Guide to IMM 5708: Document Checklist for Visitor Visa
By WelcomeAide Team
What Is the IMM 5708?
Quick tip: download the official IMM5708 first, then fill it while following this guide: Download IMM5708 form (official IRCC).
The IMM 5708 is the official document checklist provided by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa) applications. Think of it as your packing list — it tells you exactly what documents you need to include with your application to avoid delays, returns, or refusals due to missing paperwork.
For newcomers to Canada who are helping family members apply for visitor visas, or for anyone applying themselves, the IMM 5708 is an essential reference. Submitting an incomplete application is one of the most common and easily avoidable reasons for processing delays.
Where to Find the IMM 5708
The IMM 5708 is available on the IRCC website at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. When you apply online through your IRCC account, the system generates a personalized document checklist based on your answers to the eligibility questions. This personalized checklist is essentially the IMM 5708 tailored to your specific situation.
If you are applying on paper, download the generic IMM 5708 checklist from the IRCC forms page and use it to verify you have gathered everything before mailing your application.
Documents Required on the IMM 5708 Checklist
The following is a comprehensive breakdown of each document category typically listed on the IMM 5708:
1. Application Form (IMM 5257)
The completed and validated IMM 5257 is the core of your application. Ensure you have clicked "Validate" in Adobe Acrobat Reader to generate the barcode page. Without the barcode, your application will not be processed. See our separate guide on completing the IMM 5257 for detailed instructions.
2. Family Information Form (IMM 5645)
The IMM 5645 captures information about your family members — spouse/partner, children, parents, and siblings. You must list all family members regardless of whether they are travelling with you. Key fields include:
- Full names of all family members
- Dates of birth
- Current addresses
- Relationship to you
- Marital status of each family member
3. Valid Passport or Travel Document
Submit a clear scan or photocopy of:
- The bio page (the page with your photo, name, passport number, and expiry date)
- Any pages with stamps, visas, or endorsements from previous travel
- The page showing the passport's date of issue
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Canada. If your passport is expiring soon, renew it before applying.
4. Two Passport-Size Photographs
Your photos must meet IRCC's specific requirements:
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Clear, sharp focus with neutral facial expression
- White or light-coloured background
- No glasses (IRCC no longer allows glasses in photos)
- Full front view of face and shoulders
Many photo studios are familiar with Canadian visa photo requirements. Mention that you need "Canadian visa photos" and they should know the specifications. You can also check the full requirements at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/pr-card/apply-renew-replace/photo.html.
5. Proof of Financial Support
You must demonstrate you have enough money to support yourself during your visit. Acceptable documents include:
- Bank statements: From the last 4-6 months showing your account balance and transaction history
- Employment letter: From your current employer stating your position, salary, and length of employment
- Pay stubs: Recent pay stubs showing regular income
- Tax documents: Income tax returns from the most recent year
- Proof of assets: Property ownership documents, investment statements
- Sponsorship letter: If someone in Canada is financially supporting your trip, they should provide a letter stating their commitment, along with their own proof of income (Canadian tax Notice of Assessment, employment letter, bank statements)
6. Purpose of Travel
Depending on why you are visiting Canada, include relevant documentation:
- Tourism: Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, tour reservations
- Visiting family/friends: Invitation letter from your host in Canada, their proof of status in Canada (copy of citizenship certificate, PR card, or valid visa/permit), their address and contact information
- Business: Letter from the Canadian business or organization inviting you, your employer's letter authorizing the business trip, conference registration
- Medical treatment: Letter from a Canadian medical facility, medical referral, proof of payment or ability to pay for treatment
7. Proof of Ties to Your Home Country
This is often the most important category of supporting documents. IRCC needs to believe you will return home after your visit. Strong evidence includes:
- Employment letter confirming you are expected to return to work on a specific date
- Property ownership documents (land title, apartment deed)
- Business registration and recent financial statements if self-employed
- School enrollment confirmation if you are a student
- Family members remaining in your home country (especially dependent children)
- Upcoming commitments (work projects, family events, scheduled appointments)
8. Travel History
If you have traveled internationally, especially to countries like the United States, United Kingdom, European Union/Schengen area, Australia, or Japan, include:
- Copies of visas from these countries
- Passport pages showing entry/exit stamps
- Previous Canadian visas (if you have visited Canada before)
A strong travel history demonstrates that you have a pattern of complying with immigration rules in other countries.
9. Biometrics
Most visitor visa applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photograph). After submitting your application and paying fees, you will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter. Take this letter to a designated biometric collection point (usually a VAC or VFS Global office) within 30 days. Note that biometrics are valid for 10 years, so if you provided them recently for another Canadian application, you may not need to repeat the process.
10. Additional Documents (if applicable)
- Minor children: Birth certificate, letter of consent from non-accompanying parent(s), custody documents
- Medical exam: Required for visitors from certain countries or those planning extended stays
- Police certificates: Not typically required for visitor visas but may be requested in specific cases
- Translations: Any document not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation
How to Organize Your Documents
A well-organized application makes a positive impression and speeds up processing. Here's a recommended order:
- IMM 5708 checklist (with each item checked off)
- IMM 5257 (with barcode page)
- IMM 5645 (Family Information Form)
- Passport copies
- Photographs
- Proof of financial support
- Purpose of travel documents
- Proof of ties to home country
- Travel history documents
- Any additional documents
- Fee receipt
For online applications, name each uploaded file clearly (e.g., "Bank_Statement_Jan2026.pdf", "Employer_Letter.pdf"). IRCC officers review hundreds of applications — clear file names help them find what they need quickly.
Tips for Newcomers Helping Family Apply
- Write a strong invitation letter: Include your full name, status in Canada, address, relationship to the visitor, how long they will stay, where they will stay, and your commitment to ensure they leave when their visa expires. Attach your proof of status (PR card copy, citizenship certificate) and proof of income
- Help with translations: If your family member's documents are in another language, arrange certified translations. In Canada, you can find certified translators through ATIO (Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario) or equivalent provincial associations
- Don't over-submit: Include relevant, high-quality documents rather than overwhelming the officer with hundreds of pages. A focused application is more effective
- Check processing times: Times vary significantly by country. Check at https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-processing-times.html
Fees
- Visitor visa processing fee: $100 CAD per person
- Biometrics fee: $85 CAD per person (or $170 max per family)
Fees are non-refundable, even if your application is refused.
The IMM 5708 document checklist is your guide to a complete visitor visa application. Use it methodically — check off each item as you gather it, ensure everything is clearly labeled and organized, and submit a thorough but focused application. A complete application is the single best thing you can do to increase your chances of approval.
Download This Form
Before you submit anything, download the latest official file here: Download IMM5708 form (official IRCC). Always use the latest version.
Related internal guides
Official external resources
- Download IMM5708 form (official IRCC)
- IRCC forms and guides library
- IRCC document checklists
- CRA forms and publications
- IRCC processing times
- WelcomeAide Blog — browse all newcomer guides and updates
- Ask WelcomeAide AI — get personalized answers to immigration questions
- Newcomer Checklist — track your immigration and settlement steps
- Rights Guide — understand legal rights and protections in Canada
- Settlement Programs — find settlement and integration support services
- How to Fill Out IMM 5257: Canada Visitor Visa
- How to Complete IMM 5710: Document Checklist for Study
- Guide to IMM 1295: Application for Work Permit in Canada
Related Resources
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Official Government Sources
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