Address : Level 6, Tower 2, RCBC Plaza 6819 Ayala Ave., Makati City 0707
Tel. No. : 857-9002
Fax : 843-1094; 843-1096; 857-9176; 857-9177 – Visa Section
Website : www.manila.gc.ca
Office days : Monday to Thursday (except on Embassy holidays)
Office hours : 8:00 am to 11:30 am
Name of Ambassador : H.E. PETER SUTHERLAND

Visitor visa applications cannot be submitted directly to the Embassy. Only
those in possession of valid Work Permits (including Live-in Caregivers) or
Study Permits applying for re-entry visa can submit their applications directly
to our office.

Note:
Please be advised we will not be able to accommodate requests for
retrieval of passports while your application for a temporary resident visa is
in process. If you need your passport back, the alternative is to withdraw
your application. Consequently, your application will not be processed
further and you will have to re-apply for a visitor visa to Canada, with new fees.
For security reasons, wireless devices are not permitted at the Embassy.
Only the applicants themselves are entitled to know about the status of
their file. If you have a representative, we can inform them only if they have
your authorization in writing.
Drop-box service Immigrant and live-in caregiver applications, as well as any documents
related to existing files in these two categories, may also be submitted by drop-box.
These drop-boxes are located at basement 4 of the RCBC building.

VISITING CANADA
Do I need a visa?
     • Citizens of the Philippines require a visa to enter Canada.
     • If you are a citizen of another country or permanent resident, visit
       our website to see if you require a visa to enter Canada.
     • Filipino Diplomats: holders of diplomatic, service, or official
        passports are not visa exempted. However, they are exempt from
        paying the processing fees. If you hold one of these passports and
        are going to Canada, you can submit your application directly to
        the Embassy with a note verbale from the Department of Foreign
        Affairs (for Philippines passport holders).
     • Returning live-in caregivers and other temporary foreign workers
        with valid Work Permits, and students with valid Student Permits
        require a visa to re-enter Canada.
     • United States of America permanent residents [Green Card
        holders] who are in possession of their status document or who
        can provide other evidence of permanent residence in the USA
        do not require a visa to visit Canada. However, if you have been
        outside of the United States for a considerable period, you must

 first confirm your permanent resident status before entering
        Canada.
     • A foreign national who is not visa exempt transiting Canada for 48
        hours or less en route to another country requires a transit visa. An
        exception to this requirement is that nationals of Indonesia,
        Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand transiting Canada at Vancouver
        International Airport to the United States do not require a Canadian

transit visa if:
        a. they have in their possession a valid and subsisting U.S. visa to enter the U.S. and
        b. are traveling on any of the following airlines-Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines,
            Cathay Pacific Airways, China Airlines or Philippines Airlines.

2. How do I apply?
        Download and print the Application form and the Application kit:
     • Application form for Temporary Resident Visa
     • Application kit for the Philippines
        Include the correct processing fee.

3. When should I apply?
Please consider the processing time required. We strongly suggest
that you plan ahead and apply at least two (2) months before your intended
departure date.
If there is an emergency and you need to travel to Canada
immediately, you can make a request for an emergency processing. This
request will only be considered in extenuating circumstances; lack of
advance planning to ensure that processing of your application precedes
your planned departure date does not create an emergency. Emergency
processing will be granted where an unforeseen event has occurred, such
as death in the family, around which a departure date could not be planned.
Please complete the form and fax it to (63-2) 843-1096 or (63-2) 843-1094.

4. What types of visas are there?
     • Single-entry visa allows one entry only to Canada within the validity of the visa.
     • Multiple-entry visa allows unlimited entries to Canada within the validity of the visa.
     • Transit visa allows for a short stop-over (maximum 48 hours) entry
        to Canada en route to another country. It can be granted for a
        single or multiple entries, depending on the applicant’s travel
        requirements. Example: If your return travel is also through Canada,
        you should request a transit visa valid for two entries.
        The validity of a visa is determined by a visa officer. Single-entry visas
        are normally valid for six months, and multiple-entry visas may be valid for
        longer periods. The validity date is the period by which you may enter
        Canada. The decision to admit the foreign national, however, is made by the
        officer at the port of entry to Canada (airport or border crossing). The officer
        also determines the length of stay allowed.
        We cannot issue visas with a validity that exceeds the passport validity.
        If your passport will expire soon, you may wish to renew it before you apply
        for your visa.

5. How do my spouse or common-law partner and dependent children apply?
If you and your spouse or common-law partner and/or dependent
children will be applying together, it will not be necessary for each person
to fill out separate application forms. Only your accompanying children
who are aged 18 years old and above must complete their own application
forms. If you and your spouse or common-law partner and/or dependent
children will not file your applications together, your spouse or commonlaw
partner and/or accompanying dependent children 18 years old and
above must complete separate application forms. Your spouse or commonlaw
partner becomes the principal applicant. Dependent children who are
applying without their parents must fill out separate application forms.
Your spouse or common law partner and children must meet all the
requirements for temporary residents to Canada. They must satisfy an officer
that they are genuine temporary residents who will be in Canada for a
temporary stay. They may be required to provide evidence that they are law
abiding and have no criminal record. If they are financially dependent on
you, he or she must submit a letter signed by you which states that you are
financially responsible for him or her. This should be accompanied with
proof of your financial situation.
Important: You may be required to provide a marriage certificate and
birth certificates for any accompanying family members. If you are in a
common-law relationship and your common-law partner will accompany
you to Canada, you may be required to complete the enclosed form,
Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409). Also provide
evidence outlined on the form to support your relationship.

6. What are the factors considered by a visa officer in assessing an application?
Foreign nationals wishing to come to Canada as temporary residents
must show that they will respect the conditions that apply to temporary
residents. One of these conditions is that they will voluntarily leave Canada
at the end of the period authorized for the stay and that they will not
contravene the conditions of admission (for example, that they will not
study or work without prior authorization) and that they do not belong in a
category of persons inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and
Refugee Protection Act. In reaching a decision whether the applicant is a genuine temporary
resident, the visa officer considers several factors, which include:
     • the applicant’s travel and identity documents;
     • the reason for travel to Canada and the applicant’s contacts there;
     • the applicant’s financial means for the trip;
     • the applicant’s ties to his or her country of residence, including
        immigration status, employment and family ties;
     • whether the applicant would be likely to leave Canada at the end
        of the authorized stay;
     • the applicant’s health condition.
        Officers make decisions on a case-by-case basis. The onus is on
        applicants to show that their intentions are genuine.

7. Do I need to undergo a medical examination?
In some cases you will require a medical examination. If a medical
examination is required, you will be informed by an officer who will send
you instructions on how to proceed. A medical examination may add three
months to the processing of your application.

8. My application was refused. What can I do about it?
Refusals are not subject to reconsideration. If your circumstances
have changed appreciably or you have significant new information, and
you believe that it would result in a different decision, you may wish to
reapply at any time. If, however, there is no change in your situation, it is
unlikely that your application would result in the issuance of a visa.

9. What can I do to support the application of my friend, relative, or
business contact who was refused? Can I find out what the reasons
were?
Refusals are not subject to reconsideration. If applicant decides to reapply,
and you wish to support this application, you may again provide the
documents required. Please remember that although you may provide
documentation in support of an application of a friend, relative, or business
contact, 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
others may be prepared to offer on that person’s behalf.
The Canadian Privacy Act does not permit us 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.

10. Still have more questions?
What does the expiry date on my visa mean?
The expiry date on the top line of the visa is the date by which you
must arrive in Canada, not the date by which you must leave Canada. You
must arrive in Canada on or before the date printed under “Expiry date”
which is read DAY-MONTH-YEAR (DD/MM/YY).

I plan to re-enter Canada after my visit to the United States. Do I need a
single or multiple entry visa?
Your single-entry visa will allow you repeated entries to Canada from
the USA within the period authorized for your stay in Canada. The authorized
period of stay is the time granted by the port of entry officer at the time of
your original entry to Canada or, if you have been granted an extension, the
period allowed by your extension. However, if you leave Canada or the
United States for another country within the period of your authorized stay,
this is no longer applicable. You lose your temporary resident status once
you leave Canada for another country other than the United States.

How long can I stay in Canada?
Please note that admission to Canada is for a specific period of time
and can only be granted at a Canadian port of entry. Upon your arrival in
Canada, your passport or travel documents may be stamped to indicate
how long you may stay in Canada. If you do not receive notice otherwise,
you may remain in Canada for up to six months. Please make sure you
understand when you will have to leave. If you have any questions about
how long you can stay in Canada, be sure to ask an immigration officer
upon your arrival or during your stay.
If you wish to extend your stay once in Canada, you should call the
number listed under Immigration in the local Canadian telephone directory.
Ask for the application kit Applying to Change Conditions or Extend your
stay in Canada, or you may download the application at www.cic.gc.ca .
Applications for an extension of status can only be made in writing and
must be submitted at least one month before your status is due to expire.
Can I apply for a new visa 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. Visit our website and see
Applying to Change Conditions or Extend your stay in Canada.

I have a valid temporary resident visa but my passport was cancelled.
What do I do?
The Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations require nonvisa-
exempt passport holders to carry both a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
and a valid passport. There is no regulatory requirement, however, for the
visa to be in the valid passport. Clients are encouraged to apply for a
replacement visa at the visa office, and the visa in your expired or cancelled
passport will be visibly cancelled. The fee to be charged for the simple
replacement of a visa bearing the same number of entries and expiry date
as the original is on the fee schedule. If you wish to obtain a visa valid for a
longer period, this will constitute a visa application. Fees are to be charged
at the normal rate and previous visa will still need to be cancelled.

I lost my passport with a valid visa and I still need to travel to Canada.
What do I do?
You will need to submit a new application. Kindly include a copy of the
police report and an affidavit of loss when submitting your application.
I have an expired visa and I wish to renew it. What do I do?
To renew your visa, you will need to submit a new application. However,
it is not a guarantee that if you will be issued a visa if you have been granted
a visa in the past. Your current circumstance must satisfy the requirements
of the Act before a visa can be issued to you.
My planned travel is postponed and my new departure date is beyond
my visa validity. Can my visa validity be extended?
No, the validity of a visa may not be extended. If you are unable to use
your visa within its validity, you will need to submit a new application.

I have a pending immigrant application. Can I apply for a temporary
resident visa?
Yes, you may submit an application for a temporary resident visa. Your
visa application will be assessed independently of your immigrant
application and in accordance with the Regulations in force. An intention
by a foreign national to become a permanent resident does not preclude
them from becoming a temporary resident if the officer is satisfied that they
will leave Canada by the end of the period authorized for their stay.

TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA
All documents must be submitted at the same time as your application
and processing fee. The documentation you provide with your application
will be used to establish that your authorization to enter Canada would not
be contrary to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Failure to
provide compete, truthful and accurate material will result in your
application being assessed based on the documentation submitted, which
may result in your application being refused.
Warning: Misrepresentation will result in your application being refused.
If you or someone acting on your behalf directly or indirectly submits false
documents or misrepresents facts relating to your
application for a temporary resident visa:
     • your application will be refused;
     • the circumstances of your refusal will be entered into Canada’s
       global immigration database; and
     • you could become inadmissible to Canada for 2 years under
       section 40 (2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

How to apply
All visitor visa applications will be assessed on paper. This means that
a visa officer will review and make a decision on your application based on
the documents you submit. The completed application kit will be picked
up from you by our designated courier and will be delivered to our office for
processing. The result will be returned to you with your passport and
documents via courier. You may be contacted by our office if an interview or
additional information is required.
1909-101-888 (PLDT/Digitel/Smart)
1-903-101-888 (Bayantel)
1-900-101-888 (Globe)
To obtain information regarding visa application process, you may call our
Free Visa Information and Inquiry number at (63-2) 845-9200. An information
recording is available 24 hours per day and you can speak with a
representative by calling between 8am – 5pm, Mondays to Fridays, and
8am – noon on Saturdays.

Each applicant must provide:
     • Completed “Application for a Temporary Resident Visa” (IMM5257). If
        you and your spouse or common-law partner and/or dependent
        children apply together, it is not be necessary for each person to fill
        out separate application forms. Only your accompanying children who
        are aged 18 years old and above must complete their own application forms.
     • Completed “Personal Information form”, see Appendix below. Separate
        form should be completed by your spouse or common-law partner if
        accompanying.
     • Two (2) photos for each person, meeting the requirements of the
        Appendix below – Photo Specifications. On the back of one photo
        (and only one) in each set, write the name and date of birth of the
        person appearing in the photo.
     • The correct fee. Fees must be paid by manager’s cheque, certified
        cheque, postal money order or bank draft payable to the “Canadian
        Embassy, Manila”. Cheques and PMOs should be valid for at least 6
        months upon submission of your application. Cash will NOT be accepted
        and processing fee is non-refundable.
     • Current passport (valid for six months after the date of intended entry
        to Canada), and old passports showing previous travel. If the laminate
        on your biopage is disturbed around the photo, your passport will be
        returned to you. In order to save valuable time, please obtain a new
        passport prior to submitting your application.
     • Original proof of funds showing history, such as current and previous
        savings passbooks, time deposits, original business registration forms,
        and income tax returns. If you have an ATM account, please provide a
        history of transaction within the last 6 months.
     • Original proof of assets
     • Original employment certification confirming your position, salary, and
        duration of approved leave, if employed, or original certificate of
        enrolment, if student.
     • Children under 16 years of age travelling without their parents require
        a letter of permission to travel, from the non-accompanying parent(s)
        and a letter from their custodian in Canada, as well as a travel clearance
        certificate from the Department of Social Welfare and Development
        (DSWD). If the child is the subject of a custody order, proof of custody
        and the other parent’s consent must also be provided.
     • Photocopy of your valid return ticket (if you have one)
     • Use of Representative (IMM 5476), if applicable
        If you are going to visit family or friends, you need to provide your own
        proof of income and funds to demonstrate your financial situation in the
        Philippines. You may also provide the following:
     • A letter of invitation from your relative or friend that includes their full
        name, address, telephone and fax numbers, your name and relationship
        to the inviter, the intended duration of the visit, and a statement
        concerning who will pay for the trip expenses.
     • A copy of citizenship or immigration status document (to demonstrate
        that they are legally in Canada) of the person inviting you.
     • For the person who will pay for your trip, please supply financial
        supporting documents to prove that they can afford to support this
        visit, including reliable and verifiable information from a third party
        source of your host’s income, employment letter and proof of funds.
        If you are going on a business visit, you may provide:
     • A letter of invitation from the company you intend to visit including full

    name and title, business address, telephone and fax numbers, your
        own name and title, the intended duration of the visit, a brief summary
        of the reasons for the visit and a statement concerning who will pay for
        the trip.
     • Copies of any additional documents that outline the business to be
        conducted during the visit. These may include business
        correspondence and proof of previous business conducted (contracts,
        shipments, orders, invoices, etc.)
     • Contact names, titles, and addresses, phone and fax numbers for third
        parties with whom you have arranged meetings.

PHOTO SPECIFICATIONS
Requirements
Provide two photos of you and each accompanying family member with
your application.
Your photos must comply with the specifications below. If the photos do
not meet the specifications, you will have to provide new photos before
your application can be processed.
Specifications
     • The photos must be identical and taken within the last six months.
        They may be either black and white or colour.
     • The photos must be clear, well defined and taken against a plain white
        or light-coloured background.
     • If the photos are digital, they must not be altered in any way.
     • Your face must be square to the camera with a neutral expression,
        neither frowning nor smiling, and with your mouth closed.
     • You may wear non-tinted or tinted prescription glasses as long as your
        eyes are clearly visible. Make sure that the frame does not cover any
        part of your eyes. Sunglasses are not acceptable.
     • A hairpiece or other cosmetic accessory is acceptable if it does not
        disguise your normal appearance.
     • If you must wear a head covering for religious reasons, make sure your
        full facial features are not obscured.
        Min Frame Height 45mm (1.77")
        Min Frame Width 35mm (1.37")
        Max Face Height 36 mm (1.41")
        Min Face Height 31mm (1.22")
        The frame size must be 35mm X 45mm (1.37” X 1.77”).
        The photos must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the
        middle of the photo, and include the top of the shoulders.
        The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31mm (1.22”)
        and 36mm (1.41”). Crown means the top of the head, or (if obscured by hair or headwear),
        where the top of the head or skull would be if it could be seen.
        To avoid delays, make sure your photos meet these specifications.