Nearly 48 hours after the Government of Canada imposed visa requirements on citizens of Antigua & Barbuda, the Canadian authorities have posted another public notice, informing residents of the ‘all you need to know’ details.
1: Passport must be valid for more than six months
2: Two passport size photographs (photo should be on a white background, with applicant’s name and date of birth at the back of each)
3: Invitation letter and copy of passport from host
4: Original birth certificate or copy (PLEASE NOTE: children less than 19 years must have a written consent from both parents to travel to Canada. Father’s name on the birth certificate is not compulsory).
5: Job letter or school letter where applicable
6: Bank statement
7: Marriage certificate where applicable
8: If self-employed: Provide evidence of business which would include a letter on an official letterhead of the business stating the type of business, the length of operations and earnings and an affidavit with the same information is required
9: Retired persons should submit documents from the husband and along with the marriage certificate
10: Housewives should submit documents from their husbands, job letter and bank statement
11: Applicants pay a fee of:
$100 Canadian: single entry
$100 Canadian multiple entry
Processing time: 2 to 3 weeks
Canada Visa Application Centre
4 Warner Street, New Town, Port of Spain, Trinidad
Meanwhile, Canadian authorities have publicly disclosed that they would work closely with passengers already in transit.
The question is what does an Antiguan and Barbudan passport holder do after they have already booked return travel home for summer or have planned a trip on of the country’s direct flights to Toronto?
Antigua and Barbuda’s High Commissioner to Canada in Washington, DC Sir Ronald Saunders has also released some guidelines to follow.
There are two ways to apply; online applications or visa application centres.
- Online applications may be filled at the Government of Canada’s official website: cic.gc.ca
- Mail your application or submit it in person at the Canadian High Commission in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Those who are successful will be allowed to travel to Canada by any mode of transportation and may be allowed multiple entries for up to 10 years.
Residents who are now in Canada with a student visa or a work permit, you can remain calm while you remain within the Canadian borders as your documents remain valid until the expiry date shown in them.
However, if you leave Canada for any length of time, you will be required to apply for a Visa to re-enter the country.
Finally, those who were informed that your application for a study or work permit was approved before June 27, 2017 and you have not yet entered Canada, contact the visa office that processed your application as soon as possible for further instructions.
If you are in Canada, as a student or on a work permit and you feel you need advice, please contact:
- The High Commission for Antigua and Barbuda to Canada, in Washington, DC. The number is: +202 362 5122 and the first point of contact is First Secretary for Consular Affairs, Mr Roderick Faustin; or
- The Consulate of Antigua and Barbuda in Toronto, Canada. The number is: +416 961 3085 and the first point of Contact is Consul-General, Ann-Marie Layne.