Canada is a particularly welcoming country when it comes to refugees and immigrants, but it can be difficult to obtain a visa. It’s important to do your research and prepare your documents before submitting a visa application in Canada. As of July 31, 2018, if you are a national of a country or territory in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa, you may also be required to submit certain biometrics, including fingerprints and a photograph.
There are four general types of visas in Canada: Temporary Resident Visa, Study Permits, Work Permits, and Permanent Resident Travel Document.
Temporary Canadian Resident Visa
If you’re planning to visit Canada on a temporary basis, extend a visit in Canada, visit Canada’s attractions and events, and visit friends or family, you may want to look into a Temporary Resident Visa.
Documentation needed:
- Fee payment at the visa application centre (Fee list here)
- A photocopy of your passport or valid travel identification
- Two visa photos that fit the photo specifications with your name and date of birth on the back
- Proof of financial support
- Photocopy of marriage license/certificate
- Purpose of travel/visit
- Photocopy of current immigration status (visas or passport for other countries)
- Minors traveling alone must have letter of authorization from parent or guardian
Canadian Study Permits
When studying abroad as an international student, you may want to do research on how to obtain a study permit in Canada.
Documentation needed:
- A passport or valid travel identification
- An acceptance letter from a designated learning institute (DLI)
- Proof that you have enough money for:
- Tuition
- Living expenses for yourself and any other family members that may be living with you in Canada
- Return transportation for yourself and any family members with you in Canada
There are also a few other requirements that you may need to comply with for a study permit. To learn more about these additional requirements, visit the Canadian government’s website on study permits.
Canadian Work Permits
If you’re a temporary worker, business person, student, or caregiver in the Caregiver Live-in Program, you may want to look into how to obtain a work permit to work in Canada.
Documentation needed:
- Passport or valid travel document
- Language test results
- Education credential assessment report if
- you’re applying through the Federal Skilled Workers program, or
- you want to get points for the education you got outside Canada
- Provincial nomination (if you have one)
- Written job offer from an employer in Canada (if you have one)
- Proof that you have one of the jobs set out in NAFTA (for example, accountant, computer systems analyst or engineer)
- Police certificates and criminal history background
- Medical exams proving that you are healthy
- Proof of funds for living expenses and transportation
