With recent media coverage of healthcare cost nightmares in the US, foreigners traveling there have understandably started becoming concerned about the average cost of a doctor visit or a trip to the ER.

Having Travel Health insurance while visiting the USA is optional, but highly recommended and necessary since health services are very costly, more than in any other country anywhere across the globe.

But, just how much does a doctor visit cost in the US? Will visitors have to leave half of their life savings at the hospital because of a simple sprain? What if a more serious medical emergency pops up? What if you get into an accident?

How Much is a Doctor’s Visit Without Insurance in the USA?

The average cost of a doctor’s visit in the US is not too high – provided it is just a consultation and you do not need actual medical treatment. In these cases, the price can range from $200-$300.

On the other hand, if you actually are sick or have sustained an injury and need to visit the Emergency Room, then the prices can quickly add up.

According to a study conducted by the National Institute for Health, the average cost of an ER visit in the US is $2168. The average prices for some of the most common reasons for ER visits are as follows:

• For sprains and strains: $1498
• For open wounds or extremities: $1650
• For a normal pregnancy or delivery: $2008
• For a headache: $1727
• For back problems: $1476
• For a kidney stone: $4247
• For a urinary tract infection (UTI): $2598
• For an upper respiratory infection: $1101
• For an intestinal infection: $2398
• For other injuries: $2103

However, the cost of an ER visit depends on several other factors such as the coverage of your health insurance plan (or whether you have an insurance plan at all) and even which hospital you go to. Additionally, your treatment and even your doctor may affect the cost of your hospital visit.

And keep in mind that the earlier figures are an average, which means some people pay much more than that.

Medical Treatment Costs in USA

The US has some of the highest prices in the world regarding medical treatment, and if you don’t have health insurance, a sprained ankle or another unexpected injury during your trip could end up costing you thousands of dollars. One of the reasons why an ER visit in the US can reach such high prices is due to the cost of medical tests and procedures.

Ambulances

In the US, an ambulance ride is not paid from taxpayer money. Much like the rest of the healthcare services in the US, ambulances are also a private business and can reach hefty fees.

• The cost for an ambulance ranges from $400 to over $1200, depending on the mileage.
• The cost for an air ambulance ranges from $2,000 to upwards of $200,000

Medical tests/screenings

Doctors in the US tend to order more medical tests as compared to other countries. This has been referred to as “defensive medicine” – as a way of protecting themselves from a possible lawsuit. What’s more, these tests are also more expensive.

• Blood tests can range from $100 to upwards of $3,000 in price
• An X-Ray can range from $150 to over $3,000
• An MRI can cost from $1,000 to more than $5,000

Medications

Another reason why medical costs are so high in the US is because the government does not negotiate the prices of prescription drugs with pharmaceutical companies before they release them. As such, these prices are often very high. Diabetes medication, for example, can cost upwards of $500.

On the other hand, you can find over-the-counter medication (cold medicine, pain reliever etc) for very reasonable prices.

Surgery

Prices for surgical procedures in the US depend on the type of procedure you need. For example, tonsillectomy can set you back from $4,000 to $8,000 or more. Gallbladder removal is at least $10,000 whereas brain and heart surgery can reach hundreds of thousands.

In addition, you may also be required to pay additional fees for hospital stay, per-hour costs of the operating room as well as the anesthesia.

Hospitalization

The price of a hospital stay in the US can change from one hospital to the other, but on average, it is about $3,000 per day. This means that a ten-day recovery period may set you back $30,000.

If your condition requires you to recover in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit), the price is even higher than that.

Dental treatment

A trip to the dentist can also be pricey, although it’s not going to put you at risk of bankruptcy. A dental examination costs about $50, whereas a tooth extraction is set at about $280. Average prices for some other common dental problems are:

• Tooth filling: $115 – $190
• Root canal: $695
• Sedated tooth removal: $217
• Wisdom tooth removal: $175

Health Insurance for Tourists in the US

Unlike for Schengen Visas, tourists to the US do not necessarily have to purchase travel health insurance before they enter the country. However, when faced with the hefty fees, obtaining short-term travel health insurance is the superior option to paying from your own pocket. If nothing, it will give you peace of mind knowing that even if something happens, you won’t be at risk of going bankrupt from a visit to the ER.

The price of the insurance plan changes. It can be as little as $2 per day to over $10 per day, depending on the coverage you select, the number of days you are staying in the US, as well as your age.

Health Insurance for Expatriates in the US

If you intend to live in the US long-term, you have to get private health insurance. Again, health insurance in the US is not compulsory. You have the option of forgoing it but it will be at your own risk.

If you are a US Work Visa holder, in many cases, your employer will provide health insurance for you. If they do not, you must purchase it yourself through an international health insurance company.

If you are an international student, you can get F1 Visa Health Insurance, which is often offered by the school as a compulsory insurance plan with predetermined coverage. Even so, you usually have to pay for the insurance plan yourself.

Health insurance plans in the US cost an average of $400 per month, depending on the state as well as the coverage and the health insurance company you choose.

Note: Please keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only and that the costs displayed are an average and may differ from state to state and even from one hospital or one doctor to the other.

The post Healthcare Costs in the USA for Expatriates and Visitors appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

What Are the US Visitor Visas?

The US visitor visas allow its holder to go to the US short-term visits for a maximum of six months.Because there are two main purposes that visitors can go to the US, there are also two types of visitor visas into the B category:

• B1 visa is the visa which allows you to enter the US with the purpose of doing business with a company within the US.
• B2 visa is the visa which allows you to enter the US with the purpose of tourism, pleasure, or visit to friends and family.

B1 vs B2 Visa

The main difference between a B1 and a B2 visa is that a B1 visa is issued for business reasons and the B2 permit is for tourism purposes to the US. Both of these visas are issued for a period of six months with the possibility of an extension to a year. 

Here is a side by side comparison of the activities allowed under a B1 and a B2 visa:

US Visitor Visa Checker

What is the purpose of your visit to the United States?*TourismVisit Family MembersMedical TreatmentTransitAttend an Event or ConferenceAttend Business MeetingsNegotiate Business DealsGO BACKCONTINUE

Besides each individual visa, there is also a combination of both B1 and B2 visas; however, that is more rarely sought out.

The benefit of the US visitor visas is that there is no cap on the number issued in a year, and those who abide by the rules can get it as many times as they want as long as they fulfill the criteria.

What are the Limitations of the B1/B2 Visas for USA?

With a B1/B2 visa, you are allowed to visit and travel the US, but you are strictly forbidden from doing these activities:

• Become a full or part-time student.
• Perform and get paid for it.
• Work in press or journalism.
• Engage in any form of employment.
• Enter as a crewmember on an aircraft or ship.
• Seek permanent residence in the US.

How to Apply for the Visitor Visas?

The application for visitor visas is quite straightforward and goes through much of the similar process as other US nonimmigrant visas. This means that you apply at a US Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

For those who need a visa to visit the US, the following steps need to be followed:

Fill in Form DS-160

Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application is a standard form required for a US visitor visa. It has various sections depending on the type of US visa that you are applying for. You must find the section for the visitor visas (either B1 visa or B2 visa) and fill the necessary spaces. It will ask about your personal information, background, and purpose of visit to the US. At the end, you will get a confirmation page and code which you need to retain for later.

You can fill the DS-160 form online through:

• the Consular Electronic Application Center, or
• by using the services of a third party company such as VisaExpress.

Why do we advise to apply through VisaExpress?

• VisaExpress’s staff will fill in the form DS-160 to book your B1/B2 visa appointment with the US Embassy/Consulate.
• They will provide you with a complete list of required documents for your B1/B2 Visa application and will check your prepared application file to make sure your application has the highest possible prospect of success.
• The staff of VisaExpress will offer 24/7 online support regarding your B1/B2 visa application.
• If your US visa application is successful VisaExpress will get you your B1/B2 visa quickly.
• In the event of denied entry to the US they offer Travel Protection that will cover your financial expenses.
• VisaExpress is a specialized company in processing US visa applications and has helped over 65,000 people enter the United States. They provide end-to-end visa assistance to help you successfully enter the United States.

Click here to start your B1/B2 visa application through VisaExpress now!

Pay the US visitor visa application fee

The application fee for the US visitor visas is $160. Besides this fee, you might have to pay visa issuance fees which are determined based on the relationship of your country with the US.

Schedule your visitor visa interview

All visa applicants between 14 and 79 years old are required to attend a US visitor visa interview with an official from the US Embassy they are applying in. To learn more about how to schedule a US visa interview, visit the following article.

Compile your document file for the B1/B2 visas

When you go to the US Embassy, you need to support your case as to why the US Embassy has to give you a visa. To apply for a US visitor visa, you need to compile a document file which contains the

• Standard required documents for every US visa and
• the specific document requirements for the B1 visa
• or the required documents for the B2 visa.

Attend your interview

With your document file and depending on the type of visitor visa you are seeking, attend your interview. During the interview, the official will mostly concentrate on your intent to return to your home country. Many people try to go into the US with visitor visas and find employment illegally, so you must prove that you will return.

To increase your chances of having a successful US. Visitor Visa application you can use the services of VisaExpress.

Specializing in processing visa applications with accuracy, VisaExpress has helped over 65,000 people enter the United States.

The experienced VisaExpress agents will carefully handle your application and offer the help you need during your US. Visitor Visa Application.

Click here to start your US. Visitor visa application now!

How Long do the USA Visitor Visas take to Process?

The processing time for the B1/B2 visa can vary from a few weeks to a few months. If you have a specific date that you need to be in the US in, it is best to apply as early as possible so that you can allow enough time for the visa to be processed.

Do I Need to Obtain Health Insurance as a Visitor in the United States?

No. Purchasing health insurance is not a requirement of the US authorities to issue a visa. However, considering the high costs of the American healthcare system you are strongly advised to get health insurance before traveling to the United States.

For instance, the treatment of a broken leg or broken arm will cost you $2,500, while staying at a US hospital for one night may cost over $10,000, on average.

Here you can find more information about travel insurance plans for visitors in the United States:

• Travel Insurance for visitors to the USA
• Travel Insurance for visiting parents in the USA
• Pregnant Women Travel Insurance

How Long Are the US Visitor Visas Valid?

US Visitor visas are given for a period 1 month up to 10 years. The maximum stay on a visitor visa is six months, but bear in mind that you are not allowed to work during that time, so you must prove you can afford to stay for that period of time.

B1/B2 Visa Extension

If you want a B1/B2 visa extension, you must provide a valid reason as to why you need to stay and submit documents supporting your case. Additionally, during the time that you are in the US with a visitor visa, you can try to change your status to a longer-term visa. However, if your purpose is this, then you need to inform the officials at the Embassy during your interview. If you do not inform them, then you need to prove that you did not intend to change your status at the beginning of your trip and the opportunity came later on.

Can I Get a Green Card With the Visitor Visas?

Since the visitor visas are temporary and require you to prove that you will return to your home country, it is difficult to get permanent residence. You can do so only if you are able to change your status to a longer-term visa which allows dual intent (applying for a Green Card), marrying in the US, or applying to join your family.

Can I Bring my Dependents With a B1/B2 Visa?

The B1/B2 Visas do not have dependents visas, so if you want to travel with your family, they must also get the appropriate visitor visas.

The post Visitor Visa USA – B1/B2 Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

In addition to the Tourist Visa, all foreign nationals, regardless of nationality, must also get a Mexico Tourist Card before they enter Mexico.

Though the two sound similar and in many cases go together, they are not the exact same thing.

Who Needs a Mexico Tourist Visa?

You need a Tourist Visa for Mexico unless you are from one of the countries on the table below. Nationals of the following countries are free to travel to Mexico without obtaining a Tourist Visa, provided that their stay is for less than 180 days:

However, even citizens of other countries can be exempt from a Mexico Tourist Visa if they have a Schengen or US visa.

What is a Mexico Tourist Card?

The Mexico tourist card, (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, FMM) is a permit that every foreign national must get before they can enter Mexico. It states the number of days you are allowed to stay in the country, and you must depart before those days are up. The Forma Migratoria Múltiple is a permit that shows that the holder residing in Mexico is simply a tourist and is not allowed to work. You must always keep the card with you.

Everyone who enters Mexico as a tourist must get a Tourist Card. This also includes nationals of the countries that are exempt from Mexico Tourist Visas.

You can get the Tourist Card at a Mexican point of entry upon arrival and some airlines even offer the Tourist Card along with their ticket price. However, you can also obtain a Mexico Tourist Card online up to 7 days before you intend to travel.

The difference between the two is that visa-required nationals have to apply for a tourist visa at an embassy. If they get the visa, then they must also get a Tourist Card. Visa-exempt foreigners, on the other hand, only have to get the Tourist Card before they enter or travel to Mexico – there’s no need for a Tourist Visa.

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Tourist Visa?

The documents you submit when applying for a Mexico Tourist Visa include:

• A Mexico Tourist Visa Application Form printed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, the parents or legal guardians have to sign the application form.
• A passport or other travel document, which is valid for at least another six months from the time you will enter Mexico. I must also have blank pages so the visa can be affixed.
  • Also, include a photocopy of your passport’s relevant pages
• Passport-size pictures, with the following Mexico specifications:
  • Recent – no older than six months
  • Dimensions: 35 mm x 45 mm
  • Colored
  • Taken in front of a white background
  • Neutral facial expression
  • No glasses or headwear
• Booked return travel ticket, showing when you intend to depart Mexico.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the duration of your stay via bank statements from the last three months.
• Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel booking or the name and address of someone in Mexico (if you’ll be staying with friends/family)
• Employment status documents, such as:
  • If you are employed: A letter from your employer stating your position in the company, the time you will be absent, and that they do not object to your absence.
  • If you are a student: A letter from your educational institution, confirming your enrollment and providing details of your course.
  • If you are self-employed: Depending on your situation, you may submit investment certificates, property deeds, commercial registration, etc
• Cover letter addressed to the Mexico embassy. The letter must explain the reason you are travelling and give details of your trip, such as the dates of entry and departure and where you will stay, etc.
• Mexico visa fee
• If travelling for business or you have been invited by an organization:
  • An original invitation or sponsorship letter, which states your full name, the company’s name, and registration, what activity you will be doing in Mexico, and an estimated period of your stay
  • Photocopy of the ID of the person signing the letter
  • Bank statements from the last 12 months of the company sponsoring you (if applicable)
• If travelling to attend a short-term study course (less than 180 days):
  • Acceptance letter from the educational institution
  • Proof you can afford the tuition and living costs or proof of a scholarship

How to Apply for a Mexico Tourist Visa?

You must apply for a Mexico Tourist Visa at a Mexican embassy. The application process is as follows:

1. Contact the Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. You can find a list of Mexican embassies around the world here.
2. Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. You can usually find the application form on the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply. You can either complete the form by typing it on your computer (if possible) then printing it or by writing with legible typed letters after you have printed it. The first option may not always be available, so follow the instructions on the form or of the embassy.
3. Collect the required documents.
4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. On the date of your appointment, you must submit the documents and application form at the Mexico embassy. You also have to pay a Mexico visa fee.
5. Wait for the visa to be processed.
6. Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the Mexico visa will be affixed to your passport.

Keep in mind: The application process for a visa for Mexico can change slightly depending on the country from which you are applying. Different Mexico embassy offices have their own specific requirements, including the method for paying the Mexico visa fee, their opening hours and days, and appointment requirements. This is why the first step when you apply for a Mexico visa is to contact a Mexican embassy.

Applying for a Mexico Tourist Visa Online

Citizens of Turkey, Russia, and Ukraine are eligible to apply for a Mexico Tourist Visa online if they will travel by plane. This is called the Electronic Travel Authorization (Sistema de Autorización Electrónica, SAE), and is valid for one entry. For a more detailed explanation of the Mexico visa application process, see here.

Mexico Tourist Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Mexico visa depends on which embassy you apply in. Some embassies process Mexican Tourist Visas in as little as two days, while others may take weeks. It is advisable that you contact the Mexican embassy in order to set up an appointment at least four weeks before you intend to travel.

Mexico Tourist Visa Fee

The Mexico Tourist Visa fee is about US$36. However, the visa fee may change depending on the country in which you submit your application. The payment method also differs from country to country since some embassies may require you to pay upfront via bank transfer while others ask you to pay in cash.

How to Get a Mexico Tourist Card?

You can get a Mexico Tourist Card through one of the following ways:

• If you are travelling by air, the plane crew will distribute them as you are about to land (the price of the Tourist Card is included on the price of your air ticket)
• At an immigration desk at the Mexico airport after you land
• At a Mexico embassy in your country, before you travel
• If you are travelling by sea, you can get the Mexico Tourist Card at the Mexico port of call
• If you are travelling by land, you can the Mexico Tourist Card at the point of entry
• Online. If you apply online, you must print the Tourist Card and bring it with you when you travel.

Mexico Tourist Card Fee

The fee for a Tourist Card can range from $25-$35, depending on your country. However, the Mexico Tourist Card Fees are prone to change without notice.

What is the Duration of a Mexico Tourist Card?

A Mexico Tourist Card can be issued for a maximum of 180 days but it is the immigration officers at the point of entry who decides the number of days you are given. They can give you an FMM for 30, 60, or 90 days as opposed to the full 180.

You must leave the country before the Mexico Tourist Card expires.

Can you Extend a Mexico Tourist Card?

If your Mexico Tourist Card was issued for 180 days, then no, you cannot extend it for longer than that. Anyone who wants to live in Mexico for longer than 180 days, has to get a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa.

However, if the immigration officer at the Mexico point of entry gave you a Forma Migratoria Múltiple for less than the maximum duration of the Card (eg. for 60 days as opposed to 180), then you may be able to extend it to the full 180 days from inside Mexico.

You can apply for an extension of your Tourist Card at an immigration center in Mexico. However, the application is not always successful, since many immigration officers do not issue Mexico Tourist Card extensions.

What Happens if I Overstay my Mexico Tourist Card?

If you stay in Mexico longer than the time your Tourist Card was issued for, you must visit an immigration office in Mexico or the immigration center at the airport and pay a fine. The fine is calculated based on the number of days you have calculated. Then, you must get an exit visa.

What Happens if I Lose my Mexico Tourist Card?

If you lose your Mexico Tourist Card, you must visit an immigration office in Mexico so you can get a replacement. You also have to pay a replacement fee.

Mexico Business Visa

The Mexico Business Visa is one of the most common types of Tourist Visas. They are issued to visa-required foreigners who will enter Mexico with the purpose of conducting business.

The business visa for Mexico is not, however, permission to work and get pain in Mexico. You can only take up employment if you have a Mexico Work Permit.

The post Mexico Tourist Visa appeared first on Visa Consulate - Visa Information For Any Country.

There are three types of Mexican visas:

• The Tourist Visa, which allows the holder to stay in Mexico for up to 180 days for purposes that do not include lucrative activities (paid employment).
• The Temporary Resident Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who want to live in Mexico for longer than 180 days. In addition to a Mexico Work Permit, the holder is allowed to live and work in Mexico legally for up to four years, which is known as a Mexico Work Visa. Guide to getting a temporary resident visa for digital nomads in Mexico.
• The Permanent Resident Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to permanently settle in Mexico. This type of visa is most common for retirees, which is why it’s also referred to as a Mexico Retirement Visa. Foreigners with close family ties to Mexico as well as those who have lived in Mexico for a considerable amount of time are also eligible for permanent residency in Mexico.

This article aims to serve as a guide to the Temporary Resident Visa and its types, specifically the Work Visa and Work Permit for Mexico.

Types of Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico

The main types of Temporary Resident Visas for Mexico are:

• The Mexico Work Visa, which allows the holder to take up paid employment in Mexico. In order to get a Mexico Work Visa, the applicant must initially get a Work Permit. See a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Work Visa lower on this article.
• The Mexico Student Visa, which is issued to foreign students who want to pursue their studies in a Mexican educational institution. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Student Visa.
• The Mexico Family Visa, which is issued to foreigners who want to join a close family member who is living in Mexico. Click here for a more detailed explanation of the Mexico Family Visa.

What are the Requirements for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?

When applying for a  Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico, you must have several supporting documents with you, such as:

• A Mexico Visa Application Form, printed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, the parents or legal guardians have to sign the application form.
• A passport or other travel document, which has blank pages so the visa can be affixed.
  • Also include a photocopy of your passport’s relevant pages
• Recent passport-size pictures in line with Mexico requirements
• Visa fee payment
• Additional documents related to your purpose of travel, such as:
  • Proof of family relationship, for Mexico Family Visas
  • Proof of enrollment in a Mexico educational institution, for Mexico Student Visa
  • Proof you have obtained a Mexico Work Permit and a copy of your work contract if applying for a Mexico Work Visa
• Any additional documents that the Mexican embassy asks you to provide.

How to Apply for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa?

The application process for obtaining a Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico is divided into two parts:

• Applying for the Temporary Resident Visa at a Mexican embassy
• Exchanging the Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card at the National Immigration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM)) in Mexico

Applying for the Temporary Resident Visa

The application process for getting a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa is:

1. Contact a Mexico embassy to set up an appointment. You can find a list of Mexican embassies here.
2. Complete the Mexico Visa Application Form. You can find the application form on the website of the Mexico embassy where you will apply or at the embassy itself.
3. Collect the required documents. See the requirements for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa below.
4. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. On the date of your appointment, you must submit the documents and application form at the Mexico embassy. You also have to pay a Mexico visa fee.
5. Wait for the visa to be processed
6. Pick up your passport. If the application is approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport.
7. Travel to Mexico and exchange your Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card

Keep in mind: Different embassy offices may have their own different requirements when it comes to the visa application process. This is why it is important to always contact them or visit their website to learn about the specific requirements, opening hours, etc.

Exchange the Temporary Resident Visa into a Temporary Residence Card

Within 30 days of arriving in Mexico with a Temporary Resident Visa, you must apply to exchange it into a Temporary Residence Card. You can get your Residence Card at an office of the National Immigration Institute in Mexico. When you apply, you should have the following with you:

• The Resident Card request form, which you can download from the website of the Immigration Offices.
• Your passport with the Temporary Resident Visa affixed
• The Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) which you received at the airport
• Payment of the Resident Card
• A cover/request letter for the Temporary Resident Card addressed to the Instituto Nacional de Migración
• Any additional documents related to your purpose of travel

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Mexico Temporary Resident Visa depends on the embassy in which you apply. You can expect to wait anywhere from one week to a month. This is why it is advisable that you apply for a visa at least one month before you plan to travel to Mexico.

Mexico Temporary Resident Visa fee

The fee for a Mexico visa is around $36. However, the visa fee may change depending on the country in which you submit your application, as does the payment method. Some embassies may require you to pay the fee upfront via bank transfer while others ask you to pay in cash.

You will also have to pay for the Tourist Card once you land , which may be between $15-$30. The prices for a Mexico Tourist Card may change slightly from time to time.

Additionally, you also have to pay a fee for the Mexico Temporary Resident Card at the INM. You have to pay a processing administrative fee as well as the fee for the card itself. The price of the Temporary Resident Card depends on the number of years it is issued for, and ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 Mexican Pesos.

What is the Duration of a Temporary Resident Visa Mexico?

The duration of the Temporary Resident Visa itself is 180 days. This is why once you arrive in Mexico you must apply to turn it into a Temporary Resident Card within 30 days.

The Mexico Temporary Resident Card is valid for one year on the first issuance and can be renewed for another one, two, or three years.

After four years of living with a Temporary Resident Visa, you become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency.

How to Renew a Temporary Resident Visa for Mexico?

At least 30 days before your current Temporary Resident Card expires, you must apply for a renewal at the Instituto Nacional de Migración. You can renew your Temporary Residence Card for up to four years, which is when you can get a Permanent Residence Card.

How to Apply for a Mexico Work Visa?

The application for a Mexico Work Visa is the same as for all other types of Temporary Resident Visas (see above). However, the difference is in the process before you apply for the visa.

Before you submit a Mexico Work Visa application at the Mexican embassy, your employer has to get a Work Permit on your behalf from the National Immigration Institute. This means you must already have a job offer in Mexico beforehand. As such, the application process for a Mexico Work Visa is:

• Find a Mexican employer
• Your employer obtains a Mexico Work Permit for you
• Within 15-30 days of obtaining the Work Permit, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa from a Mexican embassy abroad
• Once you enter the country, you must get a Temporary Residence Card from the National Immigration Institute

How to apply for a Mexico Work Permit?

It is your employer who applies for the Mexico Work Permit on your behalf. When they apply, they must submit the following documents at the National Immigration Institute:

• The Mexico Work Permit Request Form
• The original job offer/contract, stating the full details of the job: your salary, the duration of your work, your position, the company’s address, etc. The letter must be written on the company’s letterhead.
• A full photocopy of your passport
• Your original diplomas, transcripts, and other certifications (legalized)
• Your CV
• Documents related to the company that’s hiring you, such as:
  • The Articles of Incorporation
  • A list of the employees and their nationalities
  • Proof the company’s paid the due taxes
• Documents regarding your financial status (bank statements, pay slips)

If the Work Permit application is approved, you will receive a Unique Processing Number (NUT) in a letter format which you must present to the Mexico embassy when you apply for the Temporary Resident Visa.

Can You Work in Mexico With a Visitor Visa?

If you intend to work in Mexico for less than 180 days, then you may apply for a “Visitor Visa with authorization to perform remunerated activities”. This type of Mexico visa allows the holder to work, but only for the 180 days that it is issued. Once it expires, you may not renew it.

You may apply for a Working Tourist Visa at a Mexico embassy with approval from the National Immigration Institute (INM).

However, if you enter Mexico with a regular Tourist Visa or Tourist Card, then you are not allowed to work.

What if I Lose or Damage my Mexican Resident Card?

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card, you must visit the local immigration office and apply for a replacement. You must have the following documents with you:

• Your passport (original and a photocopy)
• Residence card replacement fee
• Three pictures, two showing you face-front and one from your left side profile
• If your resident card was damaged: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa along with the residence card
• If your resident card was stolen/lost: Submit the Tourist Card (FMM) and your entrance Visa
• Form to request immigration procedure stay (here)
• Any additional documents the immigration office may request

If you lose or damage your Mexican Resident Card while you are abroad, you must approach a Mexican embassy to request a replacement.

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The tourist visa is often referred to as a Costa Rica travel visa, due to the nature of Costa Rica visas. They allow the holder to travel to Costa Rica, where they will be subject to immigration control at the point of entry, and the immigration officers decide whether to allow the traveler to enter the country or not.

However, not everyone has to apply for a tourist visa for Costa Rica before they travel.

Do I Need to Apply for a Visa to Visit Costa Rica for Tourism?

You need a Costa Rica tourist visa if you’re travelling to the country for tourism-related purposes, or any purpose that does not exceed 30 days. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. Visa-exempt nationals who can stay in Costa Rica without a visa for up to 90 days.
2. Visa-exempt nationals who can stay in Costa Rica without a visa for up to 30 days.
3. Visa-required nationals who have to apply for a regular Costa Rica tourist visa (Consular Visa) at a Costa Rica Consulate in their country.
4. Visa-required nationals who have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This means that they must have someone in Costa Rica (a family member or appointed attorney) who can submit a visa request on their behalf to the Department of Restricted Visas.

Additionally, even if you are from a country whose nationals need a tourist visa for Costa Rica, you are exempt if you already hold a valid tourist visa for:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• Japan
• South Korea

See a complete list of who needs a Costa Rica tourist visa and who is exempt here.

What if You Don’t Need a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

If you are from the first or second group, you can travel to Costa Rica with simply your passport and get an entry stamp from the immigration officer as you go through border control.

If you are from the first group, your passport must be valid for at least another day from the date of entry.

If you are from the second group, your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of entry.

What are the Requirements for a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

The required documents you have to submit with your Costa Rica tourist visa application are:

• An application letter which should be directed to the Costa Rica consulate, and contain the following information:
  • Your personal information (name, age, date and place of birth
  • The reason you are travelling
  • Your passport number
  • Your nationality
  • Your place of residence
  • The intended date of arrival and departure from Costa Rica
  • Where you will stay while you are in Costa Rica
  • The date of writing
  • Your contact information
  • Your signature
• A complete photocopy of all the pages on your passport. Your passport has to be valid for at least another six months from the date you enter Costa Rica.
• Two pictures of yourself which follow these specifications:
  • Dimensions: 2 inches x 2 inches
  • Taken in front of a plain white background
  • You must have a neutral facial expression, staring straight ahead
  • You may wear your glasses as long as they do not hide your eyes or face (no thick rims, no reflection, no tinted glass)
  • You may not wear headgear unless it is for religious purposes. Even so, it must not obstruct your face.
• Return flight ticket reservation. Costa Rica authorities advise travelers to avoid paying for the plane ticket until after they receive the visa.
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay. You may submit bank statements from the last three months, a letter from employer, or proof of property.
• An official certificate of police clearance from your country.
• If you are coming from a place that’s at risk of Yellow Fever: Proof of Yellow Fever Vaccination.
• If you are a visa-holder or Permanent Resident in another country: Proof of your visa or Residence Permit.

How to Apply for a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

You must apply for a Costa Rica at a Costa Rican consulate in your country. If there is no Costa Rica consulate in your country, you must go to the nearest one. The Costa Rica tourist visa application process is as follows:

1. Contact the Costa Rican consulate to set up an appointment when you can submit the application.
2. Collect the required documents and submit them in person.
3. Fill in the Costa Rica application form, which you can find on the website of the Immigration Department of Costa Rica (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).
4. The consular officers will review your application and decide if you need any additional documents.
5. Once all the required documents are submitted, they will start to process your visa application.
6. You may also be asked to attend an interview.

Once your tourist visa is approved, they will affix it on your passport and you’ll have 60 days to travel to Costa Rica.

Keep in mind that different consulates may have different requirements and operational processes. As such, the first step in applying for a Costa Rica tourist visa should always be to contact the relevant Costa Rican consulate.

Additionally, some consulates have digitized the Costa Rica application process. If that is the case, the consulate is in charge of explaining the application procedure.

How Long Can You Stay in Costa Rica With a Tourist Visa?

A Costa Rica tourist visa is valid for a maximum of 30 days but it may be issued for less.

If you need to stay in the country for longer, you can request a visa extension at the Directorate General of Immigration in Costa Rica.

Can I Extend My Stay in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica tourist visa extensions are issued for a maximum of 60 additional days. You can apply for the visa extension at the General Directorate of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería) in Costa Rica before your current visa expires.

Additionally, even if you don’t need a Costa Rica tourist visa, you have to request for a tourism extension if you want to stay longer than your permitted time (eg. if you are a national of the first group and want to stay longer than 90 days).

What Documents Do I Need to Collect for a Costa Rica Visa Extension?

To apply for a tourism extension, you must present the following documents:

• A letter explaining why you’re requesting the extension which contains the following information:
  • Your full name and nationality
  • Your passport number and type
  • Your address in Costa Rica
  • Your phone number
  • Your birth date and place
  • The names of your parents
• A completed form of affiliation, which you can get at a photocopier in the central offices of the General Directorate of Immigration or download it from their website.
• Three recent passport-size pictures of yourself.
• Your original passport and copies of all the pages in the passport.
• A copy of your departure flight ticket.
• Proof of financial solvency to cover the duration of your requested stay.
• If you were invited in the country from an institution (public or private): A letter of financial support from said institution.
• If you’re in Costa Rica for medical treatment: A medical certificate and request from the medical institution confirming the need for an extension due to medical reasons.
• Proof of paid Costa Rica tourist visa extension fee ($100 or the equivalent in colones). You must pay the fee to the government bank account in the Bank of Costa Rica (Banco de Costa Rica).

Can you work with a Costa Rica Tourist Visa?

No, you cannot take up employment in Costa Rica if you have a tourist visa. To work in a Costa Rican company you need to get a Costa Rica work permit and a work visa. On the other hand, if you are already employed and want to work remotely while residing in Costa Rica, you can apply for the Costa Rican digital nomad visa.

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However, that’s not always the case. The Costa Rica visa policy is divided into four groups:

1. The first group included visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. The passport must be valid for at least one more day from the date of entry into the country.
2. The second group also includes visa-exempt nationals who are allowed to travel to Costa Rica with just their passport. However, in this case, the passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of arrival.
3. The third group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa, which must be applied for at a Costa Rica consulate in their country of residence.
4. The fourth group includes foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa. This type of visa has to be approved by the Commission of Restricted Visas.

This article will detail the Costa Rica visa policy by country.

Do You Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

You only need a Costa Rica visa if you are from one of the following countries:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Consular Visa (Third group)

The following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Consular Visa at a Costa Rica consulate in their country:

Foreign nationals who need a Costa Rica Restricted Visa (Fourth group)

Nationals from the following countries have to apply for a Costa Rica Restricted Visa, which requires authorization form the Commission of Restricted Visas:

Who is Exempt from Costa Rica Visas?

The following nationals are exempt from holding a visa when travelling to Costa Rica:

For stays of up to 90 days

For stays of up to 30 days

Do You Need a Costa Rica Visa if You Already Have a US/Schengen visa?

Visa-required foreign nationals may be exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they already have a valid entry visa for one of the following countries:

• An EU member state
• A Schengen country
• USA
• Canada
• South Korea
• Japan

Additionally, foreign nationals on the third and fourth group are exempt from holding a Costa Rica visa if they have a residence permit (not less than six months) for:

• USA
• Canada
• An EU member state

Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Costa Rica?

If you are a US national, and you want to stay in Costa Rica for a period longer than 90 days, you will need a residence permit. You can get a Costa Rica residence permit in two ways:

• By applying for a provisional visa (student visa, work visa) at a Costa Rica consulate before you travel to Costa Rica or
• Enter Costa Rica as a tourist and apply after you arrive in the country at the Costa Rican Department of Immigration (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería).

This applies to all the foreign nationals included in group 1 and 2 that are allowed visa-free access to Costa Rica.

What if I Need to Apply for a Costa Rica Visa?

If you need to apply for a visa to Costa Rica, you can review the application steps and requirements here.

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As the name suggests, the Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) is a document which is separate from your passport. It is not affixed in your passport – it actually comes in the form of a card, either in a light green or pink color. It allows the holder to enter the country for tourism purposes.

What is the Difference Between a Cuba Tourist Card and a Cuba Tourist Visa?

In most cases, the terms Cuba Tourist Card and Cuba Tourist Visa are interchangable. However, there’s a difference between the two in one specific case.

The Tourist Card for Cuba can be obtained in a manner of ways, as explained above, including online or through travel agencies.

Who Needs a Cuba Tourist Card?

Nationals of most countries have to obtain a Tourist Card before travelling to Cuba. However, Cuba has a visa-waiver agreement with certain countries which allows citizens of those countries to enter Cuba without a Tourist Card.

Additionally, some countries cannot enter Cuba on a Tourist Card – they need to obtain a Tourist Visa from a Cuban consulate instead (see below).

Click here for a more detailed explanation of who needs a Cuba visa.

Do You Need a Cuba Tourist Visa?

There are certain countries, however, that only allow applicants to get a Cuba Tourist Visa from the Cuban consulate in their country – not a Tourist Card. Those countries are:

• Afghanistan
• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Guinea
• India
• Iran
• Iraq
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• Sierra Leone
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• Syria
• Uzbekistan
• Yemen

Therefore, if you are from one of the above-mentioned countries, you must get a Tourist Visa from the nearest Cuban consulate.

In all other cases, other than this one, when someone says “Cuba tourist visa” they likely mean “Cuba Tourist Card” and vice-versa.

How can I get a Cuba Tourist Card?

You can get a Cuba Tourist Card in one of the following ways:

• By applying for one at the Cuban consulate in your country in person.
  • If there is no Cuban representation in your country, you can travel to the nearest one, for example in a neighboring country.
  • Check the consulate’s opening hours and working days beforehand on the consulate’s website. Also check whether you have to make an appointment.
• By sending the application and required documents at the Cuban consulate by post.
  • If you will send the application by post, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
  • Check with the consulate’s website to see whether you need to send copies of your documents or the originals, as different consulates have different requirements.
• By appointing a representative to apply on your behalf.
• Online, through an authorized visa application agency. Research the agency to make sure it is legitimate.
• Through a travel agency or tour group, who have organized a trip to Cuba.
• At the airport through which you’re travelling to Cuba. However, not all airports offer Cuba Tourist Visas to their passengers, so contact them to make sure.

What is the Cuba Tourist Card Fee?

The fee which you must pay for a Cuba tourist visa (card) depends on the method through which you’re getting it.

If you apply at a Cuban consulate, the Cuba visa fees tend to range from $20-$75. You must pay either in cash or through bank transfer. However, check the consulate’s website to be sure of their required payment method.

Private companies which offer Cuba visas will have additional fees for the service, as do airports. Additionally, if you need to have your Tourist Card available faster, it will cost you extra.

There is no standard set of Cuba tourist card fees – you must check with the Cuban consulate, travel agency, or visa application agency, accordingly.

What are the Requirements for a Cuba Tourist Card?

When you apply for a Cuba Tourist Card, you must have the following:

• A Cuba Visa application form.
• A recognized passport/travel document which is valid for at least two more months from the date you intend to leave Cuba.
• Two passport-size pictures of yourself.
• Flight ticket which includes the arrival and departure date.
• Travel health insurance. The Cuba travel insurance requirements state that the insurance plan must cover sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation for the duration of your stay.
• Proof of accommodation in Cuba, such as a hotel.
• If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
  • Find out whether you must send photocopies of the required documents or the originals.
• Payment of the Cuba Tourist Visa.

How long does it take to process a Cuba Tourist Visa (Tourist Card)?

The processing time for a Cuba Tourist Visa depends on the consulate through which you’re applying. Some may take between 7-14 working days, while others may take longer or up to a month.

If you apply online or through another method, you may be able to receive the Cuba Tourist Card quicker. At some airports, you may be able to get it on the very same day.

Do I need a Cuba Tourist Card if I am Travelling by Sea?

Yes, you do. If you normally need to have a Tourist Card to enter Cuba, you must apply for one regardless of the method through which you are entering.

How Long Can I Stay in Cuba With a Tourist Visa?

A Cuba Tourist Card is valid for a maximum of 30 days, except for Canadian nationals for whom it is valid for 90 days.

You can enter Cuba within 180 days starting from when the Cuban Tourist Card is issued. You can only enter once – it is a single-entry visa.

Can you Extend a Cuba Tourist Card?

Yes, you can. You can apply for a Cuba Tourist Card extension for an additional 30 days from the Cuba immigration authorities, meaning you can stay in Cuba for a maximum of 60 days.

If you are from Canada, you can extend your Cuban tourist visa for an additional 90 days, getting permission to stay in Cuba for up to six months (180 days).

Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba?

Yes they can. However, since the US has a long-standing trade ban on Cuba, US citizens cannot travel to Cuba simply for tourism purposes. Technically, they can obtain a so-called “Tourist Card” but that’s only because it is an entry requirement for Cuba – it does not allow them to enter Cuba simply for recreational purposes or vacation.

Additionally, as of June 4, 2019 the US government has banned cruise ships from stopping in Cuba and removed the “People to People” category from the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba (see them below).

As a US national, in order to obtain a pink tourist card for Cuba, you must state and be able to prove that you are travelling for one of the following reasons:

1. Support for the Cuban people
2. Humanitarian activities/projects
3. Educational activities (teachers, students, etc)
4. Family visits
5. Journalism
6. Professional research and professional meetings
7. Certain authorized export transactions
8. Activities of private foundations/research/educational institutes
9. Public performances, workshops, clinics, athletic competitions, and exhibitions
10. Religious activities
11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informative materials

If your reason for travel is mentioned above, then you will have a “general license” to travel to Cuba – which is nothing more than you declaring that your purpose of travel falls under one of those categories. There is no actual physical “license” that you receive.

What is the Difference Between a Pink Cuba Tourist Card and a Green Cuba Tourist Card?

The only difference between the green and pink Cuba Tourist Card is this:

• Pink: for US nationals or anyone travelling from the US. The price for a pink Cuba Tourist Card is also higher than for the green one.
• Green: for all other nationals who are not travelling from the US.

The color of the Cuba tourist card depends on the place you are travelling from, so many US citizens travel to another country and get a green Tourist Card there.

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What is a Canadian Temporary Resident Visa?

The Canadian Temporary Resident Visas are a category of visas for people who want to stay in Canada for a short period of time, usually 6 months or less. They are for various purposes of staying such as tourism, business, family visits, and so on.

If you have one of these visas, then it means you will stay in Canada for a short period of time and not much longer. You will not be allowed to apply for citizenship of Canada, apply to get Canadian government documents or try to claim for Canadian benefits such as health coverage.

You are only allowed to stay in Canada for the purpose that you applied for, and you cannot try and work or study for a long-term program there. If you find a study program that has a duration of 6 months or less, then you are allowed to attend it, but only if you have specified it in your application. Otherwise, working is not permitted at all. Additionally, you must prove that you plan to return to your home country and not stay in Canada.

Do I Need to Apply for a Canada Temporary Resident Visa?

Most travelers will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) which grants them entry to Canada, although there are nationals of countries which will only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or they are completely exempt and can enter freely with their passports without needing a visa.

Eligibility Criteria for the Temporary Resident Visas

To be eligible to apply for the Temporary Resident visas for Canada you must be able to fulfill the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old to apply as the primary visa applicant.
• Have a valid governmental issued passport with at least one blank page that is not the last page of the passport.
• Translate and certify all the documents that you have that are in another language other than English or French.
• Gave a clean criminal history and submit court documents to prove it.
• Be ready to pay the necessary visa application fees and visa processing fees.
• Sign and date the appropriate documents where necessary.
• Fill and sign a Visa Application Center (VAC) Consent Form.
• Submit copies of your current immigration status in another country or in Canada.
• Have enough funds to cover your stay in Canada.
• Be ready to attend and interview or give biometric information.
• Go through a medical examination if the Canadian Consulate asks you to.
• Prove that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your home country once your visit is over.
• You must prove that you do not plan to work or study in Canada.

However, depending on the type of TRV visa that you are applying for, you might have to comply to additional criteria.

What are the types of Canadian Temporary Resident Visas?

There are several types of Temporary Resident Visas separated by the purpose of visit. The following visas belong to this category:

• Visitor Visa – or simply said Canada Tourist Visa is the visa which allows you to go to Canada for tourism purposes;
• Super Visa – is the visa for parents or grandparents of Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents to visit their children or grandchildren for longer period of times, up to 2 years at a time;
• Diplomatic and Official Visa – is the visa for governmental officials or diplomats of foreign countries to go to Canada on official duties and responsibilities;
• Courtesy Visa – is the visa for those persons who are not governmental officials or diplomats and cannot qualify for the Diplomatic and Official Visa, but have some importance or ranks;
• Facilitation Visa – is the visa given to those persons who are Canadian Citizens with dual nationalities, but because of circumstances that were beyond their control, they do not have a Canadian passport. To allow them to visit Canada, the Consulate issues a Facilitation Visa in the passport of the other nationality that they hold.
• Business Persons and Business Delegations Visa – is the visa for businesspeople who are going to Canada for the purposes of doing business, attending meetings, workshops, conferences, or trade shows;
• Persons wishing to enter Canada for the purpose of giving birth – is the visa given to women who want to give birth to a baby in Canada, since any child born in Canada is considered a citizen;
• Intending Organ Donors Visa – is the visa for those who want to donate an organ to a Canadian Permanent Resident or a Canadian Citizen;
• Dual Intent Visa – is the visa for those who want to stay in Canada temporarily, but intend to also apply for a permanent visa and claim so in their applications.

What are the requirements for the TRV Canada?

Since this is a category of visas and not a single visa, there are two types of requirements that potential applicants must fulfill to qualify or be eligible for any of the visas:

• General Visa Requirements
• Visa Specific Requirements

General Requirements for all Temporary Resident Visas

The standard Canada Visa Requirements are a set of criteria that apply to any of the Temporary Resident Visas, no matter the purpose of your visit.

To apply for any of the Canada temporary resident visas you must submit the following forms:

• Form IMM 5257, Application for Temporary Resident.
• Form IMM 5707, Family Information Form.

Other forms that you might have to fill out if they are applicable for you are:

• Form IMM 5409, Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union.
• Form IMM 5476, Use of a Representative.
• Form IMM 5475, Authority to release personal information to a designated individual.

Visa Specific Requirements

If you qualify and meet the standard Canada Visa Requirements, then there are additional criteria based on your purpose of visit. These are different for each type of visa in the group. A few examples of such requirements are below:

• For the Tourist Visa, you must have an itinerary of the places you plan to visit in Canada;
• For the Super Visa, you must have an invitation letter from your child or grandchild and proof of relationship such as a birth certificate;
• For the Business Visa, you must prove that you work for a company other than the one you are doing business with in Canada;
• For the Diplomatic Visa, you must have documents which prove you are a governmental official of your country and you are visiting Canada for official duties, etc.

For more detailed visa specific requirements, we recommend you find the specific visa you are applying for in our guide and go through the details and instructions. Meeting these requirements is very important for you to get the visa. If you do not qualify for all the requirements, then you might have to submit additional proof to the Canadian Consulate to convince them that they should give you the visa, or the officials will reject your application.

How to Apply for a Temporary Resident Visa?

The application for Temporary Resident Visa has a set of steps that applicants must follow. There are two ways you can apply for the TRV:

• Online application;
• Application in person;

Since most application processes are being digitized, it is recommended that you try and apply online if it is possible. However, even if you apply online, if the Consulate requires an interview or your biometrics, you will have to show up in person. If you apply in person, then you will have to visit the Consulate multiple times to complete the whole process.

The application process for the TRV has these specific steps:

Confirm your eligibility for a Temporary Resident Visa for Canada

You must go to the Government of Canada website to the Immigration tab. Click on that tab and then click on Visit. When you get to the page, you will see a link called “Find out if you need a visa”. Click on that link and you will be directed to a survey.

You must answer the questions truthfully and select the reason for your visit. The questionnaire will analyze your answers and determine whether you need a Temporary Resident visa, whether you are eligible, or if you only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

If you are eligible for a Temporary Visitor Visa, then the page will direct you to the instructions on how to apply. You can apply online or in person and with the increasing digitalization of visa applications, it is much easier if you apply online. Answer a few more questions on the “Determine your eligibility and apply online” survey and you will be given a reference code and a checklist of what you have to do to apply.

Create an account

You must save the reference code and then open an account in the same Government of Canada website. You can either open the account through your bank account details or use a Government of Canada login (GCKey). Once you login, you can start your application.

Submit the Application

Use your reference code to access your answers to the questionnaire and the forms you need to fill out.

Wait for processing and respond to additional requests for information

Once you submit your application, it will take around 5 days for it to show up on your account. During the next few weeks, the Canadian Consulate will process the application. If they see it necessary, they will invite you for a visa interview and/or to give your biometric information.

If that happens, you must attend the interview at the scheduled time and respond to all the questions truthfully.

Send your passport for stamping

Once your Canada Temporary Resident visa is approved, the notification will show up on your online account or the Embassy will let you know once you complete the interview. The next step is to then submit your passport for stamping and processing.

If you have completed all the procedures online, then the Embassy will send you an email with instructions on where to mail your passport. You must mail the passport and the processing fees, as well as pay for a return envelope. If you are at the Embassy in person, then you will pay the fees there and give the Consular Officer your passport.

The Consulate will process your passport, stamp it, and return to you. If they mail it back, it will take a few days to arrive, but from that point forward, you can start making your travel arrangements for your visit in Canada.

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What is a Canada Visitor Visa?

The Canada Visitor Visa is a Temporary Resident Visa for Canada which allows the holder to go to Canada for purposes such as:

• Tourism or holidays in Canada.
• Visiting family.

The Canada Tourist Visa allows you to go to a Canadian port of entry and ask for permission to enter the country. The Border Patrol Officers are the ones who are allowed to grant or deny you entry based on your documents and your situation.

If you have been issued a visa Visitor visa to Canada and the officers find that you do not have any criminal intentions, you will be allowed to pass the port of entry and begin your holiday or family visit in Canada.

Do I Need to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa?

Most travelers will need a Visitor visa which grants them entry to Canada, although there are nationals of countries which will only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or they are completely exempt and can enter freely with their passports without needing a visa.

What are the Canada Tourist Visa Eligibility Criteria?

To be eligible for a Canada Tourist Visa, the applicant must fulfill some criteria. These requirements determine whether someone is allowed to apply for the visa and hold it.

If you cannot prove that you are eligible for the Canada Visitor visa, then they will reject you based on the fact that you are inadmissible in Canada. If you are proven to be inadmissible, then your only way of getting into the country is to get a Temporary Resident Permit.

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements

To apply for a Tourist Visa for Canada, you will also have to submit some documents, as follows:

• Standard requirements for Canada visa.
• Canada Tourist Visa Application Form.
• Your bank or other financial statements to prove you have enough funds for the trip to Canada.
• A travel itinerary if you have already booked your air tickets, or just a description of what you plan to do once in Canada.
• A Canada visa letter of invitation from your family or friends if you are visiting them.
• Proof of the relationship if you are visiting your family.
• The immigration statuses of your family or friends if you are visiting them.
• Bank statements or other financial statements of your friends or family if you are visiting them.
• A Declaration Letter from you to the Government of Canada where you explain why they should give you a Tourist visa.
• Two photos that meet the Canada Photo Requirements.
• Your employment or education status through a resume or diplomas, as well as a letter from your employer stating that you have contractual obligations to fulfill and you must return to your home country.
• Proof that your stay in Canada is temporary and that you will return to your home country once your visit is over, such as a lease, property deed, and so on.
• Proof that you do not plan to work or study in Canada.
• Court documents that prove you have a clean criminal history.

All the documents that you have that are in another language other than English or French should be translated.

How to Apply for the Canadian Visitor Visa?

To start the application for the Canada Visitor Visa, there are several forms and steps that you as the applicant must go through. The steps for applying for a Canada visitor visa are explained below:

1. Confirm your eligibility for the Canada visitor visa.
2. Complete the documents required for a Canada tourist visa.
3. Submit the Canada Tourist Visa Application form.
4. Wait for processing and respond to additional requests for information.
5. Send your passport for stamping.

What are the Canada Visitor Visa fees?

The application fee per person for a Canada Visitor Visa is CAD$100. If you also have to submit the biometrics, that will cost you an additional CAD$85. So together, the whole cost of just applying for this visa is CAD$185.

In addition to this, you will also have to pay for the passport processing which will cost around CAD$45.

What is the Canada Visitor Visa Processing time?

The Canada visitor visa processing time ranges from 8 to 40 days. However, the processing time is different depending on the country you live in.  So, you will have to wait around 1 month for your Visitor Visa to be processed.

How long is the Canada Tourist Visa valid?

The Canadian Consulate decides for how long to give you the Tourist Visa for Canada on a case by case basis. There are cases when they only give the visa for that timeframe that you want to visit Canada, and then there are also cases when they give you the visa until your passport expires. This all depends on whether they believe you will return to your home country or not.

Despite how long your Canada Tourist Visa is valid, you are not allowed to stay there for more than 6 months at a time. So, after 6 months you must return to your home country, stay for some time and then you can return to Canada again for 6 months.

What Am I Allowed to do With a Canada Tourist Visa?

With the Canadian Tourist visa, you are allowed to travel around Canada for less than 6 months as long as you are in good financial standing. You are not allowed to get Canadian documents or stay in the country permanently. You are also not allowed to work or study, and you will not be allowed to file for health care or other governmental benefits.

Can I bring my dependents to Canada with a Tourist Visa?

Your dependents, such as your spouse and minor children can come to Canada with you with a Tourist Visa. However, they must have their own application, and everyone should pay separate fees. You must submit the applications together at the Visa Application Center or online so that you are processed as a family.

Canada Visitor Visa Extension

If you want to stay longer than 6 months in Canada with a tourist visa, you will need a visitor visa extension. This extension is called a Visitor Record.

You have to apply for a visa extension for Canada (visitor record) at least 30 days before your visitor visa expires.

What is a Visitor Record?

Unlike a visitor visa, the visitor record is not attached to your passport. It is an independent document which the IRCC gives you when they approve your application for visa extension.

The visitor record includes the date by which you have to leave Canada.

Keep in mind that a visitor record is only available while you are inside Canada. If you want to leave Canada and enter again, you will not be allowed entry with a visitor record.

If your visitor visa is about to expire, and you want to leave Canada and re-enter, you have to apply for a new Visitor visa.

You can also use a visitor record if you want to change your status from a:

• Study permit to visitor record
• Work permit to visitor record

How to apply for a Canada visa extension (visitor record)?

There are two ways you can apply to extend your visa for Canada: online and on paper.

Visitor record online application

To apply online, you must have an account on the IRCC website.

You will also need to visit IRCC’s website to read the instructions guide for extending a visa.  You have to scan your documents to create electronic copies, which you can submit on the online application tool.

You will also need a valid credit/debit card to pay your fees.

When applying and the question “What would you like to do in Canada?” appears, you should select “Visit.”

Then, on “What is your current country/territory of residence?” answer “Canada.”

Complete the rest of the application as instructed.

Visitor record paper application

First, you have to download the application package available on IRCC’s website. It includes document checklists, application forms, and application guidelines.

You have to read the application guidelines, provide all the necessary documents, and pay for the fees.

You have to print the application forms that are on the application package and sign and date them where required. You must attach all the required documents and fees to the completed application.

Then, you have to mail this application to the address stated on the application package.

Forms and documents you will need for a Visitor Record:

The forms

• Application to Change Conditions, Extend my stay or Remain in Canada as a Visitor or Temporary Resident Permit Holder (IMM 5708)
• Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)
• Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM 5475)
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) (If applicable)

The documents

• Payment receipts
• Photocopies of passport pages. They must include:
  • Name and birth date
  • The passport number
  • Date of expiry
  • The stamp of your most recent entry into Canada
  • All other marked pages
• If you did not enter with a passport: Photocopies of your other your travel or identity documents. This could be an alien registration card, birth certificate, citizen certificate etc.
• If applicable: Photocopy of your current immigration document.
• If applicable: Marriage certificate.
• Proof of sufficient financial means.

It is worth mentioning that the online application is much faster and more convenient. You can submit it directly, it is processed faster, and, in case you have to provide more documents, you can do it instantly online. You can also avoid carrier and mailing fees.

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• Subclass 116 and
• Subclass 836

To get a carer visa you must have an eligible sponsor in Australia who genuinely needs your assistance.

Eligibility Criteria for a Carer Visa

You meet the eligibility requirements for a carer visa if:

• You are sponsored by a relative or your relative’s family member who requires care.
• You are capable of providing adequate care for your relative.
• You hold a substantive visa except for a transit visa 771 (required for a subclass 836).
• You had a valid visa and made an application for subclass 836 within a permissible timeframe (only for 836 visa applications).

Sponsor Eligibility for a Carer Visa

To qualify for a carer visa you must have a suitable sponsor who is either an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen. You must also be the sponsor’s near relative or a relative:

• A parent or step-parent.
• A grandparent (or step-equivalent).
• A grandchild (or step-equivalent).
• An aunt or uncle (or step-equivalent).
• A niece or nephew (or step-equivalent).
• A sibling or step-sibling.
• A child.

Your sponsor must be able to financially support you (and any other family members you apply with) and house you for at least the first two years you are in Australia. If you are being sponsored by your relative’s partner then your relative must be living with that partner.

Bupa Medical Exam for a Carer Visa

To get a carer visa you must provide evidence that your sponsor genuinely needs medical care and assistance. To do this, Bupa Medical services will conduct an exam on your relative and determine whether your sponsor:

• Is a long term patient, or
• Has difficulty in completing daily tasks due to a medical condition (bathing, cooking, cleaning, shopping, and so on), or
• Has a chronic disease.

To get this medical examination, your sponsor has to apply at Bupa’s official website so they can obtain a certificate from the medical service.

Checklist for a Carer Visa

You need the following documents to apply for a carer visa:

• Carer visa application form. When you apply for a carer visa, you have to fill in the visa form and add it to the rest of your documents.
• Visa photographs. You and any other family member who applies with you must submit four photographs following the Department’s guidelines.
• You must have a valid passport when you apply for a carer visa. Additionally, you may be asked to provide a copy of your ID card and other documents that prove your identity and name change (if applicable).
• Sponsor Documents. You may also be asked to provide documents proving your familial relationship with your sponsor, your sponsor identification, or their financial documents.
• Sponsorship Form. Your sponsor is required to fill in this form and give it to you so you can attach it to your visa application.
• Bupa medical certificate. Your sponsor must provide you with a medical certificate showing that they need you as a carer. In case the exam hasn’t been conducted yet, you have to submit proof that the assessment process has been arranged.
• Evidence you are of good character. Along with police certificates and other documents, you have to submit form 80 and form 1221 to prove that you are of good character.
• Documents for your partner. For your partner, make sure that you provide a copy of their passport and identity documents, character documents and marriage certificate or proof of registered relationship.
• Documents for dependents over 18. If you are applying with dependents over 18, provide documents showing they are dependent on you, and unable to earn an income due to mental and physical limitations. You also have to submit their identity documents and character documents.
• Documents for dependents under 18. For dependents under 18, provide their identity documents, proof of your relationship with them, and character documents (if applicable).
• Help forms. If someone helps you with your application, provide either form 956a or

Application Process for a Carer Visa

Follow these steps when applying for a carer visa:

1. Prepare your documents.
2. Apply for the visa.
3. Wait during the first assessment period.
4. Pay the second instalment fee.

Prepare Your Documents

Before you apply for a carer visa, you have to assemble all the required documents and prepare them for a paper application. This means that your certificates and photographs have to be certified by an eligible person.

Keep in mind that police certificates do not have to be certified or copies; you can submit the original versions, and you are encouraged to keep a copy of your application documents. You can find the full details of the certification process here.

Apply for the Visa

For a carer visa, you cannot submit online applications and you cannot apply in person- you have to send the application via courier or post. You have to send the application to the Child and Other Family Processing Centre in Perth- the full address of which you can find in your visa application form.

At this point in the application process, you have to submit the first instalment of the application fee to get your visa processed. Despite the fact you are applying on paper for this visa, you have to submit the payment via ImmiAccount- open a new account if you don’t have one, and search for the payment option to submit your fee.

Wait During the First Assessment Period

After you apply for the visa, the Department of Home Affairs will process your application. This process is stretched out into two assessment periods; after the first assessment has been completed your application will be put in a queue and you have to wait until there is a place available for you.

Pay the Second Instalment Fee

Once the waiting process is over, the Department will assess your application once more after which you have to pay the second instalment. Keep in mind that your visa is not considered complete until the full fee has been paid.

Carer Visa Cost

A carer visa costs AUD3,890. However, when you submit your application you only have to pay AUD 1,825, the rest of the fee needs to be paid when the Department assesses your application for the second time.

In some cases, you don’t have to pay the second instalment fee, this may happen if the Minister for Home Affairs has determined that paying the second instalment will cause you or your sponsor financial hardship.

Carer Visa Processing Time

A carer visa may take up to four and a half years to reach the final assessment stage. As of now, the Department of Home Affairs is reviewing carer visas with a queue date up to October 11, 2017.

Should I Apply for a Carer Visa 836 or a Visa 116?

It depends on your situation. If you are in Australia and you held a previous eligible visa, you have to apply for a carer visa subclass 836. If you are out of the country, you aren’t eligible to apply for subclass 836 and you must apply for subclass 116.

Can I Apply Online for a Carer Visa?

No, only paper applications are accepted for a carer visa. However, the visa payment must be submitted online.

How Long Can I Stay with a Carer Visa?

A carer visa, subclass 883 and 116, is a permanent resident visa. This means that you can stay in Australia indefinitely, work, and study there. However, you have to apply for a resident return visa after five years, so you can travel freely.

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