Visitor Visa for applicants from Philippines

Source: IRCC processing times, updated November 2, 2026

• eTA option: if flying and you held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa, you may apply for an eTA instead.
• Manila visa office checklist (IMM 5877, June 2026): no proof of funds needed if everyone travelling has been to Canada in the past 10 years or holds a valid US visa, with proof.
• Otherwise, a bank statement covering the last 6 months showing the balance.
• Past government, police or military employment needs IMM 0149, IMM 0150 or IMM 5546; PNP or AFP service also needs a Personal Service Record.
• Seafarers need a seafarer booklet, POEA exit permission certificate, contract and manning agency letters.

Philippine citizens may get an eTA instead of a visa if flying to Canada and they held a Canadian visitor visa in the past 10 years or now hold a valid US non-immigrant visa; a visa is still needed by car, bus, train or boat.

Biometrics

Give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a visa application centre in Manila or Cebu 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: Manila, Cebu.

Official IRCC page

Medical exam

Philippines 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

The Manila study checklist requires police certificates from applicants 18 or older (NBI original, issued within 3 months, with dry seal and thumbprint). The visit checklist asks for one only if you have ever been accused, arrested or tried for a crime.

Philippines's certificate: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Multi-purpose Clearance Certificate (National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)).

Official IRCC page

• ircc.canada.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp?countrySelect=PH
• ircc.canada.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5877e.pdf
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta/eligibility/eta-x.html
• canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/biometrics/where-to-give.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
• Kenya
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• South Africa

• Study Permit from Philippines

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