Toronto. Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay
From student visa to visitor visa and from visa for family reunification to work visa, there are many types of Canadian visa. You need to choose one based on why you are going to Canada.
There are a number of reasons people from all over the world visit Canada. Some visit to study while others visit the country to admire its scenic beauty and landmarks.
Known for its friendly culture, growing job market and many government benefit programs, many people don’t just visit but migrate here as well. Citizens of some countries can travel to Canada without a visa but everyone else must get a relevant visa before entering the country.
The visitor visa to Canada is also known as a temporary resident visa. Tourists can apply for this visa online or at the consulates. The visa permits tourists to visit and stay in Canada for up to 6 months.
In certain cases, the stay may be limited to less than this or extended for additional time. The visa is available as a single-entry visa and a multiple-entry visa.
A Canadian student permit is required for international students enrolled in courses that last more than 6 months. For shorter courses, a temporary resident visa is sufficient.
The permit allows international students to stay and study in Canada for the entire duration of their course and an additional 90 days. The visa may be extended if needed.
Students enrolled in full-time courses may also apply for a work permit to enable them to take on part-time jobs.
Individuals wanting to sponsor their family member’s immigration to Canada may apply for the Canadian Family Visa. The sponsor for this visa must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and be over the age of 18 years. The categories of this visa are:
This visa can be used to sponsor:
This visa can be used to sponsor unmarried, dependent children under the age of 22 years. Biological and adopted children are eligible for this visa. The visa may also be used to sponsor minor, orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces and grandchildren.
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that is valid for 10 years and allows the visa holder to stay in Canada for up to 2 years at a stretch.
This visa is for sponsors from specific provinces within Canada. It can be used to sponsor any close family relative. The provinces are:
Canada welcomes skilled workers for short-term and long-term engagements.
1. Federal Skilled Worker Visa
This is a work visa for skilled workers who intend on acquiring permanent residency in Canada. Applicants are ranked on a point system that measures aspects such as their qualifications, fluency in English and French, work experience, etc. To be eligible applicants must score at least 67 points.
2. Canadian Experience Class Visa
Applicants already in Canada may apply for Canadian Permanent Residence through the Canadian Experience Class. To be eligible they must have already spent at least 1 year in the country and must be fluent in English and French.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program
This program was designed to help applicants qualified in skilled trade become permanent residents.
4. Provincial Nomination Programs
Low skilled professionals wanting to become permanent resident may apply through this program. The program will match an applicant’s skill set with the needs of different provinces.
5. Quebec -Selected Skilled Workers Program
This is a work visa for immigrants wanting to work in Quebec.
Migrants with a net worth exceeding $300,000 CAD can apply for Business Class Immigration. Applicants can choose between a federal program and Provincial Nomination Programs. Business immigrants can be classified as entrepreneurs or self-employed people.
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa but must have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if they are flying into Canada. This document is not needed if they are entering the country by land or sea.
| Andorra | Greece | Papua New Guinea |
| Australia | Hong Kong | Poland |
| Austria | Hungary | Portugal |
| Bahamas | Iceland | Romania (e- passport needed) |
| Barbados | Ireland | Samoa |
| Belgium | Israel | San Marino |
| Brunei Darussalam | Italy | Singapore |
| Bulgaria | Japan | Slovakia |
| Chile | Republic of Korea | Slovenia |
| Croatia | Latvia | Solomon Islands |
| Cyprus | Liechtenstein | Spain |
| Czech Republic | Lithuania | Sweden |
| Denmark | Luxembourg | Switzerland |
| Estonia | Malta | The UK |
| Finland | Mexico | Taiwan |
| France | Monaco | United Arab Emirates |
| Germany | New Zealand | The USA |
| Netherlands | Norway | Vatican City State |
| Anguilla | Bermuda |
| The British Virgin Islands | Cayman Islands |
| Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | Gibraltar |
| Pitcairn Island | Saint Helena |
| Turks and Caicos Islands |
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