# Should I finalize the exchange before applying to visa?

**URL:** <https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/should-i-finalize-the-exchange-before-applying-to-visa/23015>\
**Category:** 🤔 Q&As: Ask the community\
**Tags:** guestpoints\
**Created:** [October 20, 2026, 10:09am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/should-i-finalize-the-exchange-before-applying-to-visa/23015 "2026-10-20T10:09:48Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Aysenur](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/aysenur/32/19930_2.png) [@Aysenur](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Aysenur)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 10:09am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/should-i-finalize-the-exchange-before-applying-to-visa/23015/1 "2026-10-20T10:09:48Z")

</div>

Hello! I’m an active member of home exchange and Im very happy that I found this amazing platform and community! I just wanted to ask you about a procedure for application of a visa (for Canada). Generally, a reservation from a hotel/hostel/airbnb is necessary for visa application, and I was wondering if this is possible to provide me some guidance about that. When I find a host, should I finalize my exchange in advance, or should I wait to get my visa first. If I finalize the exchange first, but I don’t get the visa later, would it be possible to get my guest points back? What kind of documents can I provide them to show that I will use home exchange? Thank you very much for your answer in advance!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Etienne](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/etienne/32/1541_2.png) [@Etienne](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Etienne)\
**Post date:** [October 20, 2026, 10:10am UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/should-i-finalize-the-exchange-before-applying-to-visa/23015/2 "2026-10-20T10:10:16Z")

</div>

Hello. This is a personnal problem, please contact the support to Ask for this.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Nathalie1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7993a0/32.png) [@Nathalie1](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Nathalie1)\
**Post date:** [October 21, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/should-i-finalize-the-exchange-before-applying-to-visa/23015/3 "2026-10-21T16:59:21Z")

</div>

Welcome on the forum @Aysenur

The best is to get the visa first to know your real dates.

You can book a hotel with a full refund to get the visa.

The problem if you exchange in first are :

- reciprocal exchange : the member will buy tickets and everything and may not have a place to stay.
- GPs exchange : you may loose your GPs. Members are not obliged to give them back especially if you cancel on a short notice.

Feel free to ask more questions.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Aysenur](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/homeexchange/user_avatar/forum.homeexchange.com/aysenur/32/19930_2.png) [@Aysenur](https://forum.homeexchange.com/u/Aysenur)\
**Post date:** [October 23, 2026, 1:34pm UTC](https://forum.homeexchange.com/t/should-i-finalize-the-exchange-before-applying-to-visa/23015/4 "2026-10-23T13:34:33Z")

</div>

Dear Nathalie @Nathalie1 Thank you so much for your warm welcome and your precise answer, it is a great help! 🙂 Yes, it is the best if I book a hotel before the visa application.