Visitor Visa for applicants from Kenya

Source: IRCC processing times, updated October 26, 2026

• Nairobi visa office checklist (IMM 5880, May 2026); documents are not returned.
• Passport valid at least 6 months from travel with at least 2 blank pages; a new passport is required otherwise.
• Bank statements or bank book covering the past 3 months; sponsor documents must be dated within 3 months.
• A signed Consent to Verification of Documents form.
• Conference or official travel: mission order or note verbale, employer letter dated within the current month and proof of registration.

Biometrics

Give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre in Nairobi after paying the biometrics fee; biometrics given for a visitor visa or study permit stay valid for 10 years, and IRCC cannot issue a visa or permit beyond their expiry date.

Visa application centres: Nairobi.

Official IRCC page

Medical exam

Kenya is on IRCC's list of countries where an immigration medical exam is required for stays over 6 months, so most study permit applicants (and visitors staying more than 6 months, including super visa applicants) need an exam by an IRCC panel physician; your own doctor cannot do it. Find a panel physician.

Official IRCC page

Police certificate

IRCC does not list a police certificate as an upfront requirement for a visitor visa or for a study permit from this visa office; IRCC may ask for one during processing, for example if you declare a criminal record.

Kenya's certificate: Police Clearance Certificate (Directorate of Criminal Investigations (Criminal Records Office), Nairobi).

Official IRCC page

• ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp?countrySelect=KE
• ircc.canada.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5880e.pdf
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics/where-to-give.html
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/entry-requirements-country.html

Checked against these pages on October 11, 2026. Visa offices update their checklists; always use the version linked from your application.

• Bangladesh
• Cameroon
• Egypt
• Ghana
• India
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Philippines
• South Africa

• Study Permit from Kenya

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