Canada Visa Overview

Nonimmigrant Visas

Visitor Visa

A Visitor Visa (also known as a Temporary Resident Visa, or TRV) allows individuals to visit Canada for short-term stays, typically for tourism, visiting family, or attending conferences and business meetings. Visitor visas are usually granted for up to six months and may be single-entry or multiple-entry. With a single-entry visa, a visitor can enter Canada once, while a multiple-entry visa allows for repeated visits within the validity period of the visa, up to a maximum of 10 years. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay, have sufficient funds to support their visit, and meet general eligibility criteria regarding health and security.

Study Permit

A Study Permit is required for international students who wish to pursue education at a Canadian institution. To qualify, the student must first secure admission to a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. Study permits are typically issued for the duration of the student’s program, plus an additional 90 days to allow for preparation to leave Canada or apply for an extension. While on a study permit, students may also be allowed to work part-time on or off-campus during their studies and may work full-time during scheduled breaks. The study permit plays a significant role in attracting international students, many of whom choose to stay in Canada to contribute to the workforce after graduation.

Work Permit

A Work Permit allows foreign nationals to work temporarily in Canada. There are two types of work permits: Employer-specific work permits and Open work permits.

• Employer-specific work permits are tied to a specific job and employer, and the worker must have a job offer from a Canadian employer before applying. The employer may also need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to show that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market.
• Open work permits are not tied to a specific employer and allow individuals to work for any employer in Canada, with some exceptions. This type of work permit is often issued to spouses of international students or workers, and individuals under international agreements such as the International Mobility Program (IMP).

Work permits are a crucial part of Canada’s strategy to address labor shortages in key industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and technology.

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is a type of visa required for nationals of certain countries to enter Canada temporarily for purposes such as tourism, work, or study. The TRV is an entry document that is attached to the visitor's passport, and the duration of stay is typically determined by the specific visa category, such as a visitor visa, work permit, or study permit. The TRV must be obtained before traveling to Canada and is granted only after the applicant meets all eligibility criteria, including demonstrating sufficient ties to their home country and adequate funds for their stay.

Temporary Resident Visas are generally required for individuals from non-visa-exempt countries, and obtaining a TRV does not automatically guarantee entry into Canada, as travelers must still meet the requirements of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) upon arrival.

These nonimmigrant visa categories allow individuals from around the world to experience Canada for various purposes, whether to study at world-class institutions, gain valuable work experience, or enjoy the natural beauty and culture the country has to offer.

Immigrant Visas

Canada’s immigrant visa programs are designed for individuals who wish to make Canada their permanent home. These visas offer pathways to permanent residency (PR) and, eventually, Canadian citizenship. The immigrant visa categories fall into three primary groups: Economic Class Programs, Family Class Sponsorship, and Refugee and Humanitarian Programs. Each category targets specific types of immigrants, whether they are skilled workers, family members of Canadian citizens, or refugees seeking protection.

Family Class Sponsorship

Canada's Family Class Sponsorship program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their close relatives for permanent residency. This program aims to reunite families by providing a pathway for spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents to immigrate to Canada.

To be eligible, sponsors must demonstrate the financial ability to support their family members upon arrival and agree to meet certain obligations for several years, depending on the family relationship. Family sponsorship is a key component of Canada's immigration policy, ensuring that Canadian families can live together and thrive in their communities.

Work Visas

Canada offers several work visa options for individuals who wish to temporarily work in the country. These visas are designed to meet Canada’s labor market needs by allowing foreign workers to fill temporary positions in various sectors. Here are the main work visa categories:

Work Permit

A Work Permit is a temporary authorization that allows foreign nationals to work in Canada for a specific employer or under certain conditions. There are two main types of work permits:

• Employer-Specific Work Permit: This work permit is tied to a specific employer, and the foreign worker must have a job offer from a Canadian employer. In many cases, the employer is required to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which shows that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market.
• Open Work Permit: This type of permit allows individuals to work for any employer in Canada, with some restrictions. Open work permits are often issued to spouses or common-law partners of international students and workers, and participants in specific programs like the International Mobility Program.

Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit

The Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit is available to individuals who work for a multinational company and are being transferred to a Canadian branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of that company. This program allows qualified employees in managerial, executive, or specialized knowledge roles to continue working for their company while gaining Canadian work experience.

To qualify, the employee must have worked for the company for at least one year in a similar position and must demonstrate that their transfer will benefit the Canadian business. The Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit is a key tool for companies looking to expand their operations in Canada while maintaining seamless business continuity.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The IMP is designed to promote Canada’s economic and cultural interests, and it is particularly beneficial for employers seeking highly skilled workers, professionals, and individuals with unique expertise.

There are several categories within the IMP, including:

• NAFTA/USMCA Professionals: Citizens of the U.S. and Mexico can apply for a work permit under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), formerly NAFTA.
• Youth Mobility Programs: Allows young people from certain countries to travel and work in Canada for a limited period.
• International Agreements: Includes work permits issued under agreements such as CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) with Europe.

Study Visas

Canada is home to some of the world’s top universities and colleges, making it a popular destination for international students. To study in Canada, foreign nationals generally need a Study Permit, which grants them the legal right to pursue education in the country. There are also special visa provisions for minor children accompanying a parent or guardian.

Study Permit

A Study Permit is required for international students who plan to attend a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. To obtain a study permit, the applicant must first be accepted into a Canadian educational institution. Once accepted, the student can apply for a study permit, which is valid for the duration of their academic program plus an additional 90 days. The extra time is provided to allow students to either extend their stay or prepare to leave Canada after completing their studies.

During their studies, permit holders are usually allowed to work part-time on or off campus without needing a separate work permit. During scheduled breaks, such as summer holidays, students can work full-time. This combination of study and work opportunities makes Canada an attractive destination for students looking to gain practical experience while completing their education.

After graduation, many international students may be eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain Canadian work experience and, in many cases, qualify for permanent residency through programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Minor Children Visa

Minor children who accompany their parents or guardians to Canada, or who are studying in Canada, may require a special visa or permit depending on their age and the nature of their stay. Children under the age of 18 or 19 (depending on the province) are considered minors in Canada, and those accompanying a parent with a valid study or work permit are eligible to study without needing their own study permit, as long as they are attending primary or secondary school.

In cases where minor children are applying to study in Canada independently, they must apply for a study permit just like other international students. Canadian schools often provide specialized support to help integrate minor children into the education system, ensuring that they have a successful and fulfilling experience in the country.

Canada’s work and study visas provide numerous opportunities for individuals to gain valuable experience in the country’s diverse and growing economy. These visa programs help address labor shortages, foster international relationships, and attract talented individuals from around the world to live, work, and study in Canada.