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Visa Types

Overview of the different types of visas available for entry into Canada, including visitor, study, and work visas.

Sections

A. Visitor Visa (Tourist Visa)

  • Purpose: For tourism, visiting family/friends, or short-term business activities.
  • Eligibility:
    • Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., job, family, property).
    • Sufficient funds for your stay.
    • No criminal record.
    • Medical exam (if required).
  • Duration: Typically valid for up to 6 months per visit.
  • Cost: CAD 100 per person.
  • Application Process:
    1. Complete the application form (IMM 5257).
    2. Provide supporting documents (passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, etc.).
    3. Pay the application fee.
    4. Submit biometrics (CAD 85 fee).
    5. Wait for processing (usually 15-30 days).
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Citizens of visa-exempt countries need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) instead of a visitor visa (cost: CAD 7).
    • Dual citizens must travel with their Canadian passport.

B. Study Permit

  • Purpose: For international students enrolled in a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
  • Eligibility:
    • Letter of acceptance from a DLI.
    • Proof of financial support (tuition + living expenses).
    • Clean criminal record.
    • Medical exam (if required).
  • Duration: Valid for the length of the study program + 90 days.
  • Cost: CAD 150.
  • Application Process:
    1. Obtain a letter of acceptance from a DLI.
    2. Gather required documents (passport, proof of funds, etc.).
    3. Apply online or through a visa application center.
    4. Submit biometrics (CAD 85 fee).
    5. Wait for processing (varies by country, typically 4-8 weeks).
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Students may work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
    • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) may be available after completing studies.

C. Work Permit

  • Purpose: For individuals who wish to work temporarily in Canada.
  • Types:
    1. Employer-Specific Work Permit: Tied to a specific employer.
    2. Open Work Permit: Allows work for any employer (e.g., for spouses of international students or workers).
  • Eligibility:
    • Job offer from a Canadian employer (for employer-specific permits).
    • Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approval (in most cases).
    • Proof of qualifications and experience.
  • Duration: Varies based on the job offer or program.
  • Cost: CAD 155.
  • Application Process:
    1. Obtain a job offer and LMIA (if required).
    2. Gather required documents (passport, job offer, etc.).
    3. Apply online or through a visa application center.
    4. Submit biometrics (CAD 85 fee).
    5. Wait for processing (varies by country, typically 2-4 months).
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Some jobs are LMIA-exempt (e.g., intra-company transfers, jobs under international agreements like CUSMA).

2. Permanent Residence (PR) Visas

Permanent residence visas are for individuals who wish to settle in Canada permanently. These visas are part of Canada’s immigration programs.

A. Express Entry

  • Purpose: For skilled workers who meet Canada’s economic needs.
  • Programs under Express Entry:
    1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled professionals with work experience.
    2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople.
    3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with Canadian work experience.
  • Eligibility:
    • Points-based system (Comprehensive Ranking System - CRS).
    • Factors: age, education, work experience, language proficiency, adaptability.
  • Cost: CAD 1,365 (including biometrics).
  • Application Process:
    1. Create an Express Entry profile.
    2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if eligible.
    3. Submit PR application with supporting documents.
    4. Wait for processing (6 months or less for most cases).
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can boost CRS scores.

B. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Purpose: For individuals nominated by a specific province/territory.
  • Eligibility:
    • Meet the criteria of the nominating province.
    • Skills and experience relevant to the province’s labor market needs.
  • Cost: Varies by province (e.g., CAD 250-1,500).
  • Application Process:
    1. Apply to a province’s PNP.
    2. Receive a nomination certificate.
    3. Apply for PR through Express Entry or paper-based process.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Each province has its own streams (e.g., skilled workers, entrepreneurs).

C. Family Sponsorship

  • Purpose: For Canadian citizens or PR holders to sponsor family members.
  • Eligible Family Members:
    • Spouse, common-law partner, or conjugal partner.
    • Dependent children.
    • Parents and grandparents (via the Parents and Grandparents Program - PGP).
  • Cost: CAD 1,080 for spouse/partner; CAD 150 for dependent children.
  • Application Process:
    1. Sponsor submits sponsorship application.
    2. Family member submits PR application.
    3. Wait for processing (varies by category, typically 12 months for spouses).
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Sponsors must meet income requirements (except for spousal sponsorship).

D. Start-Up Visa

  • Purpose: For entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas.
  • Eligibility:
    • Support from a designated organization (venture capital, angel investor, or business incubator).
    • Meet language and financial requirements.
  • Cost: CAD 2,140 (including biometrics).
  • Application Process:
    1. Secure a letter of support from a designated organization.
    2. Submit PR application with supporting documents.
    3. Wait for processing (12-16 months).
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Applicants can apply for a temporary work permit while waiting for PR.

3. Refugee and Humanitarian Visas

  • Purpose: For individuals seeking protection from persecution or danger in their home country.
  • Programs:
    • Refugee Resettlement (for refugees referred by the UNHCR or private sponsors).
    • Asylum Claims (for individuals already in Canada).
  • Cost: No application fee for refugees.
  • Application Process:
    1. Refugees outside Canada: Apply through UNHCR or private sponsorship.
    2. Asylum seekers in Canada: Submit a claim at a port of entry or online.
  • Unique Considerations:
    • Canada has a strong commitment to refugee protection under international law.

General Notes on Canadian Visas

  • Biometrics: Most applicants must provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for a fee of CAD 85.
  • Processing Times: Vary by visa type and applicant’s country of residence. Check the IRCC website for up-to-date estimates.
  • Language Requirements: Many visa types require proof of English or French proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF).
  • Medical Exams: Required for certain applicants, especially those from countries with high health risks or for long-term stays.

This guide provides an overview of Canada’s visa options. For detailed and personalized advice, consult the official Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or a licensed immigration consultant.