Kenyan citizens and residents who wish to travel to Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa, or any other part of Canada must apply for a Canada visa before departure. The process is done online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal, with biometrics and document submission completed at the VFS Global Canada Visa Application Centre in Nairobi. The visa type you need will depend on your purpose of travel , such as tourism, work, study, business, or joining family.
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WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF APPLYING FOR CANADA VISA FROM KENYA?
CANADA VISA APPLICATION PROCESS & REQUIREMENTS IN KENYA
Steps to Appy for a Canadian Visa:
1. Choose the Right Visa: Identify the category that matches your travel purpose and check eligibility.
2. Fill Out the Application Form: Complete the IRCC online form carefully and double-check before submitting.
3. Upload Documents: Gather and upload all required supporting documents to the portal.
4. Pay Fees Online: Pay the visa and biometric fees in Canadian Dollars (CAD).
5. Receive Biometrics Request: IRCC will send a letter asking for fingerprints and a photo.
6. Book Appointment: Schedule a biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nairobi.
7. Attend Appointment: Provide fingerprints, photo, and bring required documents to the VAC.
8. Wait for Processing: Application review times vary by visa type.
9. If Approved: Submit your passport to the VAC for visa stamping.
10. If Refused: You’ll receive a refusal notice; no passport submission is needed.
CANADA VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR KENYANs
Basic Required Documents:
Valid Passport: Original passport, valid for the entire duration of your stay.
Proof of Financial Support : Certified bank statements for the last 6 months.
Travel Itinerary: A detailed plan of your trip, including activities and accommodation.
Proof of Employment- of the following:
- Certified payslips (6 months)
- Employment contract
- Leave approval letter
- Introductory letter from employer
Proof of Family or Social Ties: Evidence such as dependents’ details or family obligations showing strong ties to Kenya.
Medical Certificate : TB test certificate (required if you plan to stay longer than 180 days).
Proof of Travel History : Scans of previous visas, entry, and exit stamps.
CANADA VISA CATEGORIES IN KENYA
Types of Canada Visas and Permits:
Visitor Visa (TRV): For tourism, family visits, or short business trips (up to 6 months). Single or multiple entry.
Study Permit: For students at Canadian institutions; allows part-time work and may lead to a PGWP.
Work Permit: For those with a Canadian job offer. Can be LMIA-based or LMIA-exempt.
Permanent Residence (PR): Through Express Entry, PNP, or Family Sponsorship.
Business/Investor Visas: For entrepreneurs, investors, or self-employed individuals.
Super Visa: For parents/grandparents of Canadians/PRs; allows stays up to 5 years.
CANADA VISA FEES IN KENYA
Visa Fees:
Canada offers different types of visas depending on your reason for travel. If you’re applying from Kenya, it’s important to choose the right category to avoid delays or rejections. Below are the main Canada visa categories available to Kenyan citizens and residents: Check here for updated fees.
- Visitor Visa: CAD $100
Study Permit: CAD $150
Work Permit: CAD $155
Temporary Resident Permit: CAD $200
Additional Fees
Biometrics Fee: CAD $85 (required for most applicants)
Other costs may apply depending on your visa type, such as medical exams or police clearance certificates.
CANADA VISA APPLICATION PROCESSING TIME IN KENYA
How Long to Get My Decision?
| Visa Type | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 1.5 months (46 days) |
| Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents) | 3 months (92 days) |
| Study Permit | 4–8 weeks (up to 17 weeks) |
| Work Permit | 4–10 weeks |
| Spousal Sponsorship | 16–24 months |
BEST CANADA VISA APPLICATION CONSULTANCY IN KENYA
Greentod Visa Solutions offers professional, paid assistance for the Canada visa application process, including expert guidance on required documents and application requirements.
- Online form filling assistance
- Risk assesment to discover chances of being accepted for the UK Visa
- We will book an appointmnet at the UK Visa Application Centre.
- We will share samples all documents needed
- We will organize and upload all your supporting documents to The Embassy
Let us handle your Canada Visa application whether its a fresh submission or reapplication after a refusal , we can help you every step of the way.
FAQ ABOUT CANADA VISA IN KENYA
Common Questions Answered:
How much bank balance is required for Canada tourist visa?
How much bank balance is required for Canada tourist visa?
Which exams are required to obtain a Canada visa?
Exam requirement will vary depending on the visa type. For example, one common exam that may be required of a certain visa type is an English language test. The most common one is IELTS.
How do I apply for a Canadian visa from Kenya?
You can apply online through the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. Once you create an account, complete your application form, pay the fee, upload documents, and book your biometrics appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nairobi.
Where do I submit my biometrics in Kenya?
At the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) located in Nairobi. An appointment is required after paying your application and biometrics fees.
Do I need to submit my passport immediately?
No. You will only submit your passport if your application is approved. If refused, you will be informed of the decision, and no passport will be requested.
Can I apply without an agent?
Yes. You can apply directly on the IRCC website. However, many applicants choose consultants like Greentod Visa Solutions for guidance to reduce mistakes and delays.
HOW DO I TRACK MY CANADA VISA APPLICATION?
Here's how to Check the Status of your Application:
The fastest way to check your Canadian visa application status is through your Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online account.
Go to the official IRCC Sign-In Page.
Log in using email address used when applying.
Navigate to the “View my submitted applications or profiles” section.
Select your application to see:
Latest status updates (e.g., “Review of eligibility in progress”, “Biometrics received”, etc.)
Messages from IRCC
Requests for additional documents or passport submission
WHERE DO I SUBMIT MY CANADA VISA APPLICATION IN KENYA?
Canada Visa Application Center:
Visa Application Centre – Nairobi
Address: Parkfield Building, 5th Floor, Muthangari Drive, Off Waiyaki Way, Opposite Safaricom House, Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya.
Take me to the address
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) – 07:30 to 16:00
Passport Collection:
Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) – 07:30 to 16:00
WHAT TO BRING TO YOUR CANADA BIOMETRIC APPOINTMENT
Mandatory Documents:
When attending your biometrics appointment at the Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC), make sure you have the following:
Appointment Confirmation Letter – Printed copy received from VFS Global.
Valid Passport or travel document – With at least 2 blank pages on both sides.
A printout of your completed visa application form (including 2 copies of 2D barcodes)
Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL).
Passport bio data page (2 copies)
VFS consent form (2 copies)
Visa/Biometric Payment Receipt.
| Disclaimer
Greentod Visa Solutions is a Kenyan-based visas and travel consultancy agency dedicated to supporting clients through every step of their visa application journey. While we work independently and are not affiliated with any embassy, our role is to provide guidance, document support, and application assistance. Visa issuance is solely at the discretion of the relevant embassy or immigration authority, and we do not guarantee approval or denial of any application.