Visitor Visa
Many Cameroonian families have children studying in Canada and dream of visiting them to share in their academic journey, celebrate milestones, or provide moral support. However, getting a Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) can be challenging due to strict eligibility criteria and a high rejection rate for African applicants.
A well-prepared application significantly increases the chances of approval. How can parents from Cameroon successfully apply for a visitor visa to Canada? What are the common mistakes to avoid?
This guide will provide step-by-step instructions, key requirements, financial proof guidelines, and expert tips to help Cameroonian families successfully apply for a Canada Visitor Visa to visit their children.
A Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) allows parents of international students to visit Canada for up to six months at a time.
Key Benefits of a Visitor Visa for Parents
✔ Allows parents to visit their children in Canada for family reunification
✔ Can be used for graduation ceremonies or milestone events
✔ Valid for multiple entries (if granted as a multiple-entry visa)
✔ Some parents may be eligible for a Super Visa (longer stay of up to 5 years per visit)
Important: A visitor visa does not allow parents to work or study in Canada.
To qualify for a Visitor Visa, parents must meet the following requirements:
✔ Have a valid Cameroonian passport
✔ Demonstrate strong ties to Cameroon (e.g., job, business, family, property)
✔ Provide proof of financial ability to cover their expenses in Canada
✔ Show a genuine reason for visiting (e.g., child’s graduation, family visit)
✔ Demonstrate they will return to Cameroon after their visit
✔ Pass security and medical checks
Key Consideration: Immigration officers are concerned about applicants overstaying their visa. Parents must prove they have strong reasons to return home after their visit.
✔ A valid Cameroonian passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
✔ Copies of previous visas (if applicable)
Parents must provide a formal invitation letter from their child studying in Canada. The letter should include:
✔ Student’s full name, contact details & address in Canada
✔ Proof of study (e.g., study permit, admission letter, student ID)
✔ Purpose of the visit (e.g., graduation, family visit, milestone celebration)
✔ Financial support details (if the child will sponsor the visit)
Tip: If the child in Canada is financially dependent on the parents, the parents must show personal financial proof to cover travel expenses.
One of the main reasons for visitor visa refusals is insufficient financial proof. Parents must show they can cover their trip expenses without working in Canada.
✔ Personal bank statements (last 6 months) showing stable funds
✔ Salary slips & employment letter (if employed)
✔ Business registration & tax records (if self-employed)
✔ Property ownership documents (if applicable)
✔ Proof of sponsorship (if the child will cover expenses) – Provide the child’s bank statement and funding letter
Tip: Large unexplained deposits in bank statements may raise red flags. Show consistent financial activity instead of last-minute deposits.
Parents must convince the visa officer they will return to Cameroon after their visit. The following documents help establish strong ties:
✔ Employment letter stating job position, salary, and leave approval
✔ Business ownership documents (if applicable)
✔ Marriage certificate & family details (if married)
✔ Property ownership documents (land, house, etc.)
✔ Previous travel history (if applicable)
Tip: If parents have previously traveled to the UK, US, or Schengen countries, this increases their credibility as genuine visitors.
✔ Download the latest IMM 5257 form from the IRCC website
✔ Fill in all required details accurately
✔ Valid passport & travel history
✔ Letter of invitation from child studying in Canada
✔ Financial proof (bank statements, salary slips, etc.)
✔ Proof of strong ties to Cameroon (job, business, family, property)
✔ Standard Visitor Visa Fee: $100 CAD per applicant
✔ Biometrics Fee: $85 CAD per person
✔ Parents must attend a biometric data collection session at a Visa Application Center (VAC) in Cameroon.
✔ Applications can be submitted online through the IRCC portal or in person at a Visa Application Center (VAC).
✔ Processing time varies but usually takes 30 to 90 days.
✔ If approved, parents will be asked to submit their passport for visa stamping.
Weak Financial Proof
Fix: Ensure parents submit strong financial proof (bank statements, salary slips, tax documents).
Failure to Prove Strong Ties to Cameroon
Fix: Provide job, business, property ownership, and family documents to show commitment to returning home.
Incomplete or Incorrect Application Forms
Fix: Double-check all forms and ensure all details match supporting documents.
No Clear Travel Purpose
Fix: Provide a detailed invitation letter explaining the visit’s purpose.
✔ Apply Early – Submit applications at least 3 months before travel.
✔ Be Honest & Transparent – Never submit fake documents (this leads to a visa ban).
✔ Show a Well-Planned Itinerary – Include flight reservations, hotel bookings, and planned activities.
✔ Use a Trusted Immigration Consultant – An expert can review documents and improve approval chances.
For Cameroonian parents of international students, visiting Canada is a wonderful opportunity to reunite with their children and experience life in Canada. However, the visitor visa process requires careful preparation to avoid rejection.
At SayHomeCanada Immigration, we specialize in:
✔ Helping parents apply for visitor visas
✔ Reviewing financial documents to meet IRCC standards
✔ Preparing strong applications for higher approval chances
Contact SayHomeCanada Immigration today to start your visa application!
Parents can stay in Canada for up to six months per visit on a standard Visitor Visa. However, if they apply for a Super Visa, they may stay for up to five years per visit with multiple entries over ten years.
Tip: If parents want to stay for a longer period, they can request an extension before the six-month period expires.
Immigration officers need to see that parents have sufficient funds to cover their trip without working in Canada. Parents must submit:
✔ Personal bank statements (last 6 months)
✔ Employment letter & salary slips (if employed)
✔ Business financial statements & tax records (if self-employed)
✔ Property ownership documents (if applicable)
✔ Sponsorship letter & financial proof from the child (if the child is covering expenses)
Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits in bank statements, as they can raise suspicion and lead to rejection.
Yes! Parents can reapply after a visa rejection, but they must fix the issues that led to the initial refusal. Common reasons for rejection include:
Weak financial proof – Ensure bank statements and income sources are well-documented.
Failure to prove strong ties to Cameroon – Provide employment proof, family ties, and property ownership.
Incomplete or incorrect application forms – Double-check all details before submitting.
Tip: If rejected, parents should request GCMS notes (visa officer’s refusal reasons) before reapplying to understand the exact reason for the denial.
Yes! Parents can apply for a Canada Visitor Visa to visit their child studying in Canada. However, they must provide:
✔ A Letter of Invitation from the child stating the purpose of the visit.
✔ Proof of the child’s enrollment in a Canadian institution (study permit, admission letter, student ID).
✔ Financial proof showing they can afford the trip.
Tip: Parents should apply at least 3 months before their intended travel date to allow for processing delays.
Feature | Visitor Visa | Super Visa |
Stay Duration | Up to 6 months per visit | Up to 5 years per visit |
Multiple Entries? | Yes, if issued as a multiple-entry visa | Yes, valid for 10 years |
Financial Requirement | Proof of funds for the trip | Child in Canada must meet minimum income requirements |
Medical Insurance Required? | No | Yes, parents need health insurance coverage |
Processing Time | 30-90 days | 6-8 months |
Tip: If parents want to visit frequently and stay longer, the Super Visa is a better option.
