Visa Details

Canada Visa – Requirements and Application Process

Planning to visit Canada from Dubai or anywhere in the UAE Al Rihla Travel makes getting your Canada Tourist or Business Visa  simple and hassle-free. Our expert team handles everything—from document preparation to application submission—ensuring accuracy, faster processing, and higher approval chances. Travel with confidence while we take care of your Canada visa process, so you can focus on your trip to Canada.

What is a Canada Visa & Why You Need One?

A Canadian Visa is the official permission issued by the Government of Canada that allows individuals from other countries to enter Canada for a specified purpose and period. If you are based in the UAE and looking to travel to Canada, you’ll need a visitor visa whether for tourism, business meetings, study visits, or visiting family.

When you apply for a visa from Dubai, or broadly from the UAE, you’re showing that you meet the criteria set by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and are eligible for entry.

Having the correct visa ensures you travel legally, avoid problems at the border, and give yourself the best chance of approval.

Who can apply for Visa to Canada from UAE?

Anyone living in the United Arab Emirates with valid residence visa, irrespective of nationality may apply for a Canadian visa from Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Applicants must have a valid passport, active UAE residency and the necessary supporting documents for the purpose of travel.

Documents Required:

When applying for a visa from Dubai or from elsewhere in the UAE, you’ll typically need to gather the following:

• A valid passport that must have a duration of at least six months beyond the date of intended travel.
• A duly signed application form for the visa.
• Recent passport-sized photos which satisfy the requirements of the Canadian embassy.
• Proof of the reason for traveling such as an invitation letter, hotel reservation, or travel itinerary.
• Financial proofs like bank statements of the past 3-6 months showing that one has sufficient funds.
• Working information, such as an employer’s No-Objection Certificate (NOC), or a trade license in case of self-employment.
• Travel history, with copies of past visas or entry/exit stamps, where possible.
• Flight reservation and travel insurance, which includes round trip booking and valid travel insurance that will cover your stay in Canada.
• A cover letter, briefly outlining the purpose of the trip, the duration, and how the trip will be funded.

Note: The documents must be in English or with an official translation and should, where possible, not be more than three months old. These are the standard requirements for a Visa application in the Dubai, Abu Dhabi and UAE

How to Apply Visa from UAE

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

• Consultation: You consult with a visa consultant about your travel plans (leisure, business, study, family visit).
• Document Preparation: You are provided with a personalized checklist and instructions to prepare all necessary documents.
• Application Form & Review: The form will be filled and meticulously checked for accuracy and completeness.
• Paying Official Fees: You receive instructions on how to pay the official visa fee.
• Biometrics Appointment: You will have to visit the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph) where necessary.
• Submission and Tracking: Your visa application is submitted, and its status is tracked at all times.
• Approval & Delivery: Once approved, your visa is granted, and you can plan your travel to Canada.

Following this organized procedure increases the chances of approval and saved time during the visa application process.

Process of applying Canada Visa from Dubai & Abu Dhabi

If you are applying from Dubai or  Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE:

• Ensure your UAE residency visa (if applicable) is valid and you meet any local representative centre requirements.
• Make a biometric booking at the local Visa Application Centre (VAC) which is used to process the visa to Canada in the UAE.
• Be sure that your supporting documents indicate your residence in the UAE, such as an Emirates ID or residence permit, if you are a resident.
• Submit your application via Al rihla Travel for seamless processing.
• Monitor your application through the IRCC system and keep in touch with your visa consultant at Al Rihla Travel.

Using our Canadian visa services based in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere in UAE, you will be guided by the specific location and be served faster.

Canada Visa Processing Time, Fees, and Validity

• Visa fee: It will depend on the type of visa (tourist, business, etc.); it will be charged according to the latest list published by the Canadian government.
• Processing time: It is generally about 15-30 working days, but it varies depending on a visa type and the current workload of IRCC.
• Visa alidity: It depends on the type of entry (single or multiple), and your maximum stay will be printed on the visa sticker.

Types of Canada Visa for UAE Residents

The following are the main types of visas that we help with:

• Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa): For leisure, sightseeing, and tourism.
• Business Visa: For attending meetings, conferences, or trade events in Canada.
• Family Visit Visa:  For visiting relatives in Canada.
• Express / Priority Visa Processing: For urgent travel needs, subject to the embassy’s permission.

Note: We are currently only offering services for the Canada Tourist Visa and Business Visa.

Common Visa Rejection Reasons & Tips

Below are the most common reasons why visas get rejected and how you can avoid them:

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
• Lack of demonstration of sufficient funds or financial stability.
• Uncertainties about the purpose of travel or the intention to return to the UAE.
• Past immigration/visa offenses, or exclusion.
• The inability to attend the biometrics appointment or pay the required fees within the required time.

Tips to Improve Approval Chances:

• Provide a duly filled application with accurate information.
• Show close ties to your country of residence or home country, such as stable employment, family, and assets.
• Be sure you have attached all the necessary documents and have a purpose that is well defined in your cover letter.

Al Rihla  Travel can guarantee the submission of an error-free application, enhancing your success rate.

 Why Choose Al Rihla Travel for Your Canada Visa Application?

• 15+ years of experience in UAE travel and visa processing
• 450+ visa professionals across the UAE, Oman & India
• DTCM License No. 906115 – officially registered in Dubai
• 1 million+ travellers served worldwide
• 24/7 WhatsApp support for all visa applicants
• Secure submissions via official GDRFA/ICP systems
• Local Dubai office for walk-in assistance and after-sales support

Whether you’re applying for a Canada visa from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or anywhere in the UAE, our team is ready to assist you with complete support.