By Sandeep Chaudhary
Canada Religious Visa for Nepali Citizens: How to Apply Online
Canada is known for its religious diversity and welcoming atmosphere for people from various faiths. Nepali citizens seeking to visit Canada for religious purposes, such as attending religious events, pilgrimages, or spiritual gatherings, can apply for a Canada Religious Visa. This visa allows individuals to travel for religious activities and events in Canada. Below is a detailed guide to applying for a Canada Religious Visa from Nepal, including the required documents and application process.
1. Passport Requirements
To apply for a Canada Religious Visa, your passport must meet the following requirements:
Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended stay in Canada. This ensures that your passport will not expire during your visit.
Blank Pages: Your passport should have at least two blank pages for visa stamps and other endorsements required by Canadian authorities.
Ensuring that your passport meets these basic requirements is the first step in a smooth visa application process.
2. Covering Letter
A covering letter is a mandatory document when applying for a Canada Religious Visa. The letter should provide detailed information about your visit and clearly outline your travel plans. It should include the following:
Applicant’s Name and Details: The name of the applicant and any family members or companions traveling with you.
Travel Dates and Duration: Specific dates for your travel to Canada, along with the duration of your stay.
Purpose of Visit: A clear explanation of the religious event or purpose of the visit (e.g., pilgrimage, religious conference, attending a religious ceremony).
Financial Responsibility: Information about who will bear the expenses during your trip to Canada (whether the applicant is self-funded or sponsored by a religious institution or individual).
This cover letter is important as it helps the Canadian immigration authorities understand the reason for your visit and ensures that the purpose of your trip is for religious purposes.
3. Leave Sanction Letter
If you are employed, a leave sanction letter from your employer is required. This letter should:
Be written on the official letterhead of your employer.
Include the dates of leave granted to you for the trip to Canada.
Mention the name, designation, and signature of the authorized signatory at your workplace.
This letter assures the Canadian authorities that you are employed and that you have permission to take time off for your religious visit. It also shows your intention to return to your job after your trip.
4. Travel Itinerary and Hotel Reservations
You must provide a detailed travel itinerary for your trip to Canada, which includes:
Travel Dates and Activities: A clear outline of your travel dates, the religious event you plan to attend, and any other activities during your stay.
Hotel Reservations: Confirmed hotel bookings for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. If you plan to visit more than one city, you will need to provide hotel reservations for each destination.
Providing hotel bookings ensures that you have planned your accommodation and gives the Canadian authorities confidence that you will have a place to stay during your religious visit.
5. Documents for Minors
If a minor (under 18 years old) is traveling with you, additional documentation is required:
If the minor is traveling with one parent or a third party, an affidavit from the parent(s) is necessary. The affidavit should state that the parent(s) have no objection to the minor traveling. The affidavit must be notarized and legalized by the appropriate authorities.
Self-declaration can be submitted if the parents are residing in Canada, along with a copy of their Canadian stay permit and passport.
These documents are required to ensure that the minor’s travel is authorized by both parents or legal guardians.
6. Financial Status and Means of Sustenance
You will need to prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada. Depending on your source of income, the required documents are:
For Salary Income: Provide a salary certificate, employment contract, and income tax return certificate.
For Business Income: If you are self-employed, submit your business registration certificate, audit report, and tax clearance certificate.
For Retired Applicants: If you are retired, provide your pension statement and proof of income from property or business ownership.
If your trip is sponsored by a religious institution, individual, or family members in Canada, you must provide their financial documents, including bank statements, income tax returns, and a copy of their passport.
7. Additional Documents
Although not mandatory, you may provide additional documents to strengthen your application:
Property Valuation Certificates.
Share Certificates.
Fixed Deposit (FD) Certificates.
These documents help demonstrate your financial stability, which can increase your chances of approval.
8. Flight Details
You need to submit your flight details, including:
A return flight reservation or a printout of your airline reservation.
If you are traveling from a city outside the jurisdiction of the Canadian embassy, ensure that you provide a confirmed ticket from a city within the jurisdiction of the embassy.
Flight details ensure that the Canadian authorities are confident that you have planned your travel and that you will return to Nepal after attending the religious event in Canada.
9. Bank Statement
A bank statement for the last six months is required to show that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada. The bank statement should:
Show an ending balance of at least NPR 500,000 or more.
Demonstrate consistent financial activity with regular deposits and transactions.
This document is crucial in proving that you can financially sustain yourself during your trip and will not rely on Canadian social services.
