Requirements for Cubans Visiting Canada

Cubans Visiting Canada

For Cubans visiting Canada, and for many other foreigners, a temporary resident visa (or other type of visa, depending on the nature of the visit) must be obtained before entry into Canada can be granted.

Applying for a Temporary Resident Visa

It is recommended that Cubans visiting Canada complete and submit their visa application at least 21 days before their scheduled departure date. Although a visa can typically be processed in 1 to 3 weeks, it can sometimes be delayed for various reasons. An application form for a temporary resident visa can be found on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and downloaded in PDF format.

Required Documents Accompanying a Visa Application

Although additional documents may be required, based on the purpose of the visit, the following are mandatory and must be included with each visa application:

A valid passport
A completed Havana Supplementary Non-immigrant Form
Two passport-sized photographs
A letter from the visitor's employer indicating years of service, salary and the allotted vacation period
Original copies of financial records
Proof of sufficient funds available for the trip, in the form of bank statements, etc.
Fee payment, which can be made at a Banco Metropolitano in Cuba
As of December 31st, 2018, a biometrics profile (photo and fingerprints)

Visitors from Cuba, who have children must also provide birth certificates and identity cards for their children, regardless of whether or not the child/children are travelling with them to Canada.

Cubans Visiting Family or Friends in Canada

Aside from the temporary visa application and the required documents, Cubans visiting Canada to see family or friends must submit a letter of invitation from Canada with a detailed description of their visit, as well as their full name, contact information, immigration status and signature of the person issuing the invitation.

Cubans Visiting Canada for Work

If the purpose of the visit to Canada is business-related, a work permit will be required. To obtain this, the temporary visa application and requirements listed above must also include the following letters:

A letter from their employer describing the applicant’s position within the company, the purpose of their trip, the reason for selecting the applicant for the trip, the length of their stay in Canada, and the source of funds for the trip
A letter from the host stating the reason(s) for the business trip, the source of financial means for the trip, and the reason why the applicant was chosen

Cubans Visiting Canada for School

For Cubans visiting Canada with the intent to study in a Canadian educational institution, a study permit must be obtained along with a temporary resident visa. The supporting documents for this application include:

An official Letter of Acceptance from the institution in question
Certificates of studies
Proof of financial means to support studies, accommodations and living expenses while in Canada
If applicable, a medical examination

Important Considerations

All visa applications are processed at the Embassy of Canada in Havana, Cuba. All documents relating to the specific application should be sent together with the application. Processing delays often occur due to omitted or missing documents. It is important to include only non-certified copies of supporting documents as originals are not required and will not be returned.