Basic TRV application questions...

[MarkGuy]

I hope someone can help with these questions.

I understand that applying online is generally faster than applying by regular mail.
Are there any downsides to applying online and if so, what are they?

Form 5257e:
Languages:
1b. Are you able to communicate in Eng. and/or French? (Eng, French, Both, Neither)

If the applicant is very weak in English and can't speak any French they should choose 'Neither' correct?
Assuming a visa is issued, how is this dealt with at the border upon arrival?
What procedures are used if the applicant can't answer any questions of the border agent?

1c. In which language are you most at ease?
Do you state 'neither'?


Details of visit:
Funds available: ?

If both cash and credit card will be taken, how much should be listed as funds available for the
trip?
As most know, one can have a fairly large credit limit on one's credit card, and thus the credit card
funds available could be much larger than what is required for the trip.
Do you state the maximum funds available on the credit card plus the cash?
Or something different, perhaps the funds likely to be used in cash + credit card?

Doc checklist:

-What constitutes "Proof of Financial Support"?

-"Purpose of Travel" what document should be provided for this?
In the 5257e form a simple question about this is asked.
But in the document checklist this new question is asked, and it seems a document
is being requested?

 

[bellaluna]

I hope someone can help with these questions.

I understand that applying online is generally faster than applying by regular mail.
Are there any downsides to applying online and if so, what are they?

Take note that even if the application will be mailed, the applicants have to appear in person for biometrics, if they haven't done so previously.
So, if applying by paper in person, it'll be maybe a few more days of waiting time between the biometrics request and completing it and passport request and completing it.
If applying by paper, biometrics can be done on site. Appointments may be required depending on your VFS/VAC location, and they usually charge an extra fee for processing paper applications.

The potential upside of an online application is you hold onto your passport until requested, if you need it for other purposes.

Form 5257e:
Languages:
1b. Are you able to communicate in Eng. and/or French? (Eng, French, Both, Neither)

If the applicant is very weak in English and can't speak any French they should choose 'Neither' correct?
Assuming a visa is issued, how is this dealt with at the border upon arrival?
What procedures are used if the applicant can't answer any questions of the border agent?

1c. In which language are you most at ease?
Do you state 'neither'?

Provide a letter for the CBSA officer, and they also have their own interpreters at the border.

Details of visit:
Funds available: ?

If both cash and credit card will be taken, how much should be listed as funds available for the
trip?
As most know, one can have a fairly large credit limit on one's credit card, and thus the credit card
funds available could be much larger than what is required for the trip.
Do you state the maximum funds available on the credit card plus the cash?
Or something different, perhaps the funds likely to be used in cash + credit card?

Maximum available in cash/liquid assets only: usually whatever is available in a savings/checking or any other bank account.
Credit or loans are not regarded as available funds.

Doc checklist:

-What constitutes "Proof of Financial Support"?

Bank statements, documents of assets like stocks, property, other investments, the sponsor's employment letter and tax returns.

-"Purpose of Travel" what document should be provided for this?
In the 5257e form a simple question about this is asked.
But in the document checklist this new question is asked, and it seems a document
is being requested?

A brief cover letter and a day to day itinerary of their stay in Canada.

 

[MarkGuy]

Thanks bellaluna for helping out! Just a few followup questions...

Take note that even if the application will be mailed, the applicants have to appear in person for biometrics, if they haven't done so previously.
So, if applying by paper in person, it'll be maybe a few more days of waiting time between the biometrics request and completing it and passport request and completing it.
If applying by paper, biometrics can be done on site. Appointments may be required depending on your VFS/VAC location, and they usually charge an extra fee for processing paper applications.

The potential upside of an online application is you hold onto your passport until requested, if you need it for other purposes.

Just to be clear, let's break this down into three options:

1. Online (mostly)
2. Mailed application
3. In person application

1. How are biometrics submitted if you do an online application? Do you appear in person later?
2. After mailing you will appear in person for biometrics?
3. You submit your application in person and also do the biometrics while you are there?

Provide a letter for the CBSA officer, and they also have their own interpreters at the border.

Providing a letter stating what exactly? That you can't speak English?
Or answers to questions that you think will be asked?

Maximum available in cash/liquid assets only: usually whatever is available in a savings/checking or any other bank account.
Credit or loans are not regarded as available funds.

So basically only cash or debit card funds can be mentioned?
It's usually not a safe travel practice to carry large amounts of cash on you.

When asked how much funds you have with you, do you say I have this amount of cash and 'x' amount of funds
in my debit card bank account, even though the amount of funds in the bank account can be ridiculously large?
Or do you say this amount in cash and give a much smaller amount for the debit/bank account funds?
An amount that should cover expenses for the trip?

"Proof of Financial Support"?
Bank statements, documents of assets like stocks, property, other investments, the sponsor's employment letter and tax returns.

So this question is really asking for proof of your financial assets, not funds to support you on the trip, as I interpreted it?

"Purpose of Travel" what document should be provided for this?
A brief cover letter and a day to day itinerary of their stay in Canada.

Is it necessary to list hotel bookings at each place of stay, or simply state "these are the cities I will be visiting
on these dates"?

 

[bellaluna]

Thanks bellaluna for helping out! Just a few followup questions...



Just to be clear, let's break this down into three options:

1. Online (mostly)
2. Mailed application
3. In person application

1. How are biometrics submitted if you do an online application? Do you appear in person later?
2. After mailing you will appear in person for biometrics?
3. You submit your application in person and also do the biometrics while you are there?

Yes to all.

Providing a letter stating what exactly? That you can't speak English?
Or answers to questions that you think will be asked?

Yes to both.
The letter would explain the details of the visit to Canada: purpose, length, destination(s), address, etc.

So basically only cash or debit card funds can be mentioned?
It's usually not a safe travel practice to carry large amounts of cash on you.

When asked how much funds you have with you, do you say I have this amount of cash and 'x' amount of funds
in my debit card bank account, even though the amount of funds in the bank account can be ridiculously large?
Or do you say this amount in cash and give a much smaller amount for the debit/bank account funds?
An amount that should cover expenses for the trip?

It's not that you should bring a large amount of cash to Canada.
Go ahead and use a card on your trip if you like, but only assets that are already yours will likely be considered.
Credit/loans aren't yours, but a bank's...you can certainly attach your credit card statement if you like, but IMO, it will not make too much of an impact, compared to a big savings account. I know for other countries' visa applications, they consider it, but Canada usually does not.

There's no hard rule on this--sometimes, people only declare the budget of the trip, and they're fine...but usually it's because they showed other things like bank statements, certificates, and pay slips/certificates from their employer.

But the general recommendation is to show your net worth in liquid funds to show that you have a comfortable life in your home country, have a reasonable amount of funds to cover a short trip to Canada that won't leave you with zero funds or stranded in Canada.

So this question is really asking for proof of your financial assets, not funds to support you on the trip, as I interpreted it?

Bingo.

Is it necessary to list hotel bookings at each place of stay, or simply state "these are the cities I will be visiting
on these dates"?

Again, there's no hard rule on this.
Hotel bookings are not required, but if you can do them for free/they are refundable, why not.
It is never advised to prepay for anything (flights, hotels, etc.) for the purpose of your visa application. This does not improve your chances whatsoever.

I would personally recommend a short cover letter summarizing the purpose of the trip, with an attached daily itinerary of the places and activities during the visit, preferably with a budget as well.
It's up to you to make it as detailed (or not) as you want, but it would show your intent for the trip, that you have researched and prepared for it.

 

[MarkGuy]

Yes to all.

Yes to both.
The letter would explain the details of the visit to Canada: purpose, length, destination(s), address, etc.

.... I would personally recommend a short cover letter summarizing the purpose of the trip, with an attached daily itinerary of the places and activities during the visit, preferably with a budget as well.
It's up to you to make it as detailed (or not) as you want, but it would show your intent for the trip, that you have researched and prepared for it.

Thanks bellaluna for all your answers! They were really helpful to me.