Visas for Canada

Whether you’re planning to carve your way down Canada’s ski slopes on holiday or settle into one of its world-famous urban centres more permanently, it’s essential to research the different visas available to enter Canada. The visa application process may seem overwhelming, with over 60 categories to consider. Here are a few of the most widely used visa categories for Canada.

Visitor visas for Canada

If you’re a citizen of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or most European countries, you can enjoy visa-free entry into Canada for up to six months, provided you have a valid passport.

If you’re from a designated country listed on Canada’s Citizenship and Immigration site, you’ll need to apply for a visitor visa (sometimes called a temporary residence visa) to gain entry into Canada.

If you’re funding your own trip, you must provide proof of financial stability. This could mean showing bank statements, employment letters detailing your salary, or certified cheques to prove you can cover your expenses while in Canada.

Even if you’re from a visa-free country, there are a few things you still need to keep in mind. A valid passport with at least six months before it expires is a must, and if you’re travelling by air, you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

Useful links

• Government of Canada: Visitor Visa Information

Student visas for Canada

If studying in Canada is on your horizon, you’ll need to apply for a study permit. A study permit allows you to enrol at designated learning institutions (DLIs) across the country. To apply, you’ll first need an acceptance letter from a recognised DLI and proof of funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and the return journey.

In some cases, you can even work part-time while studying, which is a great way to offset your living expenses. You can work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Just make sure your study permit allows off-campus work before starting a job.

Upon graduation, you may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), which allows you to gain valuable work experience in Canada. This experience could pave the way for a more permanent stay through pathways like the Canadian Experience Class under Express Entry, making your study journey just the start of your Canadian adventure.

Useful links

• EduCanada: Official Information for International Students
• Government of Canada: Working While Studying

Work visas for Canada

If you're considering working in Canada temporarily, you'll need to apply for a work permit. There are two main pathways for obtaining a work permit: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

In most cases, you'll need a valid job offer before applying for a work permit. Exceptions do exist, like the working holiday visa under the International Experience Canada (IEC).

Work permits are usually temporary but can be extended. To extend your permit, apply at least 30 days before it expires, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria and your job conditions remain unchanged. If you’re changing jobs or roles, you may need to submit a new application altogether.

For more information about the different types of work permits, eligibility requirements, and application processes, check out our detailed Work Permits in Canada guide.

Useful links

• IEC Working Holiday Visa

Permanent residence visas for Canada

If you're looking to make Canada your permanent home, you'll need to apply for permanent residency. There are multiple pathways, including Canada’s federal programme and various provincial programmes, in which case a particular province will need to nominate you. Each programme has its own set of requirements, but they all share the same ultimate goal: welcoming those who can contribute to Canada’s economy and society.

Deciding which residency category to apply for is the first step. If you’re reuniting with family, have just graduated from a Canadian institution, or have skills and experience in demand, there are pathways designed specifically for you.

Express Entry Programme

The Express Entry Programme is one of the most popular pathways to permanent residency in Canada. It is a points-based system that evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

The programme includes several streams, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, the Federal Skilled Trades Programme, and the Canadian Experience Class. Each of these streams has specific eligibility criteria aimed at attracting individuals who can make an immediate positive impact on Canada’s economy.

• The Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP) requires candidates to score at least 67 points on a grid that considers age, education, work experience, and adaptability.
• The Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP) is for those with experience in skilled trades, and applicants must either have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority. 
• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is designed for those who have at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada.

Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a particular province. Each province has its own unique criteria based on its specific labour market needs.

The PNP can be a quicker route to permanent residency, especially if you have skills that are in high demand in a particular province. Provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta actively seek candidates in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Some provinces also have streams providing express entry, which can speed up the process if you are eligible.

Family Sponsorship

If you have close family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Family Sponsorship programme. This pathway allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, children, parents, and sometimes other relatives.

To sponsor a family member, the sponsor must meet certain financial requirements to ensure they can support their relative financially once they arrive in Canada. The income requirements depend on the number of dependants and are adjusted annually.

Useful links

• Government of Canada: Immigrate to Canada

Visa regulations change frequently, often with little notice, so it’s a good idea to contact your local embassy or consulate for the latest information.