend/relative/spouse apply for a visa for me? Can I apply by mail?
Someone may submit an application on your behalf , but in the end you must satisfy a visa officer that you meet the requirements of the Immigration Act, which may involve a personal interview. You must authorize our office in writing if you wish us to release your passport or any personal information on your behalf to any other person.

You may apply by mail, but keep in mind that you should allow more time due to delays in the postal system. 

8) My application was refused. What can I do about it?
Written reasons for refusal are given to unsuccessful visa applicants. Once you are in possession of the written reasons, there are limited avenues of appeal:

Sponsors may appeal refusals of members of the family class to the Immigration Appeal Division (IAD) of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB). The appeal can be based on facts, law or equity.

The IRB cannot consider appeals of visa refusals of independent or business immigrants or of non-immigrants (visitors, students, or workers). Refused applicants in these categories are advised to make new applications only if their circumstances have changed.

The refusal of a returning resident permit by a visa officer does not revoke the applicant's permanent residence. Permanent residence may only be revoked by an immigration adjudicator in Canada. 

9) What can I do to support the application of my friend, relative, or business associate who was refused? Can I find out what the reasons were?
Please remember that although you may provide documents to support the application of a friend, relative, or business associate, the decision of the visa officer is ultimately based on the applicant's circumstances, and not on any personal or financial guarantees that you or anyone else might be prepared to offer on that person's behalf.

As a federal department, we are bound by the Privacy Act not to discuss the details of any case with anyone except the applicant and certain authorized persons.  Before we can release information to you the applicant must provide us with specific written permission to do so.  Even with written authorization we do not release personal information over the telephone. 

10) Can I apply for a new visa or authorization once I am in Canada?
No. You must make an application at a visa office outside Canada for a new visa. You can only apply for an extension to your visitor status from within Canada. 

11) What if I become sick or injured while in Canada?
You are responsible for any medical expenses you incur. Buy travellers' health insurance just in case. 

12) How do I contact the visa office in Beijing?
Click on the link above for more information. 

1) How do I apply for a visitor visa?  How long does it take?
Click on the links above for more information. 

2) How long will my visitor visa be valid? How long can I stay in Canada? Can I visit the United States and return to Canada?
The visa validity is determined by a visa officer. Single-entry visas are normally valid for three months, and multiple-entry visas may be valid for longer periods. However, we cannot issue visitor visas with a validity that exceeds the passport validity. So if your passport will expire soon, you may want to renew it before you apply for your Canadian visa.

The duration of your stay in Canada will be decided by the immigration officer at the Port of Entry (airport or highway border crossing). The usual amount of time is six months from the day you arrive. If you think you will want to stay in Canada for more than six months, or if you will be visiting the United States and returning to Canada during your trip, explain the circumstances to the immigration officer when you arrive. 

3) I am part of an official delegation that will travel to Canada. I filled in an application months ago but have heard nothing about my visa. Why is it taking so long?
Please check with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) about your application before writing directly to our office. All applications for visas for official delegations are submitted to foreign embassies by the MFA. This is a requirement of the Government of the PRC, not of our Embassy. Sometimes it takes several weeks for the MFA to submit completed applications, collect the passports, and return them to the holders once our office reaches a decision. Keep in mind that our office also has minimum processing standards.

4) I am not going to visit Canada, but my flight stops in Canada on the way to my final destination. Do I still need a visa?
Yes. If you require a visa to visit Canada, you still require a visitor visa known as a transit visa. The application process is the same as above. 

5) Do I need a Canadian visa even if I already have a US visa?
Yes. 

6) Can I visit Canada while I have an immigration application in process?
You may apply for a visitor visa even if you have an immigration application in process, but to be successful, you must be able to convince a visa officer that you would leave Canada at the end of your proposed visit. 

7) I live in Canada. How do I invite a friend or relative to visit me?
To invite a relative or friend, you should provide that person with the following documents that they will submit with their application:

• a letter of invitation that includes your full name, address, contact telephone and facsimile numbers, the name and relationship to you of the person you are inviting, the intended duration of the visit, and a statement concerning who will pay for the trip expenses; 

• a notarized copy of your citizenship or immigration status document (to prove that you are legally in Canada); 

• if you will be paying from Canada, financial supporting documents to prove that you can afford to pay, including: 

• a notarized copy of the Summary page (usually page two) from your most recent T451 Notice of Assessment form from Revenue Canada; 

• a letter from your employer stating the length of employment and salary, if applicable 

• proof of self-employment income, if applicable 

• a bank or other savings statement certified by your branch manager (optional) 

Your spouse in Canada may submit the same kinds of documents as above if you will both be paying for the cost of the trip. 

8) What advice can you give a Canadian resident inviting a businessperson from China to visit?
Business between Canada and China grows every year, and with it the number of applications for visas made by Chinese businesspeople. Unfortunately, this increase in applications includes not only bona fide visitors who have legitimate business reasons for making temporary visits, but also applicants who submit fraudulent or misleading documents. As a result, our office often checks with the Canadian inviters to ensure that an invitation that has been extended is genuine. The verification process takes time. It is intended, however, to protect the reputation and business interests of Canadian companies. You also should keep in mind that many businesses are still largely state-run, and so representatives may be considered officials by the PRC government, which can slow the visa application process.

Before writing to our Embassy to request information about the case of a businessperson whom you have invited, please remember that it is the Visa Section, and not the Commercial Section, that has the final say in issuing visas.

If you intend to invite a businessperson, you should provide that person with the following documents that they will submit with their application to prevent our office from requesting them at a later date:

• a formal letter of invitation that includes your full name and title, business address, contact telephone and facsimile numbers, the name and title of the person you are inviting, the intended duration of the visit, a brief summary of the reason for extending the invitation, and a statement concerning who will pay for the trip expenses; 

• a copy of any additional documents that outline the business to be conducted during the visit or previously conducted with the business of the person you are inviting, which may include, but would not be limited to: 

• contracts, purchase orders, bills of lading, or service agreements 

• contact names, titles, addresses, and phone and facsimile numbers for third parties with whom you have arranged meetings on behalf of the person you are inviting 

• a notarized copy of your immigration status document (if you are a temporary resident of Canada, to prove that you are legally in Canada). 

In addition, if you have not previously invited any Chinese business visitors or have not invited within the past two years, please provide a copy of your Canadian business registration document, and a copy of the Summary of your most recent Corporate Notice of Assessment form from Revenue Canada. 

NOTICE: Due to a very large increase in the number of applications for student authorisation, the processing of applications currently takes approximately 4 months. Some cases may take longer. You should submit your application at least 4 months prior to the start date of your program of study.

1) Can I study at a Canadian college or university?
Canadian colleges, universities and technical institutes encourage applications from qualified international students. If you are going to study in Canada, you need a student authorization. The major exceptions are for ESL or French language studies of no longer than three months, which you may do while a visitor in Canada.   If you intend to study in the province of Quebec, you must also have received a certificate of acceptance from the Quebec Government. 

2) How do I apply for a student authorization?  How long does it take?
Click on the links above for more information. 

3) How much money will I need during my studies in Canada?
To obtain a student authorization you must demonstrate that you will have enough money during your stay in Canada to pay for tuition fees, books, living expenses for yourself and accompanying dependants, and return transportation for both yourself and accompanying dependants.  According to Citizenship and Immigration Canada guidelines, you will require approximately $10,000 CAD per year, not including tuition fees, to cover your living expenses.  If your dependants are planning to accompany or join you, you will require an additional $4,000 for the first dependant, and $3,000 for each subsequent dependant, in addition to return airfare. 

4) Do I only need to show that I have enough money to cover the costs of my study in Canada in order to get a visa?
If you will not receive funding from a Canadian educational institution or a governmental organization, you will be required to provide evidence that you or your family can readily afford the cost of an education in Canada on an ongoing basis. 

5) If my application is refused, will the Embassy help me to get back money paid to the school in Canada?
No. 

6) Can my spouse and/or child come with me to Canada, or visit me at a later date?
If you proceed to Canada alone, it is possible that your dependants will not be able to join you there.  If you wish your spouse and/or child to accompany you to Canada or to join you at a later date, you must provide proof that you will be able to support them.  Since funding provided by Canadian institutions or governmental organizations is normally sufficient for one person only, you will likely be required to provide proof of additional funding and/or savings.  Your dependants will also be required to demonstrate to a visa officer that they have sufficient ties to China to ensure their departure from Canada. 

7) Can I work while I'm in school?
You are allowed to work on-campus if you are pursuing full-time studies and are in possession of a valid student authorization. Otherwise, you need authorization from an immigration office to work while studying in Canada. 

8) If I have a student visa, can I stay permanently in Canada?
Student authorizations are not issued to people who apply for them simply as a convenient way to get into Canada (or prolong their stay in Canada) to establish permanent residence, to work illegally, or for any other purpose other than attending school for a temporary period. If you are applying for any of these reasons, we discourage you from applying by mail or in person, because your application will be refused. 

9) What do I do if I change schools while I'm in Canada?
You should contact Citizenship and Immigration Canada to change your student authorization. Click here for more information. 

10) Is there a quota for Chinese students in Canada?
No 

1) Do I need an employment authorization?
Click on the link above for more information. 

2) How do I apply for an employment authorization?  How long does it take?
Click on the links above for more information. 

3) Can I get an "open" employment authorization to work for any employer?
No. 

4) Software professionals: Click here for information about working in Canada as a computer software professional.

1) How do I apply to immigrate to Canada?  How much does it cost?  How long does it take? When will I get an interview?
Click on the links above for more information.  Application kits are free, and are available for downloading. 

2) Will hiring a lawyer or consultant help my case?
Only you can decide whether or not you wish to hire a lawyer or consultant, but you do not require one to apply. The majority of successful applicants for immigration to Canada are not represented by lawyers or consultants. Hiring a lawyer or consultant will not speed the processing of your application, nor will it result in any preferential treatment. 

3) Should I apply in Beijing or at another visa office?
If you permanently reside in mainland China, we recommend that you apply in Beijing. If you apply at another visa office, the processing of your application may be delayed because that office will have to consult with the Beijing visa office before a decision can be taken in your case. Also, if an interview is required, you will need to get a visa for the country in which the other office is located, and Canada will provide no assistance in obtaining visas for third countries. 

4) How can I get an early interview date?  Is there a way for me to be on a "standby list" in case of cancellations?
Our office tries to interview as many people as possible each day, in the order that the applications were submitted.  Check here to view our current processing service standards.  It is not possible to obtain an early interview date by special request.

However, our office is maintaining a first-come, first-served "standby list" for those independent category applicants who are eager to immigrate and are fully prepared to attend an immigration selection interview in Beijing on short notice.  To be eligible for the standby list, you must be:

- a principal applicant in the independent category (ND/AR);
- willing to attend an interview in Beijing on as little as 5 days' notice; and
- prepared to submit complete original documentation as required by a visa officer at your interview.

If you can meet these three conditions, please send us a fax that includes your full name, date of birth, file number, your name, address and postal code in Chinese characters, and your daytime contact phone number(s) and clearly mark it "Attention: NDU Standby Interview List."  Applicants who send faxes without addresses or contact phone numbers will not be added to the list.  The address is required to send you a letter listing the documents that will be required at your interview.  The daytime phone number must be one at which we can reach you to advise you of the date and time of your interview.

In the event of cancellations in the interview schedule, we will attempt to contact applicants on the standby list in the order that they have asked to be added to the list.  There is no guarantee that an applicant on the standby list will receive an interview before his/her case would normally be scheduled. 

1) Can I extend the validity of a visa ?
No. Under no circumstances can the validity of a visa be extended. 

2) I am the principal applicant and it is impossible to travel to Canada prior to the expiry date on the visa. What should I do?
The visa must be sent back to the Embassy or Consulate where the visa was issued. Include a covering letter explaining the reasons why it is impossible for you to travel to Canada prior to the expiry date. You will receive a response from a Visa  officer  regarding what the next steps, if any, might be. 

3) Can a dependent travel to Canada before the principal applicant?
No. The principal applicant must land (arrive) in Canada first, prior to his/her dependents. The dependents can travel together with the principal applicant or at a later date.

4) I am planning to leave my spouse/child abroad until I am settled in Canada.  What should I do so they can join me later?
If your dependent has a visa and is not travelling to Canada prior to the expiry date, you should return the visa to the Embassy or Consulate where it was issued. Even if your dependents do not want to immigrate to Canada at this time, they must still meet Canada's statutory requirements in order for you to proceed. Serious penalties, including your deportation from Canada can occur if your dependents are not examined as part of your application. 

You can sponsor your dependents from within Canada at a later date. To obtain information on how to do this, please contact a CIC Call Centre in Canada. 

5) Why didn't you return all the original documents that I submitted?
All replaceable original documents, like notarized certificates or copies of original documents are kept on the file for future reference or destroyed. All irreplaceable original documents should have been returned to you. If not, please advise us immediately. 

6) My family composition has changed since I applied (marriage, divorce, birth/adoption of a child, etc.).  Can I still travel to Canada with the visa you issued?
No. Your visa was issued with special coding based on the family configuration information you submitted with your application.  All of your dependents, whether or not they want to immigrate to Canada with you, must still meet Canada's statutory requirements before you can proceed to Canada.  Your visa's coding must be amended by a visa officer to show that you have complied with all of the requirements of the Immigration Act and Regulations.

If, after you apply for permanent residence but before you land in Canada, your family composition changes by reason of divorce, marriage, the birth or adoption of a child, or the death of a dependent, you must advise the Canadian government.  Do this by writing to the Embassy or Consulate where your application is being/was processed to advise us of the changes. You must also advise which of your dependents will immigrate to Canada with you.

If you already have a visa, you should return that original visa to the office where it was issued with a covering letter explaining what change took place and who intends to immigrate with you.  If your dependent has a visa and is not travelling to Canada prior to the expiry date, you should return that visa to the Embassy or Consulate where it was issued.

If you have advised that you have divorced or have a new spouse or new dependent child, you should await a response from a visa officer before proceeding to Canada.  Serious penalties, including your deportation from Canada, can occur if your dependents are not examined as part of your application.  Please note that even if your new family member is not planning to accompany you to Canada, your old visa is still invalid for travel and you must return it, as you will not be allowed to enter Canada on an invalid visa. 

As long as any dependents you had were examined before before you immigrated, you can sponsor your dependents from within Canada at a later date. To obtain information on how to do this, please contact a CIC Call Centre in Canada. 

7) I got my passport after my Immigrant visa was issued. Do I have to send the visa back to you? Can I write the passport number on the visa ?
Do not write anything on your visa yourself. Do not send the visa back to the Embassy. Because you did not provide your passport information before your visa was issued, the remarks section of the visa will state "PASSPORT DETAILS TO BE ADDED AT PORT OF ENTRY". When you arrive in Canada, an immigration officer at the Port of Entry will write your passport information on your visa. 

8) I noticed that page 4 is missing in my Immigrant visa. Is this the way it should be ?
Yes.

9) I changed my mind about the place where I would like to live in Canada. Can I live in another city and province than the one indicated on my visa ?
Yes you can, as long as you keep in mind that it requires additional paperwork to settle in Québec, as this province has the right to choose their own immigrants. You will have to contact the "Ministère des Relations avec les citoyens et de l'Immigration (MRCI)" at 415 rue St-Roch, Montréal (Québec) H3N 1K2, Fax: (514) 864 2926.

10) What possessions can I take with me when I land in Canada? Do I have to pay taxes on them ? 
Prepare a list of your personal belongings that are accompanying you. Prepare another list of things that you are shipping separately (mail, air, sea) and that will arrive later. As long as you can prove that you personally owned and used these items, you can import them duty-free. If there are possessions you did not declare, you may have to pay import duties. Information about the specific regulations that apply on importing items like pets, cars or jewellery can be found at the Canadian Customs website (click here). 

11) What about cash?  Are there any restrictions on the amount I can bring in?
Canada has no restrictions on the amount of money (cash, cheque, bank transfers, etc.) you can bring in, although you may have to declare large amounts of cash (over $10,000 US). More specific information from Revenue Canada on duty exemptions and other useful tips can be found by clicking here. 

12) Do I need to have certain vaccinations?
You do not need to prove that you had certain vaccinations when you land in Canada, but it is a good idea to take your vaccination booklet or your medical history with you to Canada. For your children's school registration, you need to provide their vaccination booklet, showing their immunization history, in order to demonstrate which vaccinations they have already had and enrol them in school.

13) When will I become a Canadian citizen?
After you have lived in Canada for a period of 3 years as a landed immigrant, you can make an application to become a Canadian citizen. Please visit the governmental website that deals with frequently asked questions about becoming a Canadian citizen by clicking here.

14) Are there any Canadian organizations that will help me with settling in my new country ?
There are several organisations that provide information and services, as well as free language training, in order to help you settle in Canada. At every major airport in Canada you will find an  information desk for new immigrants. There you can find the 
contact information of the local settlement organisations. The same information can be obtained by contacting a CIC Call centre. 

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for information on how to immigrate to Canada and how to become a Canadian citizen 

CIC's Links for a long list of links to interesting sites, such as information about the Federal and Provincial institutions, as well as job opportunities and immigration issues

WorkInfoNet for information on employment programs, required qualifications, job matching services and job search techniques

Human Resources Development Canada for the address of your local Human Resource Centre, as well as labour market information, learning opportunities and employment related legislation

Ontario Ministry of Education for an overview of the different levels of educational institutions and up-to-date statistics. There are links to related sites, such as educational centres in the provinces and other useful addresses

Revenue Canada for information about the Canadian Tax system, with detailed information on procedures, forms and benefit plans

Obtaining a Social Insurance Number Get a reply on how to obtain a Social Insurance Number card and other frequently asked questions about social insurance and health issues

Please note: as a newly landed immigrant to Canada, you must wait 3 months from the date of your landing before you become eligible for heath insurance coverage. Medical insurance for the first 3 months may be purchased through a private insurance company. Listings of these companies can be found in your local telephone directory. You must obtain this insurance within 5 days of arrival in Canada.

1) Do I need a returning resident permit?
Click on the link above for more information. 

2) How do I apply for a returning resident permit?  How long does it take?
Click on the links above for more information. 

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