2. Do I need to send my actual passport?
Yes, for the majority of countries, a visa is stamped on a visa page inside your passport.

3. I hold a non-Canada passport. Do I need a visa?
Visa requirements listed on this website pertain to Canada passport holders only. Please Contact Us for current, specific requirements for non-Canada passport holders.

4. How long will it take to process my visa?
Various governments have strict and varied regulations on length of visa processing time. Please view the Visa Services section and select your country of travel to determine visa processing time.

5. What is a visa invitation or confirmation?
Visa invitations /confirmations are documents approved by the Foreign Ministry of the country of travel which authorize a particular traveler to visit their country. Most often, they indicate specific information regarding the itinerary (dates of stay, name of hosting organization, cities of visit) as well as an official reference number and seal of approval. Required formats for invitations and confirmations vary per country.

6. Can I fax my passport copy and/or completed applications for issuance of a visa?
For the majority of countries, physical visa documentation that is unable to be faxed is required (i.e. actual passport, passport-type photographs)

7. Do I need a passport?
Yes. Canadian citizens require a passport to exit/enter Canada and most other countries in the world. It is the traveler's responsibility to carry the correct identification during their travels aboard.

8. I am a Landed Immigrant/Permanent resident in Canada. Does that mean I have the same rights as a Canadian Citizen?
No. Although being a Landed Immigrant/Permanent resident of Canada does carry some extra benefits when traveling, entry requirements are based on the nationality of the passport that you carry.

9. How/where do I obtain a passport?
Canadian passports are issued by government passport offices at various locations throughout Canada, or in an emergency by Canadian embassies or consulates based overseas in foreign countries. For complete instructions on how and where to apply please contact your local passport office.

10. How long is my Canadian passport valid?
Canadian passports are usually valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Exceptions may apply. Please check the expiry date inside your passport.

11. When applying for a passport renewal, will I receive my old passport back?
If you would like to retain your old passport please request this at the time that you submit your new application. Your old passport will clearly indicate that it is invalid and it is extremely important that you advise the passport issuing authorities whether any valid visas remain in the passport before applying for it to be renewed.

12. How long must my passport be valid for my travel abroad?
Most countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond the completion of your trip. If your passport expires before the required validity, you must apply for a passport renewal. Please contact Visa Universe to determine how long your passport must be valid for your specific country of travel.

13. My passport is still valid however I do not have any blank pages.
You must have enough blank pages inside your passport to accommodate entry/exit immigration stamps for each country of travel and at least one visa page in your passport for each visa required. Most visas require an entire blank page. If more than one visa page is necessary for a visa you will be informed of this fact. A "blank" visa page must be clean, clear and not have any stamps or show ink or stains from any other pages in the passport.

14. I am recently married/divorced and have changed my name. How do I change the name on my passport?
With proper documentation, you are able to obtain either a new passport or have your married name added to your existing passport by the Canadian passport authorities.

15. My passport was lost and/or stolen. How do I obtain another passport?
Any lost or stolen passports should be reported to your local police station or the Canadian passport authorities. Then with the correct documentation you will be able to obtain a replacement passport. Processing time to replace a stolen or lost passport may take longer than usual.

16. Do children require a passport?
Yes, all Canadians are required to travel on their own passport. This includes infants.

17. How long does it take to process a passport?
Processing times are listed on the Passport office website www.ppt.gc.ca

18. Can I mail in my passport application?
Yes. Your passport application may be mailed to the appropriate Canadian Passport Authority. Please note that processing by mail takes significantly longer that submitting it in person.

19. Do I need to send my actual passport?
Yes. The visa is either stamped or adhered on a visa page inside your passport.

20. Can I send my passport and visa application by mail?
Visa Universe recommends that all documentation is sent to our office using a source of transportation that can be tracked. For example we accept FedEx, Purolator, Canada Post Priority and Xpress post courier services.

21. What is included in the cost paid to Visa Universe for the visas?
Total cost of visas includes service fees, consular fees established by and paid to the appropriate consular office for your country of travel, shipping to/from the Embassy/Consulate when necessary. Total cost of visas will be clearly listed for you on the requirements sheets in our VISAS section. Consular fees are subject to change without advance notice at any time. Please note that whether or not you choose to use Visa Universe, consular fees must be paid to the Embassy/Consulate for completion of your visa.

22. What forms of payment does Visa Universe accept?
Visa Universe accepts payment by cash, Interact, Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards. No debit facilities are available at this time.

23. Do I need vaccinations for my trip?
Some countries require proof of vaccinations when entering/exiting their country. To determine whether or not you will require vaccinations please contact your local travel vaccination clinic or CDC Travelers' Health

24. I have a Canadian Passport, what proof can I get that my Australian ETA visa has been issued?
For Canadian passport holder's, the ETA visa is issued electronically by the Australian Government therefore there is no evidence of a stamp inside the passport. Once issued, your information is recorded and maintained by the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs. You will receive a confirmation notice from Visa Universe indicating that your visa has been issued. Please see the Australia VISAS section for more detailed information.