Canadian Consulate General Consulat Général du Canada APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA For information about all types of temporary resident and immigration application, fees and procedures, please visit our website: www.hongkong.gc.ca Application forms are all accessible from our website. Do I need a visa? Hong Kong Persons holding valid Hong Kong SAR or BNO passports do not require a visa to visit Canada. However, a visa is required for holders of Hong Kong Certificates of Identity or Documents of Identity. Macao Persons holding Portuguese passports do not require a visa to travel to Canada. Visas are required for those who hold Macao SAR passports and Macao SAR Travel Permits. People's Republic of China Citizens of the People's Republic of China require a visa to VISIT or TRANSIT Canada United States of America permanent residents Persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who are in possession of their alien registration card (Green card) or can provide other evidence of permanent residence do not require a visa to visit Canada. Other Countries If you are a citizen of another country, please visit our website at www.hongkong.gc.ca to see if you need a temporary resident visa to travel to Canada. What types of visas are there? A single entry visa allows you to enter Canada only once. The visa may also be used for repeated entries into Canada from the USA within the time allowed for your stay in Canada. A multiple entry visa allows you to enter Canada from any country as often as you wish during the validity of the visa. If you have never travelled to Canada before or if you are not certain that you will meet the requirements listed in this form, we suggest that you apply for a single entry visa only. A transit visa is required for travel through Canada to another country by those persons who need a temporary resident visa and whose flight will stop in Canada for less than 48 hours. To obtain a transit visa you must provide specific evidence of your travel arrangements from your airline. A re-entry visa (temporary resident visa) is required for study permit or work permit holder who possesses a travel document from a country whose citizens require a temporary resident visa to enter Canada. If you leave Canada, you will need a visa in order to return. For study permit holders, you are required to present your valid passport, valid study permit and an updated letter of acceptance from your school confirming that you will continue your studies upon your return to Canada. For work permit holders, you are required to present your valid passport, valid work permit and an updated reference letter from the current employer in Canada. The visa validity is determined by the Visa Oficer at the Consulate after an application is received. Page 1 of 5
How do I apply? In person: Application forms and supporting documentation may be submitted in the reception area of the Visa Section. We are open to the public during the following hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Wednesday: Closed Our office is located at: 12/F., Tower 1 Exchange Square 8 Connaught Place Hong Kong By mail: Applications may also be mailed to the Canadian Consulate General, G.P.O. Box 11142, Hong Kong. Application form, original passport, processing fees and supporting documents must be submitted at the same time. Applications submitted without the original passport and the fees will be returned to the applicant by surface mail and no record will be kept. Your original passport will be returned with your documents at your risk or you will be asked to come to Hong Kong to collect it. You will be advised of the status of your application within 8 weeks from the date we have received your completed application. If you do not reside in Hong Kong or Macao, you must be able to attend an interview at our office in Hong Kong if required. You will be advised if and when you are required to attend an interview. If you fail to attend the interview, your application will be refused. Through a third party: Applications may be submitted by any third party on an applicant's behalf. Passports/visas /documents or instruction will be delivered to persons presenting the Temporary Resident Visa Application Receipt issued by the Consulate or to persons presenting a letter of authorization signed by the applicant. Enquiry: All enquiries must be in writing and sent by fax or mail. Our fax number is : ( 852 ) 2847-7493. Information will not be released to 3 rd parties unless they are authorized to receive such information. How long will it take to assess my application? Same day service is provided if the application is submitted in person with all the required supporting documents and presents no particular complexity. However, we cannot guarantee a decision on the same day that you apply. Each case is considered on its own merits - if further documents or information are required, processing can take several days - and even several weeks - depending on the circumstances. What are the basic requirements for a temporary resident visa? To receive a temporary resident visa you must satisfy a visa officer that you meet all of the following requirements: you will be in Canada for a temporary stay you will be able to return to your country or be admitted to another country after your visit you have enough money to maintain yourself and your dependents in Canada and to return home you are in good health you are law abiding and have no record of criminal activity you will not be a risk to the security of Canada you do not plan to work or study in Canada It is your responsibility to satisfy the visa oficer that you meet al Canadian immigration requirements. Page 2 of 5
What should I do if I intend to travel to Canada for business? If you intend to invite a businessperson to Canada, you should provide that person with the following documents, to be submitted with their application: - A formal letter of invitation that includes your full name and title, business address, contact telephone and facsimile numbers, the name and title of the person you are inviting, the intended duration of the visit, a brief summary of the reasons for extending the invitation, and a statement concerning who will pay for the trip expenses; - Copies of any additional documents that outline the business to be conducted during the visit. These may include, but would not be limited to: -contracts, purchase orders, bills of lading, or service agreements -contact names, titles, addresses, and phone and facsimile numbers for third parties with whom you have arranged meetings on behalf of the person you are inviting -if you are a temporary resident of Canada, a notarized copy of your immigration status document. In addition, if you have not within the past 2 years invited any Chinese business visitors, please provide a copy of your Canadian business registration document, and a copy of the Summary of your most recent Corporate Notice of Assessment form from Revenue Canada. If you intend to travel to Canada for business reasons, as a result of an invitation by a Canadian business, the following provisions apply: - A formal letter of invitation that includes your invitor s full name and title, business address, contact telephone and facsimile numbers, your own name and title, the intended duration of the visit, a brief summary of the reasons for the visit, and a statement concerning who will pay for the trip expenses; - Copies of any additional documents that outline the business to be conducted during the visit. These may include, but would not be limited to: -contracts, purchase orders, bills of lading, or service agreements -contact names, titles, addresses, and phone and facsimile numbers for third parties with whom you have arranged meetings -if your invitor is a temporary resident of Canada, a notarized copy of your invitor s immigration status document. What documents should I provide to obtain a temporary resident visa? - completed application form and all family composition information forms and two recent passport-sized photographs. Your spouse and children under 18 years old do not need to complete a separate application form but the spouse must complete a separate family composition form. - Children 18 years and over must complete their own application form - a valid passport, travel document or identity document that guarantees re-entry into the country that issued it S we recommend your passport be valid for six months beyond your travel date - the non-refundable processing fee - proof of funds available to support yourself and your dependents during your stay and proof that your stay in Canada will be temporary, such as: - tax returns, Employer's Return of Remuneration, or other documents showing your income - a reference letter from your current employer with details of your j ob title, length of employment and the period of leave allowed - bank books or bank certificates showing history of your savings over the past 2 years - property deeds or stock certificates showing your assets - business registration/licence for business that you own with certification of registered capital including name of shareholder(s), tax returns/receipts showing profits tax paid and the latest financial statements - if travelling on business, a letter from your employer describing your proposed activities in Canada - an invitation letter from person(s) you will visit in Canada and if the person(s) is/are your family member(s) or relative(s), the latest Notice of Assessment from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency showing the total income of the person(s) Page 3 of 5
- previous travel documents showing travel abroad - any documents that will support your application How long can I stay in Canada? When you arrive in Canada, the immigration officer at the port of entry will determine whether you may enter Canada and how long you may stay. You must leave Canada on or before the date set by the immigration officer. Generally, you are allowed to stay in Canada for a maximum of six months. Under special circumstances you may be allowed to extend your visit. This is only possible if you apply at a Canada Immigration Centre before the end of your authorized stay. I am a domestic helper. Can I accompany my employer to Canada? Domestic helpers may apply for entry to Canada as a temporary resident for the purpose of accompanying their employers or joining their employers in Canada if the following criteria are met: - the employer is visiting Canada (not residing in Canada) AND - the domestic helper will only be performing his or her regular duties for the employer AND the total length of stay will not exceed 183 days AND - the domestic helper satisfies normal temporary resident requirements. Documents which establish that all of the above criteria are met should be included with the temporary resident visa application, or, if the domestic helper does not require a temporary resident visa, be available for presentation to the immigration officer at the airport or border. Examples of such documents are the employment contract, proof of the employer's status in Hong Kong/Canada, a travel itinerary, and Hong Kong employment visa valid for at least the duration of the visit to Canada (for domestic helpers who are not citizens or permanent residents of Hong Kong). Please note that only a single entry visa will be issued to a domestic helper who requests a temporary resident visa meeting the above criteria. If any of the above criteria are not met, the domestic helper must apply for and obtain a work permit before entering Canada. The employer is the person who signed the employment contract and any members of the employer's family who regularly reside in the employer's household. If the employer spends or will spend more than 183 days in any given 12 month period in Canada, the employer is considered to be residing in Canada. Employers who are permanent residents of Canada, who are emigrating to Canada or who are returning to Canada to resume permanent residence are not temporary resident and consequently their domestic helpers may not accompany them without first obtaining a work permit. To obtain a work permit for a domestic helper, the employer must first obtain a job offer confirmation from the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. It is unlikely that the Human Resources and Skills Development Canada would approve an offer of employment before the employer has taken up residence in Canada and made reasonable efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position. In addition to obtaining a confirmed offer of employment, domestic helpers who require work permit must satisfy the criteria of the Live-in Caregiver Program. Information is available on our website at www.hongkong.gc.ca Required Documents for domestic helper accompanying employer to visit Canada: - completed application form and all family composition information forms and two recent passport-sized photographs - original employment contract - copy of employer's passport(s) - supporting letter from employer stating the purpose and duration of stay - valid legal status to remain in HK for time period exceeding duration of absence Page 4 of 5
What to do in special situations of children travelling to Canada? Minors travelling without their parents or one of their parents require a notarized letter of permission to travel from the non-accompanying parent(s). Divorced parents with shared custody rights should carry legal documents establishing this status and the other parent's notarized letter of consent Unaccompanied children should carry a notarized letter of permission from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and must have information on the person in Canada who will be responsible for them. RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES The Privacy Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21 prohibits Canadian government agencies from disclosing any personal information about an individual to anyone other than a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident residing in Canada, and only if that specific individual has expressly consented to disclosure. Please note that written consent must specifically name an individual or individuals. It is insufficient for a firm to be named. Representatives who wish to receive a direct reply must provide a written authorization originally signed by the applicant, along with proof of the representative s Canadian citizenship or permanent residence in Canada. If we do not have proof of citizenship or residency or a prior record of authorization, or if there is some uncertainty as to the nature or status of the authorization, we will request further documentation or information before responding to the case status request. All requests for information MUST have the applicant s name and date of birth as stated on the application form, as well as the applicant s file number at this office. ** Please note that applications and procedures may change without prior notice. Applicants are encouraged to check our website at www.hongkong.gc.ca for the most recent forms and procedures. Page 5 of 5
Citizenship and Immigration Canada APPLICATION FOR A TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA DEMANDE DE VISA DE RÉSIDENT TEMPORAIRE I want service in: Je veux être servi(e) en : Citoyenneté et Immigration Canada English Anglais French Français File - Référence PAGE 1 OF/DE 2 PROTECTED WHEN COMPLETED PROTÉGÉ UNE FOIS REMPLI - B 1 Single entry visa(s) requested Visa(s) pour un seul séjour demandé(s) Multiple entry visa(s) requested Visa(s) pour entrées multiples demandé(s) Transit visa(s) requested Visa(s) de transit demandé(s) 2 Family name Nom de famille First name Prénom Second name Autre prénom Relationship Lien de parenté Sex Sexe APPLICANT REQUÉRANT SELF LUI-MÊME SPOUSE OR COMMON-LAW PARTNER AND CHILDREN CONJOINT OU CONJOINT DE FAIT ET ENFANTS Date of birth Date de naissance D - J M Y - A D - J M Y - A D - J M Y - A D - J M Y - A Place of birth Lieu de naissance Citizenship Citoyenneté Passport no. N de passeport Passport expiry date Date d'expiration du passeport D - J M Y - A D - J M Y - A D - J M Y - A D - J M Y - A Marital status État matrimonial Will accompany you to Canada? Vous accompagnera au Canada? Yes Oui No Non Yes Oui No Non Yes Oui No Non 3 The purpose of my visit to Canada is - Objet de ma visite au Canada Tourism Tourisme Business Affaires Other (Provide details below) Autre (Précisez ci-dessous) 4 Indicate how long you plan to stay in Canada Veuillez indiquer pour combien de temps vous planifiez de rester au Canada From De D - J M Y - A To À D - J M Y - A 5 Funds available for my stay in Canada Je dispose, pour mon séjour au Canada, de CDN $ $ CAN 6 My current mailing address. All correspondence will go to this address. If you wish to authorize the release of information from your case file to a representative, indicate their address below and on the form IMM 5476 Mon adresse postale actuelle. Toute la correspondance sera envoyée à cette adresse. Si vous désirez autoriser la transmission de renseignements concernant votre dossier à un représentant, indiquez son adresse ci-dessous et sur le formulaire IMM 5476. 7 My residential address (if different from your mailing address) Mon adresse personnelle (si elle est différente de votre adresse postale) Telephone number Numéro de téléphone Fax number Numéro de télécopieur DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE ESPACE RÉSERVÉ Officer - Agent IMM 5257 (12-2002) B
PAGE 2 OF/DE 2 D - J M Y - A 8 a) Immigration status of applicant(s) in country where applying: Statut par rapport à l'immigration du (des) requérant(s) dans le pays où la demande est présentée b) Valid until Valide jusqu'au Citizen Citoyen Permanent resident Résident permanent Temporary Resident Résident Temporaire Worker Travailleur Student Étudiant 9 My present job (Give the job title and a brief description of your position) 10 Ma profession actuelle (Indiquer le titre de votre emploi et une brève description du poste) Name and address of my present employer or school Nom et adresse de mon employeur actuel ou de l'établissement d'enseignement 11 Name, address and relationship of any person(s) or institution I will visit are Nom, adresse et lien de parenté de toute personne à qui je rendrai visite ou nom et adresse de tout établissement que je visiterai Name - Nom Address in Canada - Adresse au Canada Relationship to me - Lien de parenté 12 Have you or any member of your family ever: Les questions suivantes s'adressent également au visiteur et à tout membre de sa famille : a) Been treated for any serious physical or mental disorders or any communicable or chronic diseases? Vous a-t-on jamais traité(e) pour une maladie mentale ou physique grave, ou pour une maladie contagieuse ou chronique? b) Committed, been arrested or charged with any criminal offence in any country? Avez-vous commis, ou avez-vous été arrêté pour avoir commis ou accusé d'avoir commis une infraction pénale quelconque dans n'importe quel pays? c) Been refused admission to, or ordered to leave Canada? Vous a-t-on jamais refusé l'admission au Canada, ou enjoint de quitter le Canada? d) Applied for any Canadian Immigration visas (e.g. Permanent Resident, Student, Worker, Temporary Resident (visitor), Temporary Resident Permit)? Avez-vous demandé un visa canadien auparavant? (par exemple, un visa de résident permanent, d'étudiant, de travailleur, de résident temporaire [visiteur] ou un permis de séjour temporaire)? e) Been refused a visa to travel to Canada? Vous a-t-on jamais refusé un visa pour le Canada? f) In periods of either peace or war, have you ever been involved in the commission of a war crime or crime against humanity, such as: willful killing, torture, attacks upon, enslavement, starvation or other inhumane acts committed against civilians or prisoners of war; or deportation of civilians? En période de paix ou de guerre, avez-vous déjà participé à la commission d'un crime de guerre ou d'un crime contre l'humanité, c'est-à-dire de tout acte inhumain commis contre des populations civiles ou des prisonniers de guerre, par exemple, l'assassinat, la torture, l'agression, la réduction en esclavage ou la privation de nourriture, etc., ou encore participé à la déportation de civils? If the answer to any of the above is "yes", give details - Si vous avez répondu «oui» à l'une ou l'autre question ci-dessus, veuillez préciser "X" THE APPROPRIATE BOX INSCRIRE «X» DANS LA CASE APPROPRIÉE YES OUI YES OUI YES OUI YES OUI YES OUI YES OUI NO NON NO NON NO NON NO NON NO NON NO NON 13 During the past five years have you or any family member accompanying you lived in any other country than your country of citizenship or permanent residence for more than six months? Au cours des cinq dernières années, avez-vous ou n'importe quel membre de votre famille vous accompagnant a-t-il vécu dans un autre pays que votre pays de citoyenneté ou de résidence permanente pendant plus de six mois? If answer to question 13 is "yes", list countries and length of stay Si la réponse à la case 13 est affirmative, indiquer le nom de ces pays et la durée du séjour YES OUI NO NON Name Nom Country Length of stay - Durée du séjour Pays From - De To - À D - J M Y - A D - J M Y - A 14 I declare that I have answered all questions in this application fully and truthfully. Je déclare avoir donné des réponses exactes et complètes à toutes les questions de la présente demande. The information you provide on this form is collected under the authority of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act to determine if you may be admitted to Canada as a temporary resident. It will be stored in Personal Information Bank CIC PPU 051, Foreign Temporary Resident Records and Case File. It is protected and accessible under the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act. IMM 5257 (06-2002) B Signature of applicant - Signature du requérant This form has been established by the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Formulaire établi par le ministre de la Citoyenneté et de l'immigration D-J M Y-A Date Les renseignements fournis sur ce formulaire sont recueillis en vertu de la Loi sur l'immigration et la protection des réfugiés pour établir si vous êtes admissible au Canada à titre de résident temporaire Ils seront versés au fichier de renseignements personnels CIC PPU 051, Dossier et fichier de résident temporaire. Ils sont protégés et accessibles en vertu de la Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels et de la Loi sur l'accès à l'information.
FAMILY COMPOSITION INFORMATION FOR APPLICANT Please complete all items in English or French only and attach this document to your application Relationship Name in English & Chinese Place and Date of Birth Present Address Present Occupation Applicant Your present telephone number: Spouse Mother Father CHILDREN: (including all sons, daughters, adopted and step-children regardless of age or place of residence) Name in English & Chinese Relationship Marital Status Date and Place of Birth Present Address Present Occupation BROTHERS AND SISTERS: (including all half and step brothers and sisters regardless of place of residence) (If more space is required, provide the following information for any additional siblings on a separate page) Name in English & Chinese Relationship Marital Status Date and Place of Birth Present Address Present Occupation I solemnly declare that the above information is true and correct, and understand that this declaration has the same force and effect as if given under oath. Date: Applicant s Signature: im_kit/famcomp for applicant (04-may-2005)
FAMILY COMPOSITION INFORMATION FOR SPOUSE OF APPLICANT Please complete all items in English or French only and attach this document to your application Relationship Name in English & Chinese Place and Date of Birth Present Address Present Occupation Applicant Your present telephone number: Spouse Mother Father CHILDREN: (including all sons, daughters, adopted and step-children regardless of age or place of residence) Name in English & Chinese Relationship Marital Status Date and Place of Birth Present Address Present Occupation BROTHERS AND SISTERS: (including all half and step brothers and sisters regardless of place of residence) (If more space is required, provide the following information for any additional siblings on a separate page) Name in English & Chinese Relationship Marital Status Date and Place of Birth Present Address Present Occupation I solemnly declare that the above information is true and correct, and understand that this declaration has the same force and effect as if given under oath. Date: Applicant s Signature: im_kit/famcomp-spouse- (04/05/2005)
Canadian Consulate General Consulat Général du Canada WARNING: MISREPRESENTATION IS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE! If you or someone acting on your behalf directly or indirectly misrepresents (for example, by submitting forged documents) or withholds material facts relating to your application for admission to Canada: your application will be refused; the circumstances of your refusal are entered into Canada s global immigration database; the circumstances of your misrepresentation may be communicated to authorities in your home country and/or Canada to determine whether criminal proceedings should be initiated against you and/or any other person(s) who assisted in the misrepresentation. We check routinely with issuing authorities, home government departments and other reliable sources to verify whether information provided and documents submitted are genuine. There is no excuse or justification for misrepresentation. If a document we require is not available to you, attach a written explanation when you submit your application, and, if possible, other documents or information that might substantiate the issue in question. Misrepresenting or withholding material facts relating to your application for admission to Canada is a criminal offence. On several recent occasions, persons who submitted or assisted in the submission of fraudulent documents to this office have been apprehended, convicted and sent to jail. In addition, deliberate misrepresentation of the facts on your application could prohibit you from entering Canada for a period of up to 2 years. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * I have read and understood the above warning. Signature of Applicant Date Name of Applicant (Please Print) im_kit/warning (3-3-2003) page 1 of 1
FEE SCHEDULE Effective January 01, 2005 The processing fee helps defray the cost of processing your application. Consequently, it is not refundable to unsuccessful applicants. Only the Right of Permanent Residence fee is refunded when immigrant applications are refused or withdrawn. PERMANENT RESIDENT FEES CDN$ HK$ Immigrant Application Principal Applicant - Skilled Worker... 550 3,540 Principal Applicant - Business... 1,050 6,750 Accompanying Family Members Spouse/Common Law Partner/Dependent 22 years of age or older... 550 3,540 Dependent under 22 years of age... 150 960 Right of Permanent Residence Fee Principal Applicant/Spouse/Common Law Partner... 975 6,270 TEMPORARY RESIDENT FEES Temporary Resident Visa Single Entry... 75 480 Multiple Entry *... 150 960 Family maximum **... 400 2,570 Transit Visa (stay of less than 48 hours)... FEE EXEMPT * No refund will be given if you pay the fee for a multiple entry visa but the visa officer decides to issue you a single entry visa. ** A maximum fee of Cdn$400 or HK$2,570 will be charged to a family applying at the same time for temporary resident visas. Study Permit... 125 800 Work Permit Individual... 150 960 Group of Performing Artists (3 or more)... 450 2,890 Temporary Resident Permit... 200 1,290 OTHER FEES Rehabilitation - Serious Criminality... 1,000 6,430 Rehabilitation - Criminality... 200 1,290 Authorization to Return to Canada... 400 2,570
Travel Document for Permanent Residents... 50 320 Certification and Replacement of an Immigration Document... 30 190 Repayment of Removal Destination - United States & St. Pierre and Miquelon... 750 4,820 Destination - Any other destination... 1,500 9,650 ******************************************************************************************* METHODS OF PAYMENT Payment must be in Canadian or Hong Kong dollars. No other currency will be accepted. Please note that cash and personal cheques will NOT be accepted. Acceptable methods of payment are: credit card - MasterCard, Visa or Diner's Club financial instruments such as cashier s cheque, certified cheque, bank draft or money order payable to "Canadian Consulate General" EPS direct debit (local bank cards only) for payments made in person only. Note 1: If payment is made by financial instruments in Hong Kong dollars, the payee bank must be located in Hong Kong. Payment in Canadian dollars must be drawn on a bank located in Canada. Note 2: Financial instruments issued from PRC branches of the Bank of China will NOT be accepted (financial instruments from Hong Kong branches of the Bank of China will be accepted). All processing fees must be paid when the application is submitted. Applications submitted without the correct fees will be returned to the applicant. The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) may be paid at the time of application or at any time during processing before visa issuance. No refund will be given if you pay the fee for a multiple entry visa, but the Visa Officer decides to issue you a single entry visa. PLEASE COMPLETE THIS FORM AND ENCLOSE IT WITH YOUR APPLICATION: Please find attached (check one): ( ) Cashier's or certified cheque ( ) Bank draft ( ) Money order for the amount of HK$ or CDN$ ( ) I wish to pay my processing fees by Diner's Club MasterCard Visa credit card. Card #: Expiry Date: I have calculated my total payable Application Processing Fee to be HK$. (Credit Card payment in Hong Kong dollars only; overseas cards are acceptable.) I authorize the Canadian Consulate General to charge this amount OR if I have miscalculated the amount, the correct amount payable to my credit card. The Consulate will notify me if I have miscalculated the payable fees after charging my credit card. Cardholder signature: (Name of Cardholder: ) Date: fees\schedule (01/01/2005)