So I needed a Canada visa from the US and wow, sticker shock! Saw folks paying agencies $100+ for forms. Did it myself spending $20 total. Here’s exactly how:
Step 1: Dodging the Biometrics Fee
Everyone kept saying biometrics costs $85. Called USCIS and found a loophole – went to their free Application Support Center. Made appointment online, showed up with passport and confirmation paper. Clerk did fingerprints and photo, didn’t charge me dime. Saved that cash for poutine!
Step 2: DIY Photoshoot Nightmare
Photo shops quoted $25 for visa pics. Grabbed my phone against white wall. Took 20 tries – shadow kept messing it up. Finally got decent shot using natural morning light near window. Free editing app cropped to exact 35x45mm size. Printed at drugstore for $0.25.
Step 3: The Hotel Booking Scam
Was sweating the “proof of accommodation” requirement. Didn’t want real booking yet. Used refundable booking trick – made reservation at fully cancellable hotel, printed confirmation page. Cancelled same day after uploading docs. That fake paper satisfied them.
Step 4: Money Dance at the Bank
Had to show $1,500 funds. Account balance was close but below. Moved $200 from savings to checking account night before printing statement. Bank teller laughed when I asked for “balance boost printout” but it worked. Key was zero withdrawal fees report.
The Final Stretch
Upload checklist:
- Passport scan (copied every dang page at library)
- US visa copy (stapled to my I-20)
- That free biometrics confirmation paper
- Printed job offer (asked HR for fancy letterhead)
Pressed submit button after triple-checking. Got approved email exactly 14 days later – visa came as simple counterfoil stamp. Total cost breakdown:
- Visa fee: $100 (mandatory)
- Biometrics: $0 (vs. $85)
- Photos: $0.25 (vs. $25)
- Prints: $2.75
Biggest win? Learning government sites don’t bite if you read every instruction slowly. Next trip? Tim Hortons’ double-double and Niagara falls baby!
