7 types of visas to enter Canada from any country
7 types of visas to enter Canada from any country: Are you planning to visit Canada for business, work, study, family or medical? Check your visa options.
There are seven different types of visas that allow you to enter Canada from any country in the world, and each has its own eligibility requirements and fees. Depending on the applicant’s situation and their reason for wanting to visit Canada, they will need to apply for a specific type of visa.
So if you are wondering how many different types of visas there are in Canada, we will cover all seven types of visas in detail. We will discuss the eligibility criteria, requirements and processing times for each one. Whether you are a tourist looking to visit Canada or a business owner looking to immigrate, we have you covered!
Who needs a visa to enter Canada?
Citizens of certain countries can travel to Canada without a visa, but citizens of many other countries require a visa to enter Canada. A full list of visa-free countries can be found on the Government of Canada website.
[bellows config_id=”main” menu=”643″]In general, you need one of the following types of visas to enter Canada if you are not a citizen of the following countries:
The United States of America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory), Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State, Liechtenstein, Germany, Austria, Switzerland or Slovenia. For a complete list of countries whose passport holders can enter Canada without a visa, see the resource below.
Citizens of any other country not on Canada’s visa-free list require a visa to enter Canada. Visa processing times can vary from one day to several months depending on the type of visa you need, where you are applying from and your circumstances. It is always best to start the application process as early as possible, especially when time is of the essence.
The 7 different types of visas in Canada
There are seven different types of visas in Canada, and each has its own eligibility requirements and fees. Depending on the applicant’s situation and their reason for wanting to visit Canada, they will need to apply for a specific type of visa. Now let’s explore the types of visas to enter Canada if you intend to visit any Canadian city this year or in the near future.
1. Tourist Visa
If you are planning to travel to Canada as a tourist, you must apply for a visitor visa.
Eligibility for a Visitor Visa in Canada: You may apply for this visa if you intend to visit Canada temporarily and you meet the eligibility requirements.
Canada Tourist Visa Requirements: The application process is fairly simple. In addition to personal documents such as your passport or travel document, you will need a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
Canada Visitor Visa Fee: $100 CAD (including taxes).
Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time: The average processing time for a visitor visa is 20 days, but it can take up to three months if you are from a country that requires biometric or other special considerations.
2. Work Visa
If you want to work in Canada, you can apply for a work visa along with a work permit. To qualify for this type of visa, your employer must first offer you a job and then complete the required documentation before applying on your behalf.
Recommended: How to get a work permit in Canada.
Eligibility for a Work Visa: In order to be eligible for a work permit in Canada, you must meet certain requirements.
You must have a Canadian employee vacancy.
The job offer must be for an occupation listed in the National Classification of Occupations (NOC) as an A, B or O qualification level.
Requirements for a work visa: In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria described above, you must provide the following documents:
A valid passport.
Evidence of your job offer from a Canadian employer in the form of a written job offer letter detailing how long you will be employed and how much you will be paid.
Canadian Work Visa Fee: $155 CAD (including taxes)
Canadian Work Visa Processing Time: The average processing time for a Canada work visa is 20 days, but it can take up to three months if you are from a country that requires biometrics or other special considerations.
3. Study visa
Our number 3 in the list of visa types to enter Canada is the student visa. If you wish to study in Canada, you will need a student visa along with your study permit. To qualify for this type of visa, the school or university you wish to attend must first accept your application and then complete the required documentation before applying on your behalf.
Eligibility for a Study Visa in Canada: To be eligible for a study visa in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:
You must have been accepted by a Canadian school or university.
You must prove that you have enough money to cover your expenses while in Canada.
Study Visa Requirements: In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements outlined above, you must provide the following documents:
A valid passport.
Evidence of your acceptance from a Canadian school or university in the form of an official letter detailing how long you have been enrolled and what courses are offered during that period (if applicable).
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while in Canada. Learn more about Proof of Financial Support for Canada Student Visa.
Student Visa Fee: $150 CAD (including taxes).
Canada Student Visa Processing Time: The average processing time for a student visa is 20 days, but it can take up to four months if you are from a country that requires biometric or other special considerations.
4. Permanent Resident Visa
If you wish to become a permanent resident of Canada, you can apply for one of the many permanent residence visas. There are a few different types of permanent residence visas, so read carefully the eligibility requirements and application process for the visa that best suits your needs.
Recommended: How to get permanent residency in Canada.
5. Supervise
The Supervisa is a temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years each. The Supervisa was created to support family reunification and provide an alternative to permanent immigration for those who wish to visit Canada more than once but may not be eligible for permanent residency.
Eligibility for Supervise: To be eligible for a Supervise, you must meet the following requirements:
you are a parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; and
have been found acceptable for Canada;
Meet the required medical and safety conditions.
Super Visa Fee: $100 CAD (taxes included).
Super Visa Processing Time: The average processing time for a Super Visa is 20 days, but can take up to six months if you are from a country that requires biometrics or other special considerations.
Learn more about applying for a Canada supervising visa and the requirements you need to meet before you apply.
6. Business Visa
If you want to do business in Canada, you need a business visa. This type of visa is for people who are not permanent residents or citizens of Canada and who wish to come to Canada for business activities such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, participating in programs and short courses, or investing in a business to perform.
Business Visa Eligibility: To be eligible for a business visa, you must meet the following requirements:
You must have been invited by a Canadian company or organization to do business in Canada; and
You must prove that you have enough money to cover your expenses while in Canada.
Business Visa Requirements: In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements outlined above, you must provide the following documents:
A valid passport.
Proof of your invitation from a Canadian company or organization.
Proof that you have enough money to cover your expenses while in Canada. Learn more about the Canada Business Immigrant Visa.
Business visa fee: $100 CAD (taxes included).
Business Visa Processing Time: The average processing time for a business visa is 20 days, but it can take significantly longer depending on your country of origin and the number of documents you need to include with your application.
7. Express Entry Program Visas
The final and often most requested type of visa to enter Canada is the permanent resident visa. The Express Entry Program is a selection system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to select candidates for immigration to Canada who are skilled workers. The authorized persons can create an online profile in the system in which they are ranked according to various factors. The top-ranked profiles can then receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
There are a few different types of express entry visas, so read carefully the eligibility requirements and application process for the visa that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Visa
How long does it take to get a Canada visa?
How long it takes to get a visa for Canada depends on several factors, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. For example, the type of visa you are applying for will affect how long it takes to process your application. A temporary visa can take anywhere from two weeks to six months or longer to process, depending on where you are applying from.
Can anyone help me with my Canada visa application?
Yes! An authorized IRCC representative, family members or friends can assist you with your Canada visa application.
What is the difference between online and paper visa application?
The difference between the online and paper visa application is that when you apply for a paper visa, you need to go to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. With an online visa application, you can apply from anywhere in the world via the internet.
Can I extend the visitor visa in Canada?
Yes, you can renew your visitor visa while in Canada, but only if the initial length of stay was six months or less. To do this, you must apply for an extension of stay before your current visa expires. You must provide proof or reason for extending your stay in Canada.
Will I be forgiven if I overstay my visa in Canada?
No, you will not be forgiven if you overstay your visitor visa in Canada. Although there is no strict rule stating how many days a person can stay as an illegal immigrant, it usually takes between 30 and 90 days for Canadian authorities to take action. An illegal immigrant can be deported from Canada. However, there are ways to appeal deportation decisions and bring your case before a competent court.
Can I reapply after the Canada visa application has been rejected?
Yes, you can reapply after your visa application has been rejected provided you are still eligible to apply for the visa. If there was a reason that your visa application was denied, you must address this issue in subsequent applications. You should not assume that the result of previous applications will be repeated again and again.
Can I get a refund if my Canada visa application is denied?
No, you will not receive a refund if your visa application is rejected. However, this does not mean that you will never be able to travel to Canada again in the future. You have the opportunity to reapply after completing the Canada visa requirements and other necessary conditions.
How to get Canada Visa Invitation Letter?
There are many ways to get a Canada Visa Invitation Letter. For example, an organization, company, school, friend or family member you wish to visit may send you a letter of invitation if they intend to sponsor your stay in Canada. This is particularly relevant when the visa applicant requires a letter of support from a Canadian resident or person with legal status in the country.
What information is included on a sample Canada visa?
The following information is contained in a sample Canada visa:
- Name, address and date of birth of the visa applicant.
- Type of Canadian visa applied for (tourist, work or study).
- The number assigned to the applicant’s application after it is submitted. This number can be used to track the progress of the application.
- Visa issue date.
- validity of the visa.
- Details of the intended visit, including purpose and duration.
- A statement that the visa holder agrees to comply with all Canadian laws.
Recommended: How to Check if Your Canada Visa is Real or Not.
What type of visa do I need for a medical trip to Canada?
If you intend to visit Canada for medical purposes, you will need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). You can apply for this visa from your home country. Medical tourism in Canada is a growing industry and the Canadian government wants to ensure that all visitors coming for medical treatment are legitimate. With the TRV you can enter Canada and see a doctor. You must provide proof of your arrangements with a Canadian healthcare facility and proof of funding for your stay in Canada.
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Conclusion
Canada is a beautiful country to visit whether for business, study, work, family or medical treatment. It is advisable to apply for the correct visa for your situation. We hope that at least 1 of the 7 types of visas to enter Canada is suitable for you.
