Planning a trip to Canada from Melbourne? The process is straightforward if you prepare in advance. As of July 2025, Canada’s visa policies remain stable, and there are clear steps to follow—from gathering documents to attending biometrics, and finally, receiving your visa.

⸻

1. Do You Need a Visa or an eTA?

Most Australian citizens traveling to Canada by air don’t need a visitor visa—they require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which is simpler and cheaper  . The eTA costs CAD 7 and is valid for up to 5 years, or until your passport expires.

💡 When you DO need a Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV):

                •             You hold a passport from a country that isn’t visa-exempt.

                •             You plan to stay longer than six months.

                •             You’re entering by land or water, not by air.

Since you’re applying from Melbourne, even if you’re an Australian passport holder, you may still opt for a TRV—for example, if you plan to stay past six months or cross by land.

2. Types of Visitor Visa

                •             Standard Visitor Visa (TRV): For tourism, visiting friends/family, business visits, or transit stays under six months   .

                •             Super Visa: Designed for parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents—allows stays of up to five years per visit and up to ten years validity  .

This blog focuses on the standard Visitor TRV.

⸻

3. Step-by-Step Application Guide

A. Create an IRCC Online Account

Set up an account via the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

You’ll need:

                •             A valid email.

                •             A scanner or camera to upload documents.

                •             A valid credit/debit card for fee payments    .

B. Determine Visa Type & Gather Documents

Select the “Visitor Visa” option and compile all required documents:

Mandatory documents:

                •             Passport copy (valid for entire stay + extra to re-enter Australia)  .

                •             Proof of identity and status in Australia (e.g. visa or PR card if you’re not an Australian citizen).

Supporting documents:

                •             Proof of travel history (old passports, entry/exit stamps)  .

                •             Travel itinerary: flight bookings, hotel reservations, event registrations ().

                •             Proof of financial means: at least six months of bank statements, plus evidence of funds like pay slips  .

                •             Employment verification: letter from your employer confirming leave approval, position, salary, and intent to return  .

                •             Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends): outline host’s legal status in Canada and details of your relationship/visit  .

                •             Travel insurance (though not mandatory, recommended).

Optional forms:

                •             IMM 5476: to appoint a representative.

                •             IMM 5475: to allow disclosure of application info to someone else  .

C. Pay Fees and Submit Online

                •             Visa fee: CAD 100 per applicant.

                •             Biometrics fee: CAD 85 for an individual or CAD 170 for a family  .

Pay these online via your IRCC account and upload all documents before submitting.

D. Biometrics Appointment (Fingerprint + Photo)

Once submitted, you’ll be notified to give biometrics at a designated VAC. In Melbourne, the VAC is located at:

Suite 6, Level 2, 190 Queen Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000

Open weekdays 09:00–17:00     .

Book your appointment online, then attend with your biometric form and passport. Biometrics remain valid for 10 years ().

E. Processing Times & Submission Confirmation

Visitor visa processing from Australia typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on IRCC volume and your document completeness. Once approved, you’ll get a request to send your passport to the VAC for visa stamping.

This step typically follows within a few days of approval.

⸻

4. Real-Life Applicant Experiences

Community forums like immigrationpointer.com.au share recent timelines:

“Application submitted: 1 Feb 2025

Biometrics: 13 Feb 2025

Approved: 19 Feb 2025

Passport request: 20 Feb 2025”    

This highlights a fast turnaround—just under three weeks from biometrics to approval, with visa stamped soon after.

⸻

5. Top Tips & Common Pitfalls

                1.            Ensure your passport is valid for your entire stay. Ineligible passports (e.g., Somalia, older Czech non-machine-readable) may cause rejection  .

                2.            Show strong ties to Australia: job, family, property—demonstrates intent to return.

                3.            Provide clear travel plans: detailed itinerary or event bookings strengthen your case.

                4.            Apply early: ideally 2–3 months before departure.

                5.            Track your status: log in to IRCC or VAC portal. If processing delaysexceed published timelines, you can contact IRCC via webform.

                6.            Attend biometrics promptly: delays in appointments can stall the case.

⸻

6. After Visa Approval

                •             Passport stamping: Submit your passport to VAC as instructed, then collect it when complete.

                •             Check visa details: Ensure name, passport number, and validity dates are accurate.

                •             Plan your trip: Book flights and accommodations after visa is issued.

                •             At Canada border: Be prepared to show the same documents provided in your application.

                •             Stay on the right side of conditions: Avoid overstaying, working without a permit, or violating Canadian immigration rules.

⸻

7. Extending Your Stay or Future Visits

                •             Visitor visas typically allow stays of up to six months.

                •             Need extension? Apply online 30 days before expiry to extend status inside Canada.

                •             Future visits: Your biometrics stay valid for 10 years—no need to redo, unless required ().

8. Melbourne-Specific Notes

                •             VAC location: 190 Queen Street, Melbourne.

                •             Opening hours: Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00 ().

                •             Use VAC portal for bookings, passport submission, and document collection.

If you encounter issues, VAC staff or IRCC helplines based in Sydney/Canberra (which oversee Victoria) can assist ().

⸻

9. Financial Overview (AUD Estimates)

Item      Approx. Cost

Visitor Visa (TRV)             CAD 100 (~AUD 110)

Biometrics           CAD 85 (~AUD 95)

eTA (if eligible)  CAD 7 (~AUD 8)

VAC service fee                AUD 35–50 per passport

Travel insurance               AUD 50–100+

💡 Tip: Fees vary with exchange rates; expect total outlay around AUD 250–350.

10. Putting It All Together (Timeline Summary)

                1.            Day 0 – Submit application and pay fees.

                2.            Day 1–3 – Receive biometrics request, book VAC appointment.

                3.            Day 7–10 – Complete biometrics at VAC.

                4.            Day 14–28 – IRCC processes application.

                5.            Day 28+ – Receive approval and passport request.

                6.            ~Day 30+ – Passport returned with visa stamp.

⸻

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Canadian visitor visa from Melbourne in mid‑2025 is smoother than ever, thanks to online systems and VAC infrastructure. To maximize success:

                •             Double-check all documents.

                •             Plan your biometrics promptly.

                •             Show convincing ties to Australia.

                •             Apply early (ideally 2–3 months ahead).

With attention to detail and proper planning, you’re on track for a hassle-free visitor visa—clearing the way to experience Canada’s coastlines, cities, and wilderness. Safe travels!

For more information.

⸻

This guide has been updated as of July 2025, with current fees, procedures, and timelines sourced from IRCC and VAC data.