Canada entry requirements for Kazakhstan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kazakh passport holders need a visa to visit Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-free access or eTA option for Kazakhstan citizens. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Kazakhstan passport holders need a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. Apply online through the IRCC portal — processing times vary from a few weeks to several months. Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Kazakhstan or a nearby country.Apply for visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Canada. There is no specific 6-month validity rule for Canada, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Canada | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation, Airbnb confirmation, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Officers may ask where you're staying on arrival. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements, a credit card, or cash showing you have enough money for your stay. There's no fixed minimum, but expect to show at least CAD $1,000–$2,000 for a short trip. | Recommended |
Visa required — no eTA option
Kazakhstan is not on the list of eTA-eligible countries. You must apply for a full visitor visa (TRV) before traveling. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
Biometrics are mandatory
All applicants aged 14 to 79 must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). You must visit a VAC in person — there is no way to skip this step. Book your appointment as soon as you get the instruction letter.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport, bank statements, employment letter, travel itinerary, and any invitation letters. Scan everything as PDFs or JPEGs.
2
Apply online via IRCC
Go to the IRCC website and create an account. Fill out the IMM 5257 form, upload your documents, and pay the visa fee (CAD 100 single or CAD 500 multiple entry) plus biometrics fee (CAD 85).
3
Book and attend biometrics appointment
After submitting, you'll get a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre in Nur-Sultan or Almaty. Bring your passport and the letter. They'll take your fingerprints and photo.
4
Wait for processing
Standard processing time is 2–4 weeks, but can be longer during peak seasons. You can check your application status online.
5
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport. Fly to Canada. At the border, show your passport, visa, return ticket, and accommodation details. The officer may ask about your plans — answer honestly.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Kazakhstan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or business visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Requires Canadian child/grandchild invitation and medical insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) employer compliance fee + work permit fee CAD 155
Requires a job offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Allows work in Canada for a specific employer.
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For enrollment at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on and off campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply digital nomad visa
Canada's Digital Nomad Strategy (temporary)
Up to 6 months (visitor status) or longer with work permit
No specific fee; standard visitor visa or work permit fees apply
Canada allows remote workers to stay as visitors for up to 6 months. For longer stays, a work permit may be needed.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries during validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprint and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Visa application centre service feeAdditional fee charged by VAC for processing. | Varies by location (~USD 30-50) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity; may lead to removal. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
Unclear travel purpose25%
Weak home ties20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
Kazakhstan passport holders generally need a transit visa to pass through Canada en route to another country, unless they qualify for a visa waiver (e.g., holding a valid US visa).
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montreal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease prevalent in wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months in some regions.
Seasonal influenzaModerate risk
Common in winter; vaccination recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Ottawa
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Ottawa
365 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON K1A 1L1
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
National headquarters; for inquiries only, not walk-in applications.
Toronto
IRCC – Toronto Office
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles in-person appointments for certain services; check online first.
Practical information for KZ travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Standard processing time is 2 to 4 weeks, but it can take longer during busy periods (summer, holidays). Apply at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel date. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
No. Canada does not have a visa office in Kazakhstan. You apply online through the IRCC portal, and biometrics are taken at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Nur-Sultan (Astana) or Almaty. The actual visa processing is done by the Canadian visa office in Ankara, Turkey.
A single-entry visa (CAD 100) lets you enter Canada once. If you leave Canada (even to the US), you need a new visa to return. A multiple-entry visa (CAD 500) is valid for up to 10 years or until your passport expires, and you can come and go as many times as you want during that period. Most applicants get the multiple-entry visa.
Yes, unless you qualify for the China Transit Program (which does not apply to Kazakhstan). If you have a layover in Canada and need to clear customs (e.g., switching flights), you need a visitor visa or a transit visa. A transit visa is free but still requires an application. Check with your airline.
You will receive a letter explaining the reason (e.g., insufficient funds, weak ties to Kazakhstan). You can reapply with stronger documentation. There is no appeal process. Common fixes: provide more bank statements, a letter from your employer, or property ownership proof. The visa fee is non-refundable.
Yes, you can apply for a visitor record extension before your current visa expires. You must show you have funds to support yourself and a reason to stay longer (e.g., tourism, visiting family). The extension fee is CAD 100. Overstaying can affect future visa applications.
You don't need to have the ticket before the visa is approved, but you should have a planned itinerary. Once the visa is issued, you must have a confirmed return or onward ticket before boarding your flight to Canada. Immigration at the border may ask to see it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.