Applying for a visa involves a mix of online steps and in-person requirements, and the exact process depends entirely on your destination country and visa type. This guide walks you through the complete journey — from checking requirements to receiving your passport back — with dedicated sections for the USA, UK, Canada and Schengen/Europe.
The 9-Step Visa Application Journey
While every country has its own portal, forms and rules, almost every visa application — eVisa, Visa on Arrival, or a full embassy visa — follows the same broad journey. Each step below is labelled Online, In-Person, or Both so you know exactly what to expect.
Check Visa Requirements
Confirm whether your nationality needs a visa for your destination, and which visa category fits your trip (tourist, business, transit, study, work). Requirements differ by passport and purpose of travel.
Complete the Online Application
Fill out the official application form (e.g. DS-160 for the USA, the online visa form for the UK, IRCC’s portal for Canada, or the relevant Schengen country’s e-form) with your personal, travel and background details.
Upload Required Documents
Scan and upload your passport bio page, photograph, travel itinerary, financial proof, accommodation details and any supporting documents specific to your visa type.
Pay Government/Application Fees
Pay the visa fee (and any service/VAC fee) via the official payment gateway. Keep your payment receipt — you’ll usually need it to book your appointment or complete submission.
Book an Appointment (If Required)
For visas that need biometrics or an interview, book a slot at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) or embassy/consulate. Fully online eVisas and most Visa-on-Arrival options skip this step entirely.
Visit the VAC/Embassy
Attend your appointment for biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and, for some visa types and nationalities, a consular interview. This applies to most long-stay and embassy-processed visas.
Submit Your Passport (If Required)
Some visa categories require you to physically submit your passport at the VAC/embassy for stamping, either at your appointment or after approval. eVisas and ETAs skip this — your passport stays with you.
Track Your Application
Use the official tracking portal, VAC reference number, or courier tracking ID to monitor your application status until a decision is made.
Receive Your Passport/Visa
Collect your passport (with the visa sticker/stamp) from the VAC, have it couriered to you, or download your approved eVisa/ETA to carry with your travel documents.
Documents You’ll Typically Need
Exact document checklists vary by country and visa category, but most applications ask for some combination of the following. Always cross-check the specific list on your destination’s official visa page before you apply.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates, with blank visa pages
- Recent passport-size photograph (as per the destination’s specifications)
- Completed online application form/confirmation page
- Proof of travel plans (flight itinerary, hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, salary slips, sponsor letter)
- Proof of ties to your home country (employment letter, property/business documents)
- Travel/health insurance (mandatory for Schengen, recommended for most destinations)
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Additional documents specific to your visa type (invitation letters, admission letters, work contracts, etc.)
Processing Time Guidance
Processing times depend on the country, visa category, season, and how far in advance you apply. As a general rule of thumb:
- eVisas and Visa on Arrival: Often a few hours to a few business days
- Schengen short-stay visas: Typically around 15 calendar days, longer during peak travel seasons
- UK visitor visas: Standard service is typically a few weeks; priority/super-priority options exist for a fee
- Canada visitor visas: Timelines vary significantly by country of residence and application volume
- US visitor visas: Interview wait times plus administrative processing can range from days to several weeks or more
These are general planning ranges, not guarantees. Always check the destination’s official processing-time tool and apply well ahead of your travel dates.
USA Visa Application Process
Most short-term US visas (including the B1/B2 visitor visa) are not eVisas — they require an online application plus an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
United States
Online + In-PersonHow it works
- Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form and save your confirmation page.
- Pay the visa application (MRV) fee.
- Schedule a biometrics appointment and a consular interview at the US Embassy/Consulate covering your area (interview waivers may apply to some applicants, such as certain visa renewals).
- Attend your appointment: fingerprints are captured and you’ll meet a consular officer for your interview.
- If approved, your passport is retained briefly and returned to you with the visa stamped inside, usually by courier.
Documents typically required
- Valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa photo meeting US specifications
- Appointment confirmation and fee receipt
- Proof of purpose of travel and ties to home country (employment, financial, family)
- Prior US visa/travel history, if applicable
Biometrics & interview
Biometrics and an in-person interview are required for most first-time applicants aged 14–79. This cannot be completed online.
Processing time
Varies widely by consulate and season — interview wait times and post-interview administrative processing should both be factored into your travel planning.
UK Visa Application Process
UK visit visas are applied for entirely online, but almost all applicants must still visit a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in person to give biometrics.
United Kingdom
Online + In-PersonHow it works
- Complete the visa application on the official GOV.UK portal and pay the visa fee online.
- Book a biometrics appointment at your nearest Visa Application Centre (commonly operated by VFS Global or TLScontact, depending on your location).
- Visit the VAC to provide fingerprints and a digital photograph; submit any original supporting documents if requested.
- Track your application online using your reference number.
- Most decisions are delivered digitally (eVisa/UKVI account) rather than a passport stamp, though some routes still involve passport handling at the VAC.
Documents typically required
- Valid passport and completed online application
- Digital photograph meeting UK specifications
- Proof of finances (bank statements)
- Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Supporting documents specific to your visa route (invitation letter, sponsor details, etc.)
Biometrics & interview
Biometric enrolment (fingerprints + photo) at a VAC is mandatory for most applicants. A consular interview is not routine but may be requested in specific cases.
Processing time
Standard visitor visa decisions typically take a few weeks from your biometric appointment; priority and super-priority paid services are available to speed this up.
Canada Visa Application Process
A Canadian Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) is applied for online through IRCC, with biometrics given in person at a Visa Application Centre for most applicants.
Canada
Online + In-PersonHow it works
- Create an account and apply online via the IRCC portal, uploading scanned documents.
- Pay the visa processing fee and the biometrics fee (where applicable) online.
- After submission, IRCC issues a Biometric Instruction Letter directing you to a Visa Application Centre.
- Visit the VAC in person to provide fingerprints and a photograph.
- Track your application status through your online IRCC account.
- If approved, the visa is typically affixed to your passport, which may need to be couriered/submitted, or issued as an eTA-linked entry depending on your situation.
Documents typically required
- Valid passport and completed online forms
- Digital photograph
- Proof of financial support
- Travel itinerary and purpose of visit
- Proof of ties to your home country
- Letter of invitation, if applicable
Biometrics & interview
Biometrics at a VAC are required for most first-time applicants (valid for 10 years once given). Interviews are not routine but can be requested by an officer.
Processing time
Processing times vary significantly by country of residence and application volume — check IRCC’s official processing-time tool for current estimates before you apply.
Schengen/Europe Visa Application Process
A Schengen short-stay visa lets you travel across 29 European countries on a single visa. You apply through the embassy/consulate (or its VAC partner) of your main destination or first point of entry, and biometrics are mandatory for most first-time applicants.
Schengen Area / Europe
Online + In-PersonHow it works
- Determine the correct embassy/consulate to apply at — usually the country where you’ll spend the most nights, or your first entry point if time is split equally.
- Complete the Schengen visa application form online (or via the VAC’s portal, such as VFS Global).
- Book a biometrics/document-submission appointment at the VAC.
- Pay the visa fee and, where applicable, the VAC service fee.
- Attend your appointment in person to submit documents and provide biometrics (fingerprints + photo).
- Track your application via the VAC’s tracking system.
- Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the VAC, or opt for courier delivery where offered.
Documents typically required
- Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, valid 3+ months beyond your planned departure from Schengen)
- Completed application form and biometric photo
- Travel/Schengen medical insurance (minimum coverage as required)
- Confirmed flight itinerary and hotel bookings
- Proof of financial means for your stay
- Proof of employment/business and ties to your home country
- Cover letter explaining your travel purpose
Biometrics & interview
Fingerprints and a photo are mandatory for most first-time Schengen applicants (biometric data is typically valid for 5 years for reuse). A personal interview is not always required but can be requested.
Processing time
Standard processing is typically around 15 calendar days from a complete application, but can extend up to 30–60 days depending on the consulate and season — apply well in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to apply for my visa online or in person?
What is the difference between an eVisa and an embassy/VAC visa?
Are biometrics required for every visa application?
What documents do I need for a visa application?
How long does visa processing take?
Do I need to submit my passport for every visa?
How can I track my visa application?
What happens if my visa application is refused?
Does OnlineEVisa process visas for the USA, UK, Canada or Schengen countries?
When should I start my visa application?
Ready to Start Your Visa Application?
If your destination offers an eVisa or Visa on Arrival, you can begin your application online with OnlineEVisa in minutes. For embassy-processed destinations, use this guide to prepare, then apply directly through the official government or VAC website.