Do You Need to Book Flights for Your Visa?
A common question with a nuanced answer.
Many applicants worry about whether to book flights before their visa is approved. Here is what you need to know.
The Short Answer
No, IRCC does not require you to book flights before applying.
In fact, booking non-refundable flights before visa approval is risky and generally not recommended.
What You Can Do Instead
Flight Itinerary or Quote
Some travel agents can provide a flight itinerary showing potential flights and prices without actually booking. This shows intent.
Refundable or Flexible Bookings
If you want to show confirmed travel dates, book fully refundable tickets that can be cancelled if your visa is refused.
State Your Intended Dates
Simply stating your intended travel dates in your application and cover letter is often sufficient.
When Might Booked Flights Help?
In some cases, having confirmed bookings can strengthen your application by showing commitment. This might apply if you are attending a specific event with fixed dates, or if you have a strong financial position and the risk of losing money on cancelled flights is minimal.
However, for most first-time applicants, the risk of losing money on non-refundable bookings outweighs any potential benefit.
We advise based on your situation
Our tool tailors advice based on your specific case, including whether booking flights makes sense for your situation.
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