Visa Types

Visa Types & Categories to Apply for Canada

There are some specific visa types in Canada. These visas can be short-term (Visitor visa, Business Visitor visa, Transit visa, Electronic Travel Authorization) or long-term (Study permit, Work permit, Self-employed visa, Super visa, Skilled Worker visa) visas and permits. 

Canada Visitor Visa

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also referred to as a Visitor Visa or Canada Tourist Visa, is an official document provided by a Canadian Visa Office inserted in your passport to indicate that you have fulfilled the conditions for temporary resident entry to Canada.

For travel to Canada, most travelers need a visa for tourists. You may also need one if you're transiting to your final destination via a Canadian airport.

A visitor visa may be issued online or on paper. Get more details about Canada visa online by clicking here

 

How Long You Can Stay in Canada?

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

The Border Services officer may authorize you to stay for less than or longer than 6 months at the port of entry. If they do, they will put in your passport the date you need to leave by. They could also give you a document called a visitor record, showing the date you need to leave by.

If you don’t get a stamp on your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you need a stamp, you can ask a border services officer for one. If you arrive at an airport that uses primary inspection kiosks, ask the border officer after you finish at the kiosk.

Make sure you need a visitor visa before you apply

You may need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. The entry document you need depends on:

  • The type of travel document you plan to travel with
  • The country that issued your travel document
  • Your nationality
  • Your method of travel to Canada for this trip

You can apply online for Canada ETA here

How to Apply for Canada Visitor Visa?

You can apply for a visitor visa online or on paper, it depends on your choice. Processing time and required documents are the same in both procedures.

 
Required Documents for Canada Visitor Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

2. Family Information Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

3. Schedule-1

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

4. Document Checklist

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

5. Original Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least two free “visa pages”

6. Photocopy of Your Passport's Data Page

7. Two Recent Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.

8. Proof of Financial Supports

  • Bank statements for the last 6 months at least, pay slips, bank extracts, etc.

9. Photocopy of Your Marriage License

10. Photocopy of Your Current Immigration Status

  • Residence permit (if any)

11. Photocopies of Flight Ticket Reservations and Hotel Bookings

12. NOC Letter from Your Employer

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)

*Additional documents may be required by the visa-issuing authorities.

 
Processing Time for Canada Visitor Visa

The average processing time for a Canada Visitor Visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Canada Visitor Visa Fee

Canada Visitor visa fee is 100 CAD for all nationalities. You may be required to pay an additional amount at the visa application center for taking your biometric data while applying for a visa. The average Visa Application Centre fee for taking biometric data is 80-120 CAD depending on your country.

 
Where to Apply for Canada Visitor Visa?

While applying online for a Visitor visa, you should choose a center for giving your biometrics data after completing your application online. It will be the Canada Visa Application Centre in your country.

While applying on paper for a Visitor visa, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate, whichever accepts visa applications, in your country of residence.

Canada Transit Visa

Canada transit visa is an official document that visa-issuing authorities put in your passport. It shows that you meet the requirements to transit for up to 48 hours through a Canadian airport.

It can be valid for 1 or 2 entries, depending on your travel plans. You must use your transit visa before it expires.

 

You Need a Canada Transit Visa if:

-Your international flight stops at a Canadian airport on its way to another country
-You’ll be connecting between 2 international flights at a Canadian airport
-You’ll transit through Canada in 48 hours or less, and
-You don’t have a valid visitor visa

If you have more than 48 hours between flights or if you decide to visit Canada you need a visitor visa.

 

How to Apply for Canada Transit Visa?

You can apply for a transit visa online or on paper, it depends on your choice. Processing time and required documents are the same in both procedures. The transit visa application is the same as the visitor visa application.

 
Required Documents for Canada Transit Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

2. Family Information Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

3. Schedule-1

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

4. Document Checklist

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

5. Original Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least two free “visa pages”

6. Photocopy of Your Passport's Data Page

7. Two Recent Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.

8. Proof of Financial Supports

  • Bank statements for the last 6 months at least, pay slips, bank extracts, etc.

9. Photocopy of Your Marriage License

10. Photocopy of Your Current Immigration Status

  • Residence permit (if any)

11. Photocopies of Flight Ticket Reservations and Hotel Bookings

12. NOC Letter from Your Employer

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)

*Additional documents may be required by visa-issuing authorities.

 
Processing Time for Canada Transit Visa

The average processing time for a Canada Transit Visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Canada Transit Visa Fee

Canada Transit visa is free of charge for all nationalities. You may be required to pay an additional amount at the visa application center for taking your biometric data while applying for a visa. The average Visa Application Centre fee for taking biometric data is 80-120 CAD depending on your country.

 
Where to Apply for Canada Transit Visa?

While applying online for a Canada Transit visa, you should choose a center for giving your biometrics data after completing your application online. It will be the Canada Visa Application Centre in your country.

While applying on paper for a Transit visa, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate, whichever accepts visa applications, in your country of residence.

Canada Business Visitor Visa

Canada Business Visitor Visa is one of the types of Canadian Visas and is intended for highly experienced entrepreneurs who have a passion for doing business in a foreign country. The business visas enable people to enter Canada on a short-term basis to access the country's business opportunities. It should be noted that business visas do not allow people to work in Canada.

 

You’re a Business Visitor if You:
  • Come to take part in international business activities without being part of the Canadian labor market
  • Are visiting Canada temporarily to: 
    • Look for ways to grow your business
    • Invest
    • Advance your business relationships

Business travelers typically remain in Canada for a couple of days or weeks but can stay up to 6 months.

 

How to Prove You’re a Business Visitor?

To qualify as a business visitor to Canada, you must show that:

  • You plan to stay for less than 6 months
  • You don’t plan to enter the Canadian labor market
  • Your main place of business and source of income and profits is outside Canada
  • You have documents that support your application
  • You meet Canada’s basic entry requirements because you:
    • Have a valid travel document, such as a passport
    • Have enough money for your stay and to return home
    • Plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit
    • Are not a criminal, security, or health risk to Canadians

 

Types of Activities

Activities you may conduct as a business visitor include:

  • Buying Canadian goods or services for a foreign business or government
  • Taking orders for goods or services
  • Going to meetings, conferences, conventions, or trade fairs
  • Giving after-sales service (managing, not doing hands-on labor)
  • Being trained by a Canadian parent company that you work for outside Canada
  • Training employees of a Canadian branch of a foreign company
  • Being trained by a Canadian company that has sold you equipment or services

 

How to Apply for Canada Business Visitor Visa?

You can apply for a Canada business visa online or on paper, it depends on your choice. Processing time and required documents are the same in both procedures. The business visa application is a type of visitor visa, and their procedures are almost the same.

 
Required Documents for Canada Business Visitor Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

2. Family Information Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

3. Schedule-1

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

4. Document Checklist

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

5. Original Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least two free “visa pages”

6. Photocopy of Your Passport's Data Page

7. Two Recent Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.

8. Proof of Financial Supports

  • Bank statements for the last 6 months at least, pay slips, bank extracts, etc.

9. Photocopy of Your Marriage License

10. Photocopy of Your Current Immigration Status

  • Residence permit (if any)

11. Photocopies of Flight Ticket Reservations and Hotel Bookings

12. NOC Letter from Your Employer

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)

13. Letters of Support from Your Parent Company and a Letter of Invitation from the Canadian Host Business or a Letter of Recognition from the Canada Border Services Agency

14. Other Documents such as Warranty or Service Agreements, or Contracts, if Relevant to Your Visit

15. 24-hour Contact Details of Your Business Host in Canada

*Additional documents may be required by visa-issuing authorities.

 
Processing time for Canada Business Visitor Visa

The average processing time for a Canada Business Visitor Visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Canada Business Visitor Visa Fee

Canada Business Visitor visa fee is 100 CAD for all nationalities. You may be required to pay an additional amount at the visa application center for taking your biometric data while applying for a visa. The average Visa Application Centre fee for taking biometric data is 80-120 CAD depending on your country.

 
Where to Apply for a Canada Business Visitor Visa?

While applying online for a Canada Visitor visa, you should choose a center for giving your biometrics data after completing your application online. It will be the Canada Visa Application Centre in your country.

While applying on paper for a Visitor visa, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate, whichever accepts visa applications, in your country of residence.

Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

 
Canada eTA is Required for the Following Countries:

Andorra

Australia

Austria

Bahamas

Barbados

Belgium

Brunei

Bulgaria

Chile

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

Iceland

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Japan

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Mexico

Monaco

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Papua New Guinea

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Samoa

San Marino

Singapore

Slovakia

Slovenia

Solomon Islands

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

Vatican

 

 

The online process of applying for an eTA is simple. Most applicants receive their eTA approval within minutes (via an email). However, some requests can take several days to process if you're asked to submit supporting documents. Before you book your ticket to Canada it is best to get an eTA.

 
Overview for Canada eTA
  1. Get your passport, credit, or debit card ready.
  2. Use the online form to apply. The form cannot be saved. So have your information ready.
  3. Pay $7 CAD for your eTA right after you complete the form.
  4. Get an email about your eTA application. Most applications are approved within minutes.
  5. You may need to submit documents before your application can be approved. If this happens to you, an email will be sent with instructions within 72 hours.
 
Processing Time for Canada eTA

The average processing time for eTA is 1-72 hours.

 
Canada eTA Fee

Canada eTA fee is $7 CAD for all eligible nationalities.

Canada Study Permit

Canada Study permit is a document that visa-issuing authorities issue and it allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLI) in Canada. Your study permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If they approve your study permit, they will issue one to you with your study permit.

 
How Long Can You Stay in Canada with a Study Permit?

A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.

 

Eligibility Requirements for Canada Study Permit

You can study in Canada if you:

  • Are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)
  • Prove you have enough money to pay for your:
    • Tuition fees
    • Living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
    • Return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
  • Obey the law, have no criminal record, and get a police certificate (if required)
  • Are in good health and get a medical exam (if required)
  • Prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

 

You Can Study at Any School in Canada Without a Study Permit if:
  • Your course or program lasts 6 months or less
  • Your studies aren’t part of a longer program and
  • You’ll complete all your studies within the time approved for you to stay in Canada (usually 6 months after you enter)
 
Required Documents for Canada Study Permit

 

1. Application Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

2. Family Information Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

3. Proof of Acceptance

  • Your school must send you a letter of acceptance. Include the original or electronic copy of your letter with your study permit application.

4. Original Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least two free “visa pages”

5. Two Recent Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.

6. Proof of Financial Support

     You can prove your funds with:

  • Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name, if you've transferred money to Canada
  • Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
  • Proof of a student or education loan from a bank
  • Your bank statements for the past 4 months
  • A bank draft that can be converted to Canadian dollars
  • Proof you paid tuition and housing fees
  • A letter from the person or school giving you money or
  • Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program

7. Letter of Explanation

  • It explains:
    • Why you want to study in Canada and
    • That you understand your responsibilities as a student
  • You should include this letter if you decide to apply for a study permit, even if you don’t have to get a study permit for your program.

*Additional documents may be required by visa-issuing authorities.

 
Processing Time for Canada Study Permit

The average processing time for a Canada Study Permit is 20-80 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Canada Study Permit Fee

Canada Study Permit fee is 150 CAD for all nationalities. You may be required to pay an additional amount at the visa application center for taking your biometric data while applying for a visa. The average Visa Application Centre fee for taking biometric data is 80-120 CAD depending on your country.

 
Where to Apply for a Canada Study Permit?

While applying online for a Canada Study permit, you should choose a center for giving your biometrics data after completing your application online. It will be the Canada Visa Application Centre in your country.

While applying on paper for a Canada Study permit, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate, whichever accepts visa applications, in your country of residence.

Canada Work Permit

Canada's work permits are issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The TFWP is intended to help Canadian employers hire migrant employees in response to vacancies in the labor market. Upon arriving within the TFWP in Canada, foreign employees must have an accepted job offer and a work permit.

Your work permit is not a visa. It doesn’t let you enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA). If they approve your work permit, they will issue one to you with your work permit.

 

What is the Canada Work Permit?

 A work permit is a written authorization that is:

  • Issued by an officer that allows a person who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident to work in Canada
  • Needed if you want to work in Canada, even if your employer is not in Canada
  • Usually valid only for a specific employer, job, and length of time
  • Issued based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), or an offer of employment from an LMIA-exempt employer

 

Eligibility Requirements for Canada Work Permit

You must show the officer that you are eligible under Canada’s Immigration law and that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay. You must:

  • Satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your employment;
  • Be law-abiding and have no record of criminal activity (you may be asked to give us a Police Clearance Certificate);
  • Not be a danger to the security of Canada;
  • Be in good health and complete a medical exam, if needed;
  • Not intend to engage in employment with an employer on the List of Ineligible Employers;
  • Not plan to work with an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages; 
  • Provide any other documents the officer needs to establish your admissibility.
 
Required Documents for Canada Work Permit

 

1. Application Form for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

2. Family Information Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

3. Schedule-1

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

4. Document Checklist

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

5. Original Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least two free “visa pages”

6. Photocopy of Your Passport's Data Page

7. Two Recent Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.

8. Evidence That You Meet the Requirements for Your Prospective Job

9. Certificat D’Acceptation du Quebec, if required

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

10. Proof of Relationships with All Spouses, Children, or Common-law Partners

11. Completed Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union (IMM 5409) Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

*Additional documents may be required by visa-issuing authorities.

 
Processing Time for Canada Work Permit

The average processing time for a Canada Work Permit is 20-80 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Canada Work Permit Fee

Canada Work Permit fee is 155 CAD for all nationalities. You may be required to pay an additional amount at the visa application center for taking your biometric data while applying for a visa. The average Visa Application Centre fee for taking biometric data is 80-120 CAD depending on your country.

 
Where to Apply for a Canada Work Permit?

While applying online to Canada Work Permit, you should choose a center for giving your biometrics data after completing your application online. It will be the Canada Visa Application Centre in your country.

While applying on paper to Canada Work Permit, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate, whichever accepts visa applications, in your country of residence.

Canada Self-Employed Visa

The Self-employed Persons Program allows individuals to permanently immigrate to Canada as an independent person.

 
Eligibility for Canada Self-employed Visa

To immigrate as a self-employed person, you must:

  • Have relevant experience
  • Be willing and able to be self-employed in Canada
  • Meet the program’s selection criteria and
  • Meet medical, security, and other conditions
Selection Criteria

They assess you on selection criteria that include your:

  • Experience
  • Education
  • Age
  • Language abilities
  • Adaptability
 
Required Documents for Canada Self-employed Visa

 

1. Generic Application Form (IMM 0008)

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

2. Schedule A: Background/Declaration (IMM 5669)

  • Completed, dated, and signed by everyone in the following list:
    • the principal applicant
    • spouse or common-law partner (whether they are accompanying or not)
    • each dependent child over the age of 18 years (whether they are accompanying or not)

3. Additional Dependants/Declaration (IMM 0008DEP)

  • Completed, dated, and signed by the principal applicant if the applicant has more than five dependants (whether they are accompanying or not)

4. Supplementary Information - Your Travels (IMM 5562)

  • Completed by the principal applicant.

5. Schedule 5: Declaration of Intent to Reside in Quebec: Economic Classes

  • They were completed by principal applicants destined to Quebec.

6. Schedule 6A: Business Immigrants - Self-employed Persons

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant if you are applying in the Federal self-employed class or as a Quebec selected self-employed applicant

7. Additional Family Information (IMM 5406)

  • Completed, dated, and signed by everyone in the following list:
    • The principal applicant
    • Spouse or common-law partner (whether they are accompanying or not)
    • Each dependent child over the age of 18 years (whether they are accompanying or not)

8. Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

  • Complete, date, sign and include this form in your application if you have a paid or unpaid representative.

9. Proof of Your Earned Educational Credential(s) or Full-time (or full-time equivalent) Studies. Proof may Include Certificates, Diplomas, Degrees, Transcripts, etc.

10. Language Proficiency Test Results

  • Your language proficiency test results (no older than two years at the time of application) from one of the following designated testing agencies
    • IELTS (General Training Test only) for English; or CELPIP (General test only) for English; and/or TEF for French

11. Proof of Your Relevant Experience During the Five Years Before Application Submission in One of the Following Two Areas:

  • Cultural activities (self-employment or participation at a world-class level)
  • Athletics (self-employment or participation at a world-class level)

12. Travel Documents and Passports

  • Copy of the pages of your passport or travel documents for you, your spouse or common-law partner, and your dependent children, showing:
    • The passport number,
    • Date of issue and expiry
    • The photo, name, date, and place of birth
    • Pages showing any amendments in name, date of birth, expiration, etc.
  • You must hold a valid regular passport.
  • Diplomatic, official, service, or public affairs passports are not valid for immigration to Canada.

13. Certificat De Sélection Du Québec (CSQ) if You are Applying as a Quebec Selected Business Applicant

14. Police Certificates and Clearances

15. Identity and Civil Status Documents

  • You must provide the following documents for you and your spouse or common-law partner:
    •  Birth certificates;
    •  Legal documents showing name or date of birth changes (if applicable);
    •  Marriage certificate(s), final divorce or annulment certificate(s). If married more than once, include certificates from each marriage and divorce or annulment you, your spouse, or common-law partner have had;
    •  Death certificate for former spouse(s) or common-law partner(s) (if applicable);
    •  National IDs, family/household registry/book (if applicable);
  • If you have a common-law partner, complete and include the Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM 5409 – original) and provide evidence that you have cohabitated with your partner for a period of at least 12 continuous months. Provide the following documents listing both your names, for example:
    • Copies of joint bank account statements,
    • Copies of leases,
    • Utility bills, etc.

16. Photos

  • Include two (2) photos for yourself, and each member of your family, whether accompanying or not.

*Additional documents may be required by visa-issuing authorities.

 
Processing Time For Canada Self-employed Visa

The average processing time for a Canada Self-employed Visa is 20-80 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Canada Self-employed Visa Fee

In most cases, your fees will include:

  • Processing fees for you and anyone you include on your application (155 CAD)
  • The Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) (500 CAD)
  • Biometrics (The average Visa Application Centre fee for taking biometric data is 80-120 CAD depending on your country)
  • Third-party fees
    • Depending on your situation, you may need to pay third parties for:
      • Medical exams
      • Police certificates
      • Language testing
 
Where to Apply for Canada Self-employed Visa?

While applying online for Canada Self-employed Visa, you should choose a center for giving your biometrics data after completing your application online. It will be the Canada Visa Application Centre in your country.

While applying on paper for Canada Self-employed Visa, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate, whichever accepts visa applications, in your country of residence.

Canada Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents Visa)

What is a Canada Super Visa?

A super visa allows you to visit your kids or grandchildren up to 2 years at a time. It is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries up to 10 years for a period.

If you want to stay for 6 months or less, apply for a visitor visa.

 

Eligibility for Canada Super Visa

     To be eligible for a super visa, you must:

  • Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
  • Have a signed letter from your child or grandchild who invites you to Canada that includes:
    • A promise of financial support for the length of your visit
    • The list and number of people in the household of this person
    • A copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
  • Have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
    • Valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
    • At least $100,000 coverage
    • Have proof that the medical insurance has been paid (quotes aren’t accepted)

     You must also:

  • Apply for a super visa from outside Canada
  • Be allowed to enter Canada
  • Take an immigration medical exam
  • Meet certain other conditions

You can’t include dependants in this application.

 

How to Apply for Canada Super Visa?

Before you apply for a Canada Super visa, you need:

  • A letter of invitation from your child or grandchild who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada that includes:
    • A promise of financial support for the duration of your visit
    • The list and number of people in the household of this person
    • A copy of this person’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident document
  • Proof that your child or grandchild’s household meets the minimum necessary income; examples include:
    • Notice of Assessment (NOA) or T4/T1 for the most recent tax year
    • Employment Insurance stubs
    • Employment letter including salary and date of hire
    • Pay stubs
    • Bank statements
  • Proof of payment for medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is:
    • Valid for at least 1 year from the date of entry
    • At least $100,000 coverage
  • A document confirming that you had an immigration medical exam

You must apply for a super visa from outside Canada. You can apply online or on paper.

 
Required Documents for Canada Super Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

2. Family Information Form

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

3. Schedule-1

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

4. Document Checklist

  • Completed and signed by the principal applicant

5. Original Passport

  • Validity minimum of six months beyond the date of your arrival
  • Signed by bearer
  • Passport not older than 10 years (issued in the last 10 years)
  • At least two free “visa pages.”

6. Photocopy of Your Passport's Data Page

7. Two Recent Photos

  • NEW! Should not be older than 6 months.
  • A frontal view of the face-covering 70-80% (32-26mm) of the photo.
  • A uniform and white background.
  • Clear facial features and eyes – not covered by hair or glasses frame.

8. Proof of Financial Supports

  • Bank statements for the last 6 months at least, pay slips, bank extracts, etc.

9. Photocopy of Your Marriage License

10. Photocopy of Your Current Immigration Status

  • Residence permit (if any)

11. Photocopies of Flight Ticket Reservations and Hotel Bookings

12. NOC Letter by Your Employer

  • The letter must include:
    • Name, postal address, and telephone number of sponsor/company
    • Details regarding the applicant’s working position, starting date of the employment, and salary
    • The timeframe of work leave (expected date to resume duties) and purpose of travel
  • Valid trade license copy and company ownership documents (if a person is an owner of the company).
  • Letter from University (if student)

13. A Letter of Invitation From Your Child or Grandchild Who is a Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident of Canada

14. Proof That Your Child or Grandchild’s Household Meets the Minimum Necessary Income

15. Proof of Payment for Medical Insurance from a Canadian Insurance Company

16. A Document Confirming That You Had an Immigration Medical Exam

*Additional documents may be required by visa-issuing authorities.

 
Processing Time for Canada Super Visa

The average processing time for a Super Visa is 10-60 calendar days. It depends on your visa application country.

 
Canada Super Visa Fee

Canada Super visa fee is 100 CAD for all nationalities. You may be required to pay an additional amount at the visa application center for taking your biometric data while applying for a visa. The average Visa Application Centre fee for taking biometric data is 80-120 CAD depending on your country.

 
Where to Apply for Canada Super Visa?

While applying online for a Canada Super visa, you should choose a center for giving your biometrics data after completing your application online. It will be the Canada Visa Application Centre in your country.

While applying on paper for a Canada Super visa, you will need to find a Canada visa application center, embassy, or consulate, whichever accepts visa applications, in your country of residence.

Canada Skilled Worker Visa

This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. 

This program has minimum requirements for:

  • Skilled work experience
  • Language ability
  • Education

You must meet all the minimum requirements to be eligible.

 

Selection Factors of Canada Skilled Worker Visa

If you meet all the minimum requirements, then your application will be assessed based on:

  • Age
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Whether you have a valid job offer
  • English and/or French language skills
  • Adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle here)

These factors are part of a 100-point grid used to assess eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. You earn points for how well you do in each of the 6 factors.

The current pass mark is 67 points.

 

Required Documents for Canada Skilled Worker Program

You don’t need to upload documents to submit a profile, but you may need information from some or all of these documents:

  • Passport or travel document
  • Language test results
  • Provincial nomination (if you have one)
  • Written job offer from an employer in Canada (if you have one)

If they invite you to apply, you’ll need to upload copies of the documents you used for your profile (see list above). Most applicants will also need to upload the following:

  • Police certificates
  • Medical exams
  • Proof of funds

If you want to come to Canada as a skilled immigrant, your first step is to submit your profile to the Express Entry pool.

If you’re eligible, they will:

  • Place you in a pool with others who are also eligible
  • Give you a score and rank you using several factors
  • Invite you to apply to be a permanent resident of Canada (if you’re one of the top candidates)

You can only apply online if they send you an invitation to apply.

Completing an online Express Entry profile or entering the pool doesn’t guarantee that they will invite you to apply for permanent residence.

FAQ

How long can I stay in Canada as a visitor?

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada.

The Border Services officer may authorize you to stay for less than or longer than 6 months at the port of entry. If they do, they will put in your passport the date you need to leave by. Also, they might give you a document.

If you don’t get a stamp in your passport, you can stay for 6 months from the day you entered Canada or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.

Do I need to apply for both a visitor visa and an eTA?

No. If you plan to travel to Canada, you need a valid visitor visa or a valid eTA.

How do I get help if my visa application is refused?

If the application for a temporary resident visa is denied, there is no formal appeal process.

If you wish to re-apply, you should do so, only if your situation has changed substantively or you have significant new information to submit.

I will transit by air through Canada. Do I need an eTA?

Passengers transiting Canada would need an eTA or a visa, regardless of the length of time it takes in Canada.

Does a business visitor need a special visa to enter Canada?

No, business visitors who need a visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) must complete the visitor visa or eTA form. The eTA and visitor visa cover all visitors, including those coming to Canada on business.

My minor child is applying for a visitor visa and will travel alone to Canada. What documents must he/she present with the application?

In addition to the required documents for a visitor visa, you must include the following documents:

  • A copy of the child’s birth certificate
  • A letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, signed by their parent(s) or legal guardian.

The letter of authorization should include:

  • The parents’, or legal guardian’s, address(es) and telephone number(s), and
  • The name, address, and telephone number of the custodian (the adult who will be responsible for the child while in Canada).

How can I extend my stay as a visitor?

If you want to extend your stay in Canada you can apply at least 30 days before the expiry of your visa. When you want to extend your time as a tourist in Canada (stay longer in Canada) you must register for a visitor record. A visitor record is not a visa. A visitor record is a form that grants you visitor status in Canada and allows you to stay longer, with a new expiry date added.

I do not need a visa, but I want to stay in Canada as a visitor for longer than six months. What do I need to do?

If you entered Canada and you did not need a visa but want to stay longer, you must apply for an extension and pay a fee. This must be done from inside Canada.

Can I study in Canada with a Temporary Visa?

Yes, you can study in Canada with a Temporary Visa, if your education program is less than six months, you do not need a study permit. However, if you decide to continue your studies, it would be easier to apply for a study permit.

Can I work in Canada with a Temporary Visa?

No, you generally cannot work in Canada with a Temporary Visa. If you come to Canada as a temporary foreign worker, you need to apply for a work permit.

How does the parent and grandparent super visa differ from a multiple entry visa?

Currently, most visitors to Canada may visit for up to six months when they first enter Canada. Visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for an extension, and pay a new fee.

With the parent and grandparent super visa, eligible parents and grandparents can visit family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status.

The Super Visa is a multi-entry visa that provides multiple entries for a period up to 10 years. The key difference is that the Super Visa allows an individual to stay for up to two years at a time in Canada, while a 10-year multiple entry visa would only have a status period for each entry of six months only.