Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) — SeafarerVerified 2026-04-13Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa (TRV)
A Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) for Indian seafarers joining a vessel as marine crew members in Canadian ports. Valid for the duration of the employment contract. Requires specific seafarer documentation (Seaman's Book, invitation letters).
Processing
Varies — typically several weeks
Stay Duration
Duration of employment contract with the shipping vessel
Starting Fee
CAD $100
Apply At
10 VFS centres
Special Instructions — Read Before Applying
These requirements apply to ALL Canada visa types. Violations mean your application will be rejected — read each one carefully.
- 1Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Canada.
- 2Biometrics (fingerprints + digital photo) are required for most applicants — valid for 10 years.
- 3Do NOT submit your passport to VAC until you receive the Passport Request Letter from IRCC.
- 4Effective Feb 24, 2026: Biometric appointments require you to upload the BIL via the new AMS system.
- 5Effective Oct 9, 2023: Only the applicant, parents (for minors), or 1 appointed family member can submit passports at VAC — not unauthorized third parties.
- 6Not accepted as identity documents: passports from Somalia, non-machine-readable Czech passports, temporary South African passports, provisional Venezuelan passports.
- 7VFS online tracking shows passport LOCATION only. For application processing status, check your IRCC online account directly.
Who Can Apply
- Seafarers joining a vessel as crew in a Canadian port
- Marine crew with a signed employment contract
- Shipping industry professionals (engineers, mechanics, deck officers, etc.)
Not eligible under this visa:
- Seafarers without a confirmed vessel assignment
- Seafarers without a valid Seaman's Book
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Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (TRV) — individual | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics fee — individual | CAD $85 |
| Biometrics fee — family (2+ people applying together) | CAD $170 |
| VFS service charge — per package | ₹603 |
| Two-Way Courier Service | ₹1,716 |
| Premium Lounge service | ₹4,767 |
| SMS Tracking Service | ₹179 |
All IRCC government fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and paid directly to IRCC online. VFS service charges are paid in INR at the VAC. Fees are subject to change — verify on IRCC (canada.ca/immigration) and VFS Global (vfsglobal.com/ind/en/can) before applying. Third-party costs (medical exam, police clearance, translation) may also apply.
Documents Required
Required — Seafarer-Specific Documents
- !Seaman's Book (digital copy)
Valid Indian or international Seaman's Book
- !Letter of Invitation from ship or port agent in Canada
Signed digital copy — confirming crew assignment and vessel details
- !Introduction Letter from recruiter/shipping agency/vessel owner
Digital copy on company letterhead
- !Employment contract (digital copy)
Full signed contract with vessel operator
- !Family accompaniment indication on IMM 5645
Clearly indicate if family members will accompany
Required — Common Documents
- !Valid passport
- !Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
- !Biometrics fee payment
- !Cover letter explaining vessel assignment
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Identify your visa type
Use IRCC's 'Come to Canada' online tool (canada.ca/immigration) to confirm the right visa category, required documents, processing times, and fees for your situation.
Gather documents and submit online via IRCC Portal
Complete your visa application on the IRCC Portal, upload all supporting documents, and pay the IRCC application fee + biometrics fee (if first time).
Wait for the Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL)
After submission, IRCC emails you a BIL — this confirms your biometric requirement. You must use THIS BIL for THIS application.
Book VAC appointment via AMS
As of Feb 21, 2026, appointments are booked through the Appointment Management System (AMS). From Feb 24, 2026 you must upload your BIL to schedule. Each family member needs their own appointment.
Visit the VAC for biometrics
Attend your VAC appointment. Staff capture fingerprints + digital photo. Submit any documents not uploaded online. Pay VFS service charges. Collect your receipt with tracking number.
Track your application
Use the tracking ID from the VAC receipt on VFS website, web chat, email, or helpline (1800-266-8858). VFS tracking shows passport LOCATION only, not processing stage. Online applications: check status on IRCC.
Wait for the Passport Request Letter from IRCC
DO NOT submit your passport until you receive this letter from IRCC. Each family member receives their own letter.
Submit passport through VAC
Submit original passport + IRCC passport request letter + biometrics sticker copy + VFS consent form. Effective Oct 9, 2023: Only applicant, parents (for minors), or 1 appointed family member can submit.
Collect your passport and decision
VAC emails you when passport is ready. Collect in person or by courier. Check visa details immediately: validity dates, entries, purpose.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257)
Download latest version from IRCC. Required for all visitor/tourist visa applications.
Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
Mandatory for all applicants 18 years and older. Lists all family members.
Use of Representative Form (IMM 5476)
Only if using a representative to submit your application.
Authority to Release Information (IMM 5475)
Optional — authorizes someone else to receive updates about your application.
VFS Application Centres
💡 Pro Tips
- Apply well ahead of your sailing date — processing can take weeks.
- Coordinate with your shipping agency for invitation and introduction letters.
- Ensure Seaman's Book validity covers the full duration of your contract.
- If family members are joining, apply for their visas simultaneously.
Common Rejection Reasons
- 1.Expired or missing Seaman's Book
- 2.Unclear vessel assignment or missing invitation letter
- 3.Employment contract details inconsistent with invitation
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Seaman's Book enough, or do I need a separate visa?+
Can family members join me on this visa?+
Can SureshotVisa help seafarers?+
Let us prepare your Canada Seafarer / Marine Crew Visa — (TRV) application
Free consultation. Our experts handle the entire file — cover letter, documents, VFS booking, embassy follow-up.
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Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global Canada website and Embassy of Canada. Last verified 2026-04-13. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.