Canada Visitor Visa Overview for Vietnamese Citizens
Vietnamese citizens need a Canada visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV) before entering the country for tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. The application is submitted online through the IRCC portal (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada), after which you must attend a VFS Global centre to give your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).
What to Know Before You Apply
- Apply online: the full application and documents are submitted through an IRCC account
- Biometrics required: most people aged 14 to 79 must give fingerprints and a photo at VFS
- The photo is a printed spec: provide 2 identical photos, minimum 35x45mm
- Valid passport: it should remain valid beyond your intended stay in Canada
Canada Visitor Visa (TRV) Photo Requirements
The Canada visitor visa photo is a printed photo submitted with your application, with a minimum size of 35 x 45 mm (1 3/8 x 1 3/4 in). You need 2 identical photos, taken within the last 6 months.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo size | Minimum 35 x 45 mm (1 3/8 x 1 3/4 in) |
| Face height | 31-36 mm (chin to crown) |
| Background | Plain white or light-coloured |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, looking straight ahead |
| Glasses | Non-tinted prescription glasses only, eyes clearly visible; no sunglasses |
| Hats / head coverings | Not allowed, except for religious or medical reasons |
| Validity | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Quantity | 2 identical photos |
Don't Confuse 50x70mm with 35x45mm
A common mix-up: 50 x 70 mm is the Canadian PASSPORT / PR card photo size, NOT the visitor-visa size. The visitor visa (TRV) uses a minimum of 35 x 45 mm. Submitting a 50x70mm photo for a visitor-visa application can get your file returned.
How to Apply for a Canada Visa Online
Canada uses an electronic application process. The main steps are:
Step 1: Create an Account and Complete the Online Form
- Go to the IRCC portal at canada.ca and create an online account
- Answer the questionnaire to determine your application type and document checklist
- Complete the visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) application
- Upload your digital photo and all required supporting documents
- Pay the fees online with an international card
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
- Original passport: valid, with blank pages
- Visa photos: 2 identical photos, minimum 35x45mm, light background
- Proof of funds: bank statements, savings book
- Proof of employment: work contract, leave approval, business registration
- Travel itinerary: flight booking, hotel reservation
- Invitation letter (if any): from relatives or partners in Canada
Step 3: Give Your Biometrics at VFS
Important: after you apply, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter. Most people aged 14 to 79 must attend a VFS Global centre in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to provide fingerprints and a photo. You have 30 days from the date on the letter to do this. IRCC only starts processing your application after it receives your biometrics.
Where to Apply and Give Biometrics
- Submit the application: entirely online through the IRCC portal (canada.ca)
- Give biometrics: Canada Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Please book an appointment and verify the latest address and operating hours on the official VFS Global website before visiting.
Canada Visa Fees
Fees are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) on the IRCC website:
- Visitor visa (single or multiple entry): CAD 100 per person
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person, or a maximum of CAD 170 for a family of 2 or more applying together
Fees may change. Please check current amounts on the official IRCC fee list before applying.
Processing Time
- Processing time: most applications are processed in a few weeks or less, depending on the visa office and any extra steps
- Note: processing time only starts when IRCC receives a complete application, and it does not include the time you take to give biometrics
You can look up current processing times by application type using IRCC's official tool.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Canada visa photo 35x45mm or 50x70mm?
The Canada visitor visa (TRV) uses a minimum size of 35x45mm. The 50x70mm size is for Canadian passport and PR card photos, not for the visitor visa. This is a very common mix-up, so make sure you choose the 35x45mm size for a visa application.
Do I have to give biometrics?
Most visitor-visa applicants aged 14 to 79 must give biometrics (fingerprints and a photo) at a VFS Global centre. You pay the biometrics fee when you apply and must complete the collection within 30 days of the date on your instruction letter.
Where do I submit a Canada visa application?
The application is submitted entirely online through the IRCC portal on canada.ca. Biometrics are collected in person at the Canada Visa Application Centre operated by VFS Global in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
How long does a Canada visa take?
Most applications are processed in a few weeks or less, depending on the visa office and any extra steps. This time only starts once IRCC receives a complete application and does not include the time to give biometrics, so apply well before your departure date.
How many photos do I need and when must they be taken?
You need 2 identical photos, taken within the last 6 months, with a neutral expression and mouth closed. If you wear prescription glasses they must be non-tinted with eyes clearly visible; no sunglasses and no hats except for religious or medical reasons.
Note
This article reflects regulations in effect as of June 2026. Requirements, fees, and processing times may change. Verify the latest information with IRCC (canada.ca) and VFS Global before applying.