A Canadian visa is a formal document granted by the Canadian government, authorizing foreign nationals to enter and stay in the country for a specific purpose and duration. Typically affixed inside a passport, this entry document is endorsed by foreign government offices in Canada and is distinguished from work or study permits.
There exists a diverse range of Canadian visas, each meticulously designed for particular purposes such as tourism, family visits, or business trips. As the inaugural authorization, a Canadian visa acts as a gateway for individuals across the globe to explore the manifold opportunities and experiences that Canada offers, ranging from its cultural vibrancy to educational institutions and professional prospects.
Canadian Visa Category Codes
The category codes on Canadian visas are diverse, contingent upon the type of visa and the purpose of the individual’s visit. These alphanumeric combinations, typically imprinted on a visa label or stamp in the passport, signify the type or category of the visa.
Canadian Visa Categories
Temporary Visa
A temporary visa allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a short period, with permissible activities dependent on the specific type of temporary visa held. Those on a temporary visa must depart once the visa expires, especially if long-term settlement in Canada is not the plan.
1. Work Visa
Possession of a work permit grants individuals the right to live and work in Canada for the duration of the work permit’s validity, subject to compliance with specified conditions. Various types of work permits cater to different circumstances:
a. Open Work Permit: – This unique permit enables work for any employer anywhere in Canada without the need for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Often sought by adults accompanying family members on a study permit.
b. Employer-Specific Work Permit: – Issued with a valid job offer from a specific employer, this type usually necessitates an LMIA, demonstrating efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident first.
c. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): – An open work permit for international graduates, allowing them to live and work in Canada for up to three years post-graduation.
d. International Experience Canada (IEC): – Encompasses categories such as Working Holiday, Young Professional, and International Co-op Internship, facilitating travel and work for citizens of specific countries.
2. Study Visa
For programs exceeding six months, a study permit is mandatory. To acquire a study permit, acceptance into a program at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is the first step, followed by demonstrating sufficient funds, admissibility, and the intent to leave Canada after the permit expires.
a. CAQ (Québec Acceptance Certificate): – Compulsory for those studying in Quebec, obtained post-acceptance into a program.
3. Visitor Visa
For those planning to visit Canada, several options are available:
a. Single Entry Visitor Visa: – Permits a one-time visit for a fixed period, requiring a new visa for subsequent visits.
b. Multiple Entry Visitor Visa: – Allows multiple entries and exits over a period of up to 6 months, valid for up to 10 years.
c. Super Visa: – An extended stay visa for parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, enabling visits for up to 24 months.
d. Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): – Required for air travel to Canada for citizens of visa-exempt countries without a valid study or work permit.
Permanent Residence
For those seeking permanent residence in Canada, several immigration routes are available:
1. Express Entry
Express Entry Draw is Canada’s quickest and most popular pathway to permanent residence, managing programs such as Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.
a. Federal Skilled Worker Program: – Applicable to individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience, meeting language requirements and scoring a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection grid.
b. Federal Skilled Trades Program: – Suited for those with two years of experience in a skilled trade, meeting language requirements, and possessing either a Canadian certificate of qualification or a job offer in a skilled trade.
c. Canadian Experience Class: – For individuals with at least one year of work experience in Canada on a valid work permit.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Every province in Canada, except Quebec, operates its own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), each with unique eligibility criteria and application processes.
3. Quebec Immigration
Quebec has autonomy in immigration policies, requiring applicants to apply to the province before the federal government.
a. Quebec Experience Class: – Tailored for temporary workers or international students in Quebec with work experience and French proficiency.
b. Quebec Skilled Worker: – Operates on a points system akin to Express Entry, without requiring a job offer or French language proficiency.
4. Sponsorship
Individuals aged 18 or above, meeting specific criteria, can sponsor relatives – including parents, spouses, and children – to come to Canada and become permanent residents.
In summary, Canadian visas are categorised into temporary and permanent residency, each serving distinct purposes to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking entry into Canada. For comprehensive guidance on Canadian visas, contact Immigtoronto, your trusted Canada consultancy firm.
