Canada Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 15, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Canada, with its universal healthcare, robust social benefits, and proximity to the US, offers a unique blend of opportunity and security, and makes it easy to see why it’s such an attractive prospect for job seekers and travellers around the world.

If you're looking to make a move, let's explore Canada's visa options and pave your way to the Great White North.

When do you need a visa for Canada?

Canada provides various visas for tourism, business, work, study, and family reunification. Let's discover the main categories.

• Citizens of visa-exempt countries:
  • If you're a citizen of a visa-exempt country (including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the US, and most EU member states), you don't need a visa for short visits (usually up to six months).
  • However, you do need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
  • You must also purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before you travel unless you're arriving by land or sea.
• Citizens of visa-required countries: If your country is not visa-exempt, you need to apply for the appropriate visa before arriving in Canada.
• British-Canadian dual nationals: If you hold both British and Canadian citizenship and have a valid Canadian passport, you don't need an eTA.
• Travel by land or sea: You don't need an eTA if you're arriving by land or sea, but you need acceptable travel documents and identification.
• Long stays and other purposes: If you plan to stay in Canada for over six months or intend to work or study there, you'll need a specific visa or permit, regardless of your nationality.

This tool can help see if you need and are eligible for a Canadian visa.

Canada visa requirements

The specific documents and eligibility criteria for a Canadian visa or immigration program can vary significantly depending on the category you're applying for. However, some general requirements typically apply.

General requirements

• Valid travel document: You must have a valid passport or other documents to enter Canada.
• Good health: You must be in good health and may need to complete a medical examination, depending on the visa category and the length of your intended stay.
• No criminal or immigration convictions: You must have a clean criminal record and no prior immigration violations.
• Ties to your home country: You need to demonstrate that you have strong ties to your home country, such as a job, home ownership, financial assets, or family, that will motivate you to return after you visit Canada.
• Departure plans: You must convince an immigration officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your authorised stay. This may involve providing evidence of a return ticket or other travel arrangements.
• Proof of sufficient funds: You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Canada. The required amount will depend on the length of your stay and your accommodation arrangements.
• Biometrics: You may need to provide your fingerprints and photo (biometrics) at a designated collection point after you apply.

Additional requirements

Depending on the visa or immigration program you are applying for, you may need to provide additional documents, such as:

• Work Permit: A job offer letter from a Canadian employer, proof of your qualifications and experience, and a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in some cases.
• Study Permit: An acceptance letter from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada and proof of sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses.
• Family Sponsorship: Proof of your relationship with the Canadian citizen or permanent resident sponsoring you and evidence of their ability to support you financially.
• Express Entry: Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report, language test results, and other documents to demonstrate your skills and experience.

Remember:

• It's essential to check the specific requirements for your chosen visa or immigration program on the official Government of Canada website or consult the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country.
• All documents should be in English or French or translated into one of these languages by a certified translator.

Canada visa application process

The Canadian visa application process is a three-stage journey: submit your application online, attend an in-person appointment for biometrics and a potential interview, and finally, receive your decision and collect your passport.

Let's explore each step in detail to ensure a smooth and successful application experience.

1. Identify the right visa type: The first step is to determine which visa or immigration program aligns with your purpose of travel and check if you are eligible. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for detailed guidelines on various visa categories.
2. Begin your application:
   • Online application: You can submit your application online directly to IRCC.
   • Paper application: Alternatively, you can download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and submit it at a Visa Application Centre.
3. Book an appointment (if required):
   • Biometrics: If you need to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photographs), schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Centre. You'll receive a confirmation email and appointment letter.
   • No biometrics: If you're not required to provide biometrics, you can visit the Visa Application Centre at your convenience.
4. Pay your fees: Pay the required government and biometric fees (if applicable) as instructed on the IRCC website.
5. Visit a visa application centre:
   • Online applicants: If you applied online and need to provide biometrics, attend your scheduled appointment at the Visa Application Centre.
   • Paper applicants or no biometrics: If you're submitting a paper application or are not required to provide biometrics, visit the Visa Application Centre during business hours.
6. Track your application: You can track the progress of your application online or through email/SMS updates.
7. Collect your passport/decision: Once a decision is made, you can collect your passport and decision envelope from the Visa Application Centre or have them couriered to you for an additional fee.

If you have any questions, contact the Visa Application Centre or IRCC for assistance.

How do you get permanent residence in Canada?

Getting a permanent residence permit, often called a "PR card," is your ticket to indefinitely living and working in Canada. It's a big deal, but Canada welcomes skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and families who can contribute to its vibrant society.

Pathways to permanent residence

There are several ways to get a PR card:

• Express Entry: This is the main pathway for skilled workers. It's a points-based system that ranks candidates based on factors like education, work experience, language skills, and age.
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): If you have skills that are in demand in a specific province or territory, you might be nominated for permanent residence through a PNP.
• Family sponsorship: Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their family members to come to Canada permanently
• Business immigration programs: These programs are for entrepreneurs, investors, and self-employed individuals who want to start or run a business in Canada.
• Other programs: There are other programs available for caregivers, refugees, and people in specific humanitarian situations.

Key points to remember

• No financial support: The Canadian government doesn't provide financial assistance to new immigrants, so you must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family.
• Research is key: Do your homework on the cost of living in the region you plan to settle in, and research job opportunities and the process for getting your qualifications recognised.
• Declare your funds: If you're bringing more than CAD 10,000 into Canada, you need to declare it at the border.
• Family matters: You can include your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children in your application.

Learn More

How do I get Canadian citizenship?

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant step, granting you the full rights and responsibilities of a Canadian, including the right to vote, hold a Canadian passport, and access various social benefits.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you generally need to:

• Be a permanent resident: You must have held permanent resident (PR) status in Canada for a certain period.
• Physical presence: Have lived in Canada for at least 3 out of the last five years. There is a tool to assist with working this out.
• Tax filing: Have filed your taxes, if required.
• Language skills: Demonstrate adequate knowledge of English or French using a certified test.
• Citizenship test: Pass a citizenship test on Canadian history, geography, government, and other topics.
• Oath of citizenship: Take the oath of citizenship at a ceremony.

Additional considerations

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old to apply independently. There are unique processes for minors and adopted children.
• Prohibitions: Certain situations, such as criminal convictions or immigration issues, can prevent you from becoming a citizen.
• Spouses of Canadian citizens: Marrying a Canadian doesn't automatically grant you citizenship. You still need to meet the standard requirements.

The application process

1. Check your eligibility: Use the online eligibility tool on the Government of Canada website to see if you can apply.
2. Gather documents: Collect all the required documents, including proof of your permanent residence, language skills, and tax filings.
3. Apply online or by mail: Submit your application and pay the processing fee.
4. Attend a citizenship test (if applicable): You'll be invited to take the citizenship test if you're between 18 and 54 years old.
5. Attend a citizenship ceremony: If your application is approved, you'll take the oath of citizenship at a ceremony and receive your citizenship certificate.

Learn More