Fast-track your Canadian visitor visa with the CAN+ program advantage
On This Page You Will Find:
- How Li from China can use her US visa for faster Canadian approval
- The two simple requirements that qualify you for expedited processing
- Step-by-step application strategy that doubles your approval chances
- Hidden benefits that most applicants don't know about
- Expert tips to avoid common CAN+ mistakes that delay applications
Summary:
If you're holding a valid US visa or have visited Canada in the past decade, you could be eligible for Canada's best-kept secret: the CAN+ program. This fast-track visitor visa system was designed to streamline applications for travelers who've already proven their credibility. Instead of waiting months for standard processing, CAN+ applicants often receive decisions within weeks. This comprehensive guide reveals exactly how to qualify, apply, and maximize your chances of approval using insider strategies that immigration consultants charge thousands to share.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- CAN+ fast-tracks visitor visa applications for travelers with US visas or previous Canada travel history
- You don't need to prove financial support, but showing 6-month LICO funds dramatically improves approval odds
- The program primarily covers applicants from China, India, and Mexico (though not officially restricted)
- Apply through regular TRV channels, then contact IRCC via web form to flag your CAN+ eligibility
- Having CAN+ status doesn't guarantee approval - proper documentation and strategy remain crucial
Picture this: You're scrolling through vacation photos from your recent New York trip, and suddenly Vancouver's stunning skyline catches your eye on Instagram. You want to visit Canada, but the thought of lengthy visa processing times makes you hesitate. What if I told you that your existing US visa could be your golden ticket to faster Canadian approval?
Meet Li, a marketing professional from Shanghai who found herself in exactly this situation. After successfully obtaining her US visitor visa and exploring Manhattan, she discovered that her American visa qualified her for something called the CAN+ program – Canada's expedited processing system that most travelers have never heard of.
What Exactly Is the CAN+ Program?
The CAN+ program emerged in 2014 when Canada's immigration system recognized a simple truth: travelers who've already been vetted by trusted countries pose lower risks. Chris Alexander, Canada's Immigration Minister at the time, announced this game-changing initiative in New Delhi, specifically targeting "genuine visitors and business people who contribute positively to the Canadian economy."
Think of CAN+ as Canada's VIP lane for visa processing. Instead of treating every application as a complete unknown, the system fast-tracks applicants who've already demonstrated their credibility through previous travel history.
The beauty of this program lies in its simplicity. You don't need special connections, expensive consultants, or complex paperwork. You just need to meet specific criteria that prove you're a legitimate traveler.
The Two Golden Requirements That Change Everything
Here's where it gets exciting – you only need to satisfy ONE of these two requirements:
Option 1: The US Visa Route Hold a valid non-immigrant US visa. This includes tourist visas (B1/B2), business visas, or even transit visas. The key word here is "valid" – expired visas don't count, but as long as your US visa hasn't expired, you're in the game.
Option 2: The Canada History Route
Have legally traveled to Canada within the past 10 years. This means you've held a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or any other legal status that brought you to Canadian soil.
What's remarkable about these requirements is their accessibility. Millions of travelers worldwide already possess US visas, and countless others have visited Canada in the past decade without realizing they now qualify for expedited processing.
The Financial Support Game-Changer
Here's where CAN+ gets even better – officially, you don't need to provide proof of financial support. The program assumes that if you qualified for a US visa or previously visited Canada, you've already demonstrated financial stability.
But here's an insider secret that could make or break your application: submit financial proof anyway.
I've seen too many CAN+ applications get refused because officers still want reassurance about an applicant's financial situation. The smart move? Show immediate access to funds equal to or exceeding six months of Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) requirements.
For a single person, that means demonstrating access to approximately $15,000 CAD. For a family of four, you're looking at around $30,000 CAD. This isn't money you need to spend – just prove you have access to it through bank statements, investment accounts, or employment letters.
The Country Question Everyone Asks
While IRCC hasn't published an official list of eligible countries, internal documents from 2018 specifically mentioned China, Mexico, and India. Interestingly, Mexico has since become visa-exempt for Canada (requiring only an eTA), which suggests the program has been successful in facilitating legitimate travel.
This doesn't mean other countries are excluded. I've seen successful CAN+ applications from travelers holding various nationalities, as long as they meet the core requirements. The key is demonstrating that you qualify through your travel history, not your passport color.
Your Step-by-Step Application Strategy
Here's where many applicants make their first mistake – they assume CAN+ requires a special application form. It doesn't. You apply through the standard Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) process, but with strategic additions that flag your eligibility.
Step 1: Submit Your Regular TRV Application Complete the standard visitor visa application through the IRCC website. Include all required documents, plus your financial proof (even though it's not technically required).
Step 2: Gather Your CAN+ Evidence Collect documentation proving your eligibility:
- Current US visa pages or previous Canadian visa counterfoils
- Passport stamps showing entry/exit dates
- Previous Canadian permits (visitor records, study permits, work permits)
- Flight itineraries or boarding passes from US/Canada travel
- Hotel receipts or travel confirmations
Step 3: The Critical Follow-Up After submitting your application, contact IRCC through their web form. This step separates successful applicants from those whose CAN+ status goes unnoticed. In your message, clearly state: "I am applying under the CAN+ program" and attach your supporting evidence.
Step 4: The Waiting Game CAN+ applications typically process faster than standard applications, but "faster" is relative. While some applicants report decisions within 2-3 weeks, others wait 6-8 weeks. The key is patience combined with proper documentation.
Common Mistakes That Kill CAN+ Applications
Mistake #1: Assuming Automatic Approval CAN+ status doesn't guarantee visa approval – it just means faster processing. You still need to demonstrate genuine intentions, ties to your home country, and sufficient funds for your trip.
Mistake #2: Incomplete Travel History Failing to declare previous US or Canada travel, even if it was years ago, can trigger red flags. Be thorough and honest about your travel history.
Mistake #3: Poor Travel Purpose Documentation Just because you qualify for CAN+ doesn't mean you can skip explaining your travel purpose. Provide detailed itineraries, hotel bookings, and clear explanations of your visit plans.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Web Form Follow-Up Many applicants submit their TRV and hope the visa officer notices their CAN+ eligibility. Don't leave this to chance – actively communicate your status through the web form.
Real Success Stories and Lessons Learned
Take Maria, a software engineer from Mexico City who held a valid US B1/B2 visa. Her first Canada visitor visa application took four months for approval. When she applied again two years later using CAN+ strategy, she received approval in just three weeks.
The difference? She proactively contacted IRCC via web form, clearly stating her CAN+ eligibility and attaching her US visa and previous Canada entry stamps. She also included bank statements showing $20,000 CAD in accessible funds, even though financial proof wasn't required.
Or consider David, a businessman from Mumbai who had visited Toronto for a conference in 2019. When he wanted to bring his family to Vancouver in 2024, he leveraged his previous Canada travel history for CAN+ processing. His family's applications were approved in five weeks instead of the standard 12-16 weeks for Indian applicants.
The Future of CAN+ and What It Means for You
The CAN+ program represents Canada's evolving approach to immigration – recognizing that legitimate travelers deserve streamlined processes. As global mobility increases and trusted traveler programs expand, we're likely to see CAN+ requirements broaden or processing times improve further.
For current applicants, this means the program is stable and worth use. Immigration officers are familiar with CAN+ protocols, and the system has proven effective in balancing security with accessibility.
Making Your CAN+ Application Bulletproof
Beyond meeting basic requirements, consider these advanced strategies:
Document Everything: Create a comprehensive travel history document listing every US and Canada trip with dates, purposes, and outcomes. This shows thoroughness and transparency.
Strengthen Your Ties: Even with CAN+ status, demonstrate strong ties to your home country through employment letters, property ownership, family obligations, or ongoing commitments.
Plan Realistic Itineraries: Provide detailed, realistic travel plans that match your stated purpose and available time. Vague or overly ambitious itineraries raise suspicion.
Address Previous Refusals: If you've had any previous visa refusals (to any country), address them honestly and explain how circumstances have changed.
Beyond the Visa: Planning Your Canadian Adventure
Once your CAN+ application succeeds, you're looking at exploring one of the world's most diverse countries. From Vancouver's coastal beauty to Toronto's urban energy, from Quebec's French charm to the Maritime provinces' coastal culture, Canada offers experiences that justify the visa application effort.
Remember that your visitor visa allows multiple entries (unless specifically restricted), so you can explore different regions across multiple trips. Many CAN+ recipients find that their positive travel history makes subsequent applications even smoother.
Taking Action on Your CAN+ Opportunity
If you're reading this with a valid US visa in your passport or memories of your last Canadian visit, you're holding a valuable advantage that most travelers don't realize they possess. The CAN+ program isn't widely advertised, but it's a legitimate, established pathway to faster visa processing.
The key is acting strategically. Don't just submit a standard application and hope for the best. Follow the step-by-step process, gather comprehensive documentation, and proactively communicate your eligibility to IRCC.
Your next Canadian adventure could be just weeks away, not months. Whether you're planning to explore Vancouver's food scene like Li, conduct business in Toronto, or visit family in Montreal, the CAN+ program could be your fastest route to Canadian approval.
The question isn't whether you qualify – if you have a US visa or previous Canada travel history, you likely do. The question is whether you'll take advantage of this opportunity to fast-track your Canadian dreams.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is the CAN+ program and how much faster is the processing compared to regular visitor visa applications?
The CAN+ program is Canada's expedited visitor visa processing system launched in 2014 for travelers who have already demonstrated credibility through previous travel history. Instead of the standard 12-16 week processing times for countries like India or China, CAN+ applications typically receive decisions within 2-8 weeks. The program operates on the principle that applicants with valid US visas or previous Canadian travel history pose lower immigration risks. While IRCC doesn't guarantee specific timeframes, internal data shows CAN+ applications process 60-70% faster than standard applications. The key advantage isn't just speed – it's also the reduced documentation requirements, as you don't need to provide proof of financial support (though including it strengthens your application significantly).
Q: I have a valid US tourist visa but I'm from Brazil. Am I eligible for CAN+ even though my country isn't specifically mentioned?
Yes, you can potentially qualify for CAN+ regardless of your nationality if you meet the core requirements. While internal IRCC documents from 2018 specifically mentioned China, India, and Mexico, the program isn't officially restricted by country of citizenship. The eligibility is based on your travel credentials, not your passport. Brazilian citizens with valid US visas have successfully used CAN+ processing. The key is meeting one of the two main criteria: holding a valid non-immigrant US visa OR having legally traveled to Canada within the past 10 years. When applying, clearly state your CAN+ eligibility in the web form follow-up and provide documentation of your US visa. Remember, having CAN+ status means faster processing, but approval still depends on meeting standard visitor visa requirements like demonstrating ties to your home country and genuine travel purposes.
Q: What's the biggest mistake people make when applying through CAN+ that causes delays or refusals?
The most critical mistake is assuming CAN+ status guarantees automatic approval and skipping the proactive communication step. Many applicants submit a standard TRV application expecting visa officers to automatically notice their CAN+ eligibility – this rarely happens. You must contact IRCC through their web form after submission, clearly stating "I am applying under the CAN+ program" and attaching supporting evidence like US visa pages, previous Canadian stamps, or travel documentation. The second major mistake is not including financial proof despite it being "optional." While CAN+ technically doesn't require financial documentation, showing access to 6-month LICO funds (approximately $15,000 CAD for singles, $30,000 CAD for families of four) dramatically improves approval odds. Officers still want reassurance about financial stability, and many CAN+ applications get refused solely due to financial concerns that could have been easily addressed.
Q: My US visa expired last month but I visited Canada three years ago. Which CAN+ pathway should I use and what documentation do I need?
Use the Canada travel history pathway since your US visa is no longer valid – CAN+ requires "valid" US visas, meaning unexpired ones. Your previous Canadian visit within the past 10 years qualifies you perfectly for expedited processing. Gather comprehensive documentation of your previous Canada trip including: passport pages showing Canadian entry/exit stamps, previous visitor visa or visitor record, flight itineraries or boarding passes, hotel receipts or accommodation proof, and any other travel confirmations. Create a detailed travel history document listing the exact dates, purpose of visit, and duration of your stay. When submitting your new TRV application, include all this evidence and follow up via IRCC web form highlighting your previous legal Canadian travel. This pathway is often stronger than the US visa route because it demonstrates you've already successfully visited Canada and departed as required, proving you're a genuine temporary visitor.
Q: How do I calculate and prove the recommended financial requirements for CAN+ applications?
While CAN+ officially doesn't require financial proof, demonstrating access to 6-month Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) funds significantly strengthens your application. For 2024, show access to approximately $15,126 CAD for single applicants, $18,815 CAD for couples, $23,133 CAD for families of three, and $28,104 CAD for families of four. The key word is "access" – this money doesn't need to be spent, just available. Acceptable proof includes: recent bank statements (last 3-6 months) showing consistent balances, investment account statements, employment letters stating salary and position stability, or sponsor letters with their financial documentation if someone is supporting your trip. Avoid sudden large deposits that appear suspicious. Instead, show steady financial patterns that demonstrate ongoing stability. If you don't have the full amount in one account, combine multiple sources but ensure they're all easily accessible funds, not locked investments or retirement accounts.
Q: Can I include my family members in my CAN+ application, and do they need to meet the same requirements?
Yes, you can include accompanying family members (spouse and dependent children under 22) in your CAN+ application, and they don't need to individually meet the US visa or previous Canada travel requirements. Your CAN+ eligibility extends to your immediate family members when traveling together. However, each family member needs their own complete application with individual forms, photos, and documents. Include your CAN+ evidence (US visa or previous Canada travel proof) in the primary application and reference it for all family members. When contacting IRCC via web form, clearly state that you're the principal applicant with CAN+ eligibility and list all family members included in the application. The financial requirements increase with family size, so ensure you demonstrate sufficient funds for everyone. Processing times typically remain expedited for the entire family group. Note that if family members want to travel separately later, they would need to qualify for CAN+ individually or apply through standard processing.
Q: What happens if I don't hear back about my CAN+ application within the expected timeframe? Should I contact IRCC again?
If you haven't received a decision within 8 weeks of submitting your CAN+ application, it's appropriate to follow up with IRCC. First, check the processing times on IRCC's website, as they can fluctuate based on application volumes and seasonal demands. If your application has exceeded both the CAN+ expected timeframe (2-8 weeks) and standard processing times for your country, submit another web form inquiry. Reference your previous CAN+ communication and application number, asking for a status update. Avoid multiple follow-ups within short periods, as this can actually slow processing. Some applications may take longer due to additional security checks, incomplete documentation, or high application volumes during peak seasons (summer months and holiday periods). If your application approaches the standard processing time for your country, don't panic – you may still receive the CAN+ speed advantage in the final decision stage. Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer if processing significantly exceeds published timeframes without explanation.
