Types of Canadian Visas: A Comprehensive Guide
Canada is a paradise for immigrants.
Annually, the country welcomes thousands of immigrants from different parts of the world, who arrive in Canada for various reasons, including education, career, permanent residence, and citizenship.
The reasons? Some of them include Canada’s geopolitical stability, robust and stable economy, career opportunities across various sectors, and top lifestyle.
If you’ve been fascinated by this country and looking to travel to Canada, you must know the various types of Canadian visas. So, here are some insights into them.
Visa for Canada – Permanent and Temporary Visas
Canadian visas can be broadly classified as permanent and temporary visas. Let’s look at the sub-categories within these visa types.
Temporary Visa
As the name suggests, a temporary visa allows you to visit Canada for a specified period. These include the following.
- Study Permit: A Canadian study permit is necessary to study in Canada. With this visa, you can pursue education in designated learning institutions across Canada for a program’s specified duration. During this period, you can have limited working rights in the country.
- Visitor Visa: Canada is one of the world’s top tourist destinations. Annually, millions of people visit Canada to experience the country’s beautiful landscapes and outstanding hospitality. If you’ve been looking to travel to Canada to visit family, for tourism, or to attend business meetings, you must apply for a visitor or tourist visa to Canada.
- Work Permit: To work in Canada, you will require a work permit. However, you must also have a valid employment offer from a Canadian company. Within a work permit, you have open and employer-specific permits. An open permit allows you to get employed in any company in Canada, except for those listed as ineligible by the government. On the other hand, an employer-specific work permit is confined to an employer.
- Super Visa: It is a temporary multiple-entry visa for the parents and grandparents of Canadian permanent residents and citizens. Super visa allows the holders multiple entries for up to ten years, and stays of up to five years at a time.
- Visitor Record: It is a document the (IRCC) issues to allow a foreign national to extend their stay as a visitor in Canada or to change their status while in the country. A visitor record isn’t a visa but a formal record of permission to stay in Canada for a specified duration.
Permanent Visa
Canada has been a popular destination among long-term settlers for decades. As indicated earlier, people worldwide choose Canada for its career opportunities, economic prosperity, and enhanced lifestyle. As someone looking to travel to and settle in Canada, you must know what options you have.
- Family Sponsorship: This allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their family members to come to Canada. These memberships include children, spouses, grandparents, etc.
- Express Entry: This is one of the most popular ways for skilled workers to enter Canada. It includes programs like Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. The country evaluates candidates based on their qualifications, age, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Canada has ten provinces, each one of which has its PNP. Some of them include the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP), the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP), the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), and the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
- Citizenship Application: It is the process through which a Canadian permanent resident applies to become a Canadian citizen. It involves meeting certain eligibility requirements, submitting an application and completing the necessary steps.
Canada Visa Application Process
The application process and requirements vary for every visa type and also the candidate’s nationality. Accordingly, it is recommended to connect with expert Canada immigration consultant services for information, and assistance.
Some generic steps involved in the Canada visa application process include,
- Before you apply for the visa, you must determine your eligibility and the visa category that suits your situation.
- Next, gather the required documents like a valid passport, medical examination reports, proof of financial support, educational credentials (for study permits and a job offer letter (for work visas).
- Once you gather the necessary documents, apply online or make a paper application. Ensure you fill the forms correctly and completely as required.
- Check the latest fee structure for your visa type on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Pay the required fees for your visa.
- Once you pay the fees and fill out the application, submit your application per the prescribed guidelines.
The processing time of the application may differ. You must regularly check your application status online to stay updated.
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