Canada Visas
For non-Canadians wanting to visit Canada, a visa is almost always a requirement. There are exceptions to this, of course. Citizens of certain countries like Japan and the United States, for example, are not required to present a visa before entering Canada at any point of entry (POE). The same goes for British overseas citizens who are permitted re-entry to the UK, and people holding passports or travel documents that are issued by the Holy See. For everyone else, however, a visa is needed to enter Canadian territory.
Types Available
There are several types of Canadian visas, each with its own specific purpose; however, they all fall under two types: temporary entry visit visas and permanent residence visas.
The Temporary Entry Visit Visa permits the temporary entry of foreign nationals who are qualified visitors, students, or workers under several employment sponsorship programs. These individuals obtain a permit for staying in Canada based on their purpose of visit.
A Canada Visit Visa (also known as a Tourist Permit) is given to people who would like to enter Canadian borders for reasons other than studies or employment. The person who applies for this visa usually has the burden of convincing the consular officer that he or she is not an immigrant and will leave the country once the validity period is up.
The Canada Visit Visa is further subdivided into three categories: single entry visa, multiple-entry visa, and transit visa. The single entry visa allows the foreigner to enter Canada just once. The multiple-entry visa allows the foreigner to enter Canada as many times as he or she wants, provided that he or she is within the validated time of stay within Canada. Finally, the transit visa is given to visitors who will not stay for more than 48 hours in Canada on their way to another country.
A Canada Study Visa is also known as a Student Permit. The permit is issued to foreign students who wish to study under a Canadian academic institution. Studying in Canada is also a good option for those who aim to acquire permanent citizenship in Canada, since a study program in Canada will count towards the qualification period that is required to obtain Canadian citizenship.
A Canada Work Visa (Employment Permit) is given to skilled workers who are hired or sponsored by a legitimate Canadian company or employer. Like the Study Visa, the Work Visa is also a good way for foreigners who want a permanent citizenship in Canada to accomplish their goal.
Permanent Residence Visas are granted to foreigners who have undergone Family Class Sponsorship. Family Class sponsorship requires a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada to sponsor close relatives or family members who may want to permanently stay in Canada. Also, permanent residency may be given to federal skilled workers who have demonstrated an ability to become economically established in Canada. A point-based system is used to judge this.
Requirements
To obtain a visa, you must show some required documents and prove to the consul officer that you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. You must also show that your stay in Canada will only be temporary and that you have enough money to maintain yourself in Canada and to go home.
You must fill out an application form (IMM 5257). The form can be obtained at your local Canadian Embassy or Consulate.
Proof of identity is needed as well. A valid passport or a travel document that guarantees re-entry to your country is preferred. You also need to provide two photos of yourself, which must have been taken within the last six months. The size must be 35mm x 45mm. The photos can be in color or black and white.
You must offer a proof of financial support. Any documentation stating that you have the sufficient funds to sustain yourself or your family during your stay in Canada, such as bank statements or proof of employment, is welcome. You also need to show proof of payment of the required fees.
Additional Information
You must submit your application to your local Canadian visa office for processing. If the consul officer decides that an interview is necessary, you will be informed of the required time and place for the interview. Also, remember that the processing fee will not be refunded, regardless of the outcome of your application. If you learn from this article, you’ll surely be interested in reading The Guide to Canada Tourism.
December 4th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
I am a Canadian citizen and was wondering how to go about getting a working visa, &/or a Canadian travel visa?? I appreciate any information I can get!!
Muchos Gracias
December 13th, 2008 at 9:24 am
I am a Nigerian and i want to study French in Canada.How
do i go about it?
December 17th, 2008 at 2:16 am
am a nigerian , iwant study and work in canada.pls tell me how i will do it and the neccessery documment needed
January 9th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Am a Nigerian,I want to study and work in Canada,I have apply for the School,ST Mary’s University Nova Scotia,Halifax.Please tell me how I will do it and the necessery Document needed.I need to be in Canada this year 2009
January 9th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I,m Brazilian citzen, i would like to know what i need do for take a Canadian visa to work.
tanks so much.
January 12th, 2009 at 4:20 am
hi what are the requirements for me to enter canada as a worker
January 12th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
i want to studu in canada . now i am studying japanes course in japan .if i get a chance i want to study english and french
January 13th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Iam a canadian who’s partner is from mexico how do we go about him being able to visit —-we are looking to be married soon and need more information what documents are need and how to obtain in the proper manner
January 15th, 2009 at 10:26 am
what if my working visa had been refused? could i reapply it? what are the thing i need to do? does my LMO still applicable if i reaaply?
January 15th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
To whom it may concern:
My name is Lily, I am a Brazilian citizen and would like to go to, Toronto Ontario, Canada. I have a friend who is a Canadian Citizen and is in Brazil at the present time. He is willing to sponsor me to go and visit only for a month. I have spoken to a few consultants but, they are being a bit negative about it. However, I have a condominion that is mine. I am going to College to become a lawyer, I will complete my course in July 2009. Furthermore, I only make a 1.600 Reais per month. My frind brought with him his bank papers work letter etc. Could you please give me some kind of direction in how I can get my visa to go to Toronto Canada.
Yours Truly;
Lily Alves
January 15th, 2009 at 9:26 pm
I would like to come and visit Canada from Nigeria what do i need , and what do i need to do frist. If i can find a job there what do i have to do to stay and work in Canada.
I will be pleased to here your responce and look forward to hearing what i need to get so that i can come to Canada
Thank you.
January 18th, 2009 at 6:55 pm
I am foreign worker here in taiwan, I aply direct job in canada,I have already an employer, how do I get working visa permit and how much would I spent for the processing fees?
January 19th, 2009 at 5:09 am
J’aimerais Mesdames et messieurs,
dans cette année(08.2009), je voudrais passer mon congé avec ma fille au Canada.
Je vis avec ma fille de 8 ans à Madrid. Ma nationalité est rumänien et ma fille allemande . De quoi avons - besoin pour un touriste le visa pour 4 semaines au Canada ? ? ? ?
Sincère salutations
Marinica Irsch
January 19th, 2009 at 7:26 am
iam a student in uk, iam a srilankan,
my sister is living in canada. and i want visit canada to see my sister.
can i applay for a visiting visa to canada?
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:30 am
want to live and work in canada. what are the documents reqired.
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:31 am
am a nigeria want to live and work in canada. what are the documents reqired.
February 4th, 2009 at 3:40 am
Im an afghan citizen i want to procced my higher education in canada how can i achiever pls assist me i will be apricaiat your kind help.
February 4th, 2009 at 7:18 am
I am a Chinese and now working in Munich of Germany. There is an international meeting this May in Canada? I would like to join in this meeting. Where can I get the visa to Canada? Shall I have to go to Berlin or somewhere else to apply for it? Thanks.
February 8th, 2009 at 2:14 am
I am a Nepalese student,currently studying in Sydney Australia.now I want to study in Canada.I am a student of Anthropology.Please tell me the procedure and the required documents for process.
February 12th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Am a nigerian, i want to study and work in canada.I live in Spain and i have my 5years permanent residence in spain.please tell me how do i go about it and what are the neccessary documents needed.
February 19th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
I am South African passport holder with british residence (indefinite leave) and would like to visit Canada for holiday.Do I need a visa for my travel
February 23rd, 2009 at 10:00 am
I am an Indian.I want to study and work in canada.Plz tell me how will i do it and the neccessary documents and funds
February 25th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Dear sir/madam,i’ld like to come to canada to study french and work there but please tell me the required procedures and the necessary document needed.Sir,not i alone,myself and my wife.We’re also a Ghanaian.Thanks and God bless you.
March 8th, 2009 at 3:02 am
Hi, am from Mauritius,my husband is in Calgary for the last 6 months. He’s working as cook in a restaurant and has a work visa for 2 years.I want to join my husband there,but i dn’t know what type of application should i apply,whether i should apply for a TRV which will be a 6 months visa or an OPEN WORK VISA which will be valid for the same period as for my husband.
Recently i had contacted an agent he told me i should apply for a TRV and must show about $20,000/- in my account,am not able to decide what to do! but as far as i have learn,spouses of skilled workers can apply for an open work visa,but i dn’t know where to have the right information.
I would be very grateful to you if you could tell me what is best for me.
Thanking you in advance for your kind consideration.
Kind regards,
Pritee
March 23rd, 2009 at 2:03 am
Im srilankan but im living in switzerland. just I want to go to canada to see my sister who is living there. on my vacation, how can I apply for obtain visa and what are the neccerery documment i needed pls let me know. thanks
March 24th, 2009 at 2:20 pm
am a pakistani and live in spain but i want work parment .ihave much experiance.
March 27th, 2009 at 5:22 pm
hi, am a pilipino citizen but we stay & work here in italy, me w/family want to visit my relatives there in canada. how can we apply a tourist visa & what neccessery documment needed?? can we apply online?
March 27th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I am colombian, i want to visit Canada….
what can i do??thanks a lot for your help.
March 28th, 2009 at 8:44 am
Dear Sir / Madam ,
I would like to know you that I am Pradip Shrestha , Nepali citizenship , I have export import business in Nepal but now I am in japan for business promotion ,
I have japanese visa for one year , visa name is - Specialist in humanities international service ,
I would like to apply canadian residence visa , so plz kindly inform me how can I proceed .I am waiting for your kindly positive response , thanks
Mr. Pradip Shrestha
( nepali citizens )
Now- Tokyo , Japan ,
April 1st, 2009 at 4:05 am
hi im a pakistani , and now im living in japan since 1995 i would like to gate canada work visa can u tell me can i gate visa
thanx.
April 9th, 2009 at 1:54 am
i hold a indian passport with indefinate leave to remain in the uk , i want to visit canada for two weeks do i need a visa and want what requirements do i need and where is it available from can this be done via post
April 9th, 2009 at 4:28 am
Please,i am a ghanaian living in spain now.I want to further my education and work in canada. I would be very grateful,if you will tell me how i should go by it and the necessary document i would be needed.Thank you.
April 23rd, 2009 at 7:26 am
I AM NIGERIAN WHICH INTEND TO APPLY FOR VISA TO WORK AND LIVE IN CANADA WITH PROGRESSION IN MY ACCADEMIC PURSED. PLS. HOW DO I APPLY, CALL ME ON 08088836096.THANKS
April 27th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
I!m a filipina married to a japaneseman.I want to live work and let my ten years son to go to a canadian school in toronto. What should I do to acquire a visa? Thank you
April 27th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
I hope to have more info soon thank you.