In most cases, the process of obtaining a visa for Ghana from Canada can take about one week. Is it feasible to get a visa in less time than that? Sure. But that depends on a lot of factors. These factors are looked at individually by each officer since there is no rule saying how long it will take for each case. The time it takes to get a Ghana visa for Canada depends on various factors. It could take anywhere from a week to months. This can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin. The information below is given in approximate time frames, which is inevitably dependent upon how quickly you submit your application to the visa authorities.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa For Ghana From Canada

Africa is the second largest and the second most populous continent in the world after Asia. It is also considered to be the richest in natural resources, yet it remains the poorest continent economically. Ghana, officially known as the Republic of Ghana is one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Africa. It is also known for religious tolerance and therefore attracts a lot of foreign residents every year.

Canada Visa from Ghana – How to Apply for Canada Visitor Visa Application And Requirements Guide

If you want a destination where there is plenty to see and do, head to Canada! There are cities, like Vancouver and Winnipeg where it’s a joy to wander around and see the sights. If you are into adventure, you’ll find beautiful rivers, lakes and forests just waiting for you to explore! In this article, learn more about how to apply for a Canada Visitor Visa from Ghana – online and in-person, processing time at the Canadian visa application center, flight itinerary and Canada visitor visa application process.

Applying for a Canada Visitor Visa from Ghana

If you want to go to Canada, it’s easy to apply for a visa from Ghana. You can do this in 1 of 2 ways:

1. Online – the website of website of Immigration, Refugee, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has everything you need to get your visa
2. In-person – apply at VFS Global based in Accra

Types of visas for Canada

There are different types of visas available if you want to go to Canada. They are called Temporary Resident Visas and the one you need will depend on the reason for traveling to Canada and how long you want to go for:

1. Visitor visa – for tourism, visiting family/friends or conducting business for up to 6 months
2. Parent and grandparent super visa – if you are visiting your children/grandchildren for up to 2 years
3. Transit visa – if you are connecting between 2 international flights, in less than 48 hours

You can find further information about the types of visas on the IRCC website.

Visas are usually issued as:

1. Single entry
2. Multiple entry

Single entry means you will be allowed to enter Canada once before the visa expires. Multiple entry means you can enter Canada as many times as you wish before expiry of the visa.

The Canada Visitor Visa Application Process

Processing times vary depending on the country you are applying from. Applications from Ghana take 125 days to process. However, it could take longer depending on the type of visa you are applying for, whether you need to provide more information and/or documents and the time it takes for your application to be sent to the main visa office (if applying at your local visa application center).

It is up to you to apply well in advance of your departure date, otherwise, you may have to delay your trip!

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa from Ghana

As mentioned above, you may apply for a Canada visitor visa online or in-person. Before you decide, consider the benefits if you apply online:

1. No courier fees or mail delivery time
2. Online applications may be processed more quickly
3. Avoid processing delays
4. You can submit additional documents online, if required
5. No need to submit your passport immediately
6. Get updates on the status of your application

Whether you apply online or in-person, there are 4 steps which you must follow:

1. Gather documents
2. Complete the application
3. Pay the fees
4. Submit the application – either electronically (online application) or at the visa office (paper/in-person application)

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa online

Go to the website of IRCC and click on “Menu” – “Immigration and citizenship” – “Visit”:

Under “Services and information”, click on “Apply for a visitor visa”:

Click on “Apply”:

Scroll down to “How do you want to apply” and choose “Online” and click on “Get instructions”:

On the next page, there is a link for the instruction guide which will guide you through the application process. If you are happy to get started, click on “Apply for a visitor visa”:

You will have to create an account:

Then, you can sign in and begin your application:

After you have finished the online application, you will be asked to pay the fees and upload your documents.

How to apply for a Canada visitor visa in-person

To apply in-person, you will submit your application to VFS Global. There are 7 steps to follow:

1. Step 1 – Identify visa type
2. Step 2 – Begin your application
3. Step 3 – Book an appointment
4. Step 4 – Pay the fees
5. Step 5 – Visit the visa application center
6. Step 6 – Track your application
7. Step 7 – Collect your passport

Go to VFS Global’s website and where it says “Apply for a visa” click on “Start now”:

Step 1 – Identify visa type

Click on the relevant link to find out what visa you need for your trip:

Step 2 – Begin your application

You can complete your application form by:

1. Downloading it – click on the link for the application form and choose IMM 5257 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa. You still need to print the completed form along with 2 copies of the 2D barcode:
2. Apply online and submit the form electronically

Step 3 – Book an appointment

If you are required to provide biometrics, it is mandatory to book an appointment. If you have provided biometrics within the last 10 years and are simply handing over your application to be processed, there is no need to make an appointment. To check whether you need to provide biometric data, go to the website of IRCC.

Making appointments with the visa application center is generally free and can be done yourself. However, If you are running short of time or not sure where to apply to or have no idea on how to get this done yourself then not to worry, we will make the appointment for you for a small service fee!

Booking a visa appointment using our services is pretty simple! All you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the link to schedule the visa appointment
2. Submit the appointment details, visa you are applying for, visa office you need the appointment for, the country you need the appointment IN and make the payment
3. Receive appointment confirmation in email

You can also make an appointment on your own by following the steps below:

Go to VFS Global’s website and book your appointment in one of the following ways:

1. Online – click on the link for scheduling an appointment
2. By telephone – call the helpline number: +2330501295270/+2330501295273
3. By email – use the webform
4. By Webchat – click on “Chat now”
5. In-person – you can visit the visa application center in-person

Step 4 – Pay the fees

You will pay for the visa application processing fee and the biometric fee at the same time. The fees must be paid before you submit your application online or when you attend your appointment at the visa application center. Fees are subject to change at any time and will not be refunded even if your application is rejected.

Type of Visa	Can $	USD	GHS
Visitor visa (including super visa) – per personSingle or multiple entry temporary resident visa	$100	75	400
Visitor visa – per family (1 fee per family of 5 or more people)Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa. Maximum fee for a family of 5 or more people applying at the same time and place	$500	385	2,000

Biometrics (per person)	$85	65	340
Biometrics (per family) (2 or more people)Maximum fee for a family of 2 or more people applying at the same time and place	$170	130	680

VFS Global has a range of other services such as courier services and photocopying. For further information, check out their website.

How to pay the fees for your application

Click on the link which you’ll find on the visa website:

You will be directed to IRCC’s website where you can pay the fees online:

If you are unable to make online payments, you can pay the fee at the visa application center.

Step 5 – Visit the visa application center

On the day you visit the application center to submit your documents and/or provide biometric data, there are a number of things that will happen:

1. You will hand over your application and supporting documents
2. Provide a scan of your fingerprints and have your photo taken (if you are providing biometrics)
3. You will also pay the fees (if you have not done so online) and receive a receipt with a unique number which you can use to track your application.

Remember the following things:

1. Arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule
2. Take a printed copy of your visa application, 2D barcoded sheets (2 copies), passport bio page (2 copies), as well as a valid passport or travel document with at least 2 pages that are blank on both sides
3. Take the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL) (if you have applied online)

If you turn up at the center without everything you need, you may have to make a new appointment. Make sure you are prepared to avoid disappointment!

Step 6 – Track your application

You can track your application in the following ways:

1. On VFS Global’s website
2. Webchat: Chat Now
3. Email: info.canghaiom@vfshelpline.com
4. Helpline number: +2330501295270/+2330501295273
5. Visit the visa application center in-person

Step 7 – Collect your passport

After a visa application decision has been made, you can pick up your documents from VFS Global or have them returned to you by courier for an additional fee. See their website for costs.

If you are collecting the decision envelope from VFS Global in-person, you must provide the following:

1. A copy of your passport’s biographic page
2. The visa application center services receipt
3. A form of government identification

It is your responsibility to make sure the visa issued is correct. If there are any discrepancies, you should tell the visa application center immediately to avoid potential problems when you arrive in Canada.

Required documents

Whether you are applying online or in-person, there is a list of required documents that you will need to submit with your visa application. There is a document checklist you can refer to. Documents include

1. Temporary Resident Visa application form – IMM 5257 – fully completed and signed
2. Passport – valid for the duration of your stay in Canada and for at at least 6 months past your trip and with 2 blank pages.
3. Copy of the passport biodata page
4. 2 photos which are in line with the photo specifications. They must be signed, dated and taken within the last 6 months. Write your name and date of birth on the back
5. Proof of legal right to remain in the country of residence
6. Travel authorization letter (if the applicant is a minor) including parent (s) passport
7. Visa fee

It is important to note that further documents may be required depending on where you are applying from.

Applicants from Ghana need to submit other specific documents. To find these documents, go to the “Apply online” page and click on “Read the instruction guide”:

Go to the “Gather documents” section and click on “Application for a visitor visa”:

Scroll down to “Select a country/territory” choose Ghana and click on “Get documents”:

It is important that you get the documents for the country you are applying from. There are different documents for each country and if you don’t include these, your application may be rejected.