Canadian Visa | Steps to Apply for Visitor Permit

Visa Types Offered By The Country

We know that the Canadian government allows foreign nationals to live and/or travel around the country. But how many visas does the country offers? And how can we choose the best one that suits our needs? Keep reading to find all the answers!

Canada offers 5 basic types of visas to people from all over the world. In addition to these 5, every type further offers a sub-type. Moreover, every one of them either offers permanent or temporary residence to the applicant. Sounds confusing? Let us make it easy for you!

What Is Temporary Residence?

Temporary residence means that you will be able to stay in the country for a particular amount of time and one particular reason. The reason can range from traveling to work to studying. But once your reason has been accomplished, you will have to go back to your country or apply for permanent residence if you wish to continue your life in Canada.

What Is Permanent Residence?

Although, you might have guessed let us make it clear. It is permanent immigration. With a stamp on your passport, a permanent residence, and approved immigration documents, you are free to live in the country for as long as you want.

A permanent residence is allotted to those who apply for permanent residence, express entry programs, and other related programs. PR leads to citizenship which makes you an official tax-paying citizen. However, on PR you might be eligible for some taxes too. Don’t worry, we will discuss that later.

Types Of Visa

Visitors Visa

The Visitors Visa offered by Canada provides temporary residence to applicants. It is provided to people who wants to enter the country for traveling, business visit, etc. In most cases, it is valid for six months. It can be either a single-entry or multiple-entry. All applicants are considered for multiple entry permits unless a specific condition is met. Then, by default, the applicant is approved for single entry only.

A single entry permit means that the applicant will only be able to enter the country once during the validity period. If they leave, they can not enter again. On the other hand, a multiple-entry permit allows applicants to enter and leave as they please until the expiration date.

In addition, there are other different kinds of travel permits that you can apply for. It all depends on the motive of your visit. The sub-types are mentioned below.

1. Transit Permit: Provided to people who are traveling on a Connecting flight to Canada. Foreigners who are transiting through the country need an official permit to do so.
2. Tourist Visa: It is offered to those who wish to travel to Canada for vacations or other reasons.
3. Business Permit: One needs it when one wishes to visit Canada for business purposes.
4. Diplomat Visa: Provided to diplomats and officials for visiting Canada for official duties.
5. Super Visa: It is provided to the elderly when they wish to visit their children who have permanent residence in Canada.
6. Organ Donor Visa: If a person wants to visit the country to donate an organ, they must apply for an organ donor permit.
7. Temporary Work Permit: You can get a temporary work permit if your work requires a stay of fewer than 6 months in the country.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Canada’s visit stamp, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• The applicant must have a valid passport. The expiry date should be more than 6 months of your travel date.
• The applicant must be in good health.
• The applicant must not look for work on a visit to Canada.
• The applicant must have a clear criminal record.
• The applicant must be able to show proof that they are able to support themselves and tier family (if any) during their visit.
• If sponsored by someone, the applicant must have a letter of invitation.

Documents Required

For a Visitor’s Visa

1. Identity documents such as passport and travel documents
2. Account statements with the bank’s name, contact information, and proof that it belongs to you. You must also show at least 6 months of the bank account history.
3. Itinerary and Travel History (optional)
4. Complete family information.

All these documents are required along with the application form.

For Business Permit

1. Identity documents such as passport and travel documents
2. Account statements with the bank’s name, contact information, and proof that it belongs to you. You must also show at least 6 months of the bank account history.
3. Itinerary and Travel History (optional)
4. Employer information which must include a letter from your employer that confirms you have a job and will return to your home country. (Optional)

Once the application is completed and the fees are paid, the applicants might receive a letter for biometrics. The process can easily be done through your local embassy.

Canadian Student Visa

The second type offered by the Canadian government is the Canadian student visa. It is one of the most famous among Indians, Pakistanis, and other South Asians. Those who wish to continue their studies and take benefit from the Canadian education system can apply for it.

The study permit allows international students to live in the country as free citizens and study in local colleges and universities.

Benefits Of The Canada Study Permit

• Access to world-class affordable institutions for studying.
• Good standard of living.
• Oftentimes, the Study Certificate allows students to work part-time.
• Quality education and perfect work-life balance.
• Students can apply for post-graduate work permits.
• This might lead to permanent residence.

Canadian Scholarship Programs

You can get scholarships for education in Canada through government funds, international organizations, and non-government organizations. Financing your education in Canada isn’t as difficult as in other countries. You just have to look search for the right program and apply for it.

You can either get a completely-funded scholarship or one that covers only a part of tuition fees. Some universities in Canada that offer 100% scholarships are:

• McGill University
• Dalhousie University
• University of Alberta
• University of Waterloo
• University of Saskatchewan
• University of British Columbia
• Montreal University

Some common Scholarship programs that you can apply for are as followed:

1. Commonwealth Scholarship Program: The program offers scholarships for almost every stage of education from master’s to Ph.D.
2. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship: offers $50,000 a year for three doctoral years. Their main criteria for selection include students with great leadership potential, academic excellence, and research qualities.
3. Canadian Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship: Unlike other scholarships, it is a project-based award that allows students to stay for up to three years in the country.
4. Trudeau Research Fellowship: awards scholarships to international undergraduate students and helps them achieve a leading role in research.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have a valid passport.
• No previous criminal history
• Must be in good health.
• Must be able to convince the officer that you have strict ties to your home country and will return once the validity is over.

Requirements

• Identity documents
• Canadian Application form
• Attested degree certificates
• Statement of Purpose
• Proof of fees
• Proof of funds
• Passport-sized photos
• Civil status documents
• Police and medical clearance documents
• Acceptance letter from a Canadian institute

How To Apply For It?

We understand that applying for the student permit sounds confusing and nerve-wracking. You might think, a million things can go wrong. Don’t worry though, we are here to help you. Let us take you through the process step by step.

1. The first thing you will have to do is choose the degree you want to pursue.
2. Once you know your field of choice, research colleges offering that field of education. Make sure you research all the scholarships, tuition fees, and student loans. This will help you narrow down your choices.
3. Now that you know which colleges you want to apply to, fill out their application form and submit it along with your personal statement. This concludes one-half of your application process.
4. Next, you must apply for a study permit. It is not as nerve-wracking as it sounds. Just wait for your approval letter from the college and then apply for the study permit. Carefully fill out the application and submit it along with all the necessary documents.
5. Now, you just have to wait for your approval.

Mistakes That Will Cause Rejection Of Your Application

During the application process, you must ensure to read the forms carefully. Do not fill it in haste and certainly do not fill it without proper guidance. More often than not, the reason for rejection is hidden in your application.

Here’s a list of mistakes people often do that causes the rejection stamp on their application. Make sure to avoid them like the plague.

• Misrepresentation in the application form. You must not lie about even the smallest thing on your form. Because one way or another, they will find out.
• Previous violations might cause rejections too.
• When submitting proof of funds, make sure that you can prove that it’s not a loan. The money should be your or your sponsor’s/guardian’s.
• Inadequate study plans might also cause rejection.

Provincial Nominee Program

The Provincial Nominee Program is one of the biggest examples of Canada’s Pro-immigration stance. Under the constitution, each province is allowed to nominate certain individuals for immigration. The program allows immigrants to settle in various states to maintain the balance. It also allows nominees to work, live, and become legal citizens. The biggest benefit is that this program can lead to permanent residency in six months!

There are different PNP streams that you can apply for in different states. Some PNP offered by various states are the following:

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

Alberta county offers eight main streams that are for either workers or entrepreneurs. The province offers AAIP to skilled workers, candidates with a job, candidates who are currently working in Alberta’s tech industry, and those who wish to operate a business in Alberta.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

To become eligible for the British Columbia Nominee Program, you must be a skilled worker or an international graduate.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

The Manitoba Province offers immigration to skilled workers along with their families. They often also nominate applicants who want to work or start up a business in the county.

Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)

It is offered to international graduates or people who are looking to work and settle in the province. They also take skilled workers into special consideration.

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

The eligibility criteria for the Ontario Nominee Program can be fulfilled by entrepreneurs with excellent skill sets, skilled workers, business owners, and other professional workers.

Express Entry Program

The express entry program is also further divided into multiple types of programs. The program paves the road to permanent residency for people who are on work permits. It is one of the easiest ways to gain PR in Canada. The basic types of programs are:

Skilled Worker Permit

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) permit is one of the widely applied work permits. It allows Pakistani and Indian Skilled workers from specific fields to apply for a work permit along with residency.

To become eligible, the applicants must be able to score well on the CRS scale. The points are allotted based on language proficiency, age, professional field, marital status, proof of funds, and job offers. Once you achieve CRS above 65, you are qualified to apply for the program.

The skilled work is classified based on education and field position. The National Occupation Classification has created the following three systems of skilled workers.

1. Managerial Job – Skill Type 0
2. Professional Job – Skill Level A
3. Technical Job And Skilled Trades – Skill Level B

Skilled Trades Permit

Skilled tradesmen from all over the world can apply for permanent residency through this program. Like FSW, the skilled trades permit is also scored through CRS. The nominees and applicants with the highest points are chosen for approval.

Experience Class Visa

This stream evaluates applicants who have already worked in Canada as a skilled worker. The CRS calculates their points according to their history, language, education, etc. The basic requirements for the ECV are:

• 12 months of work experience in Canada within three years.
• Complete the minimum English and/or French language requirements.
• The applicant must live outside Quebec once the application is approved.

How To Apply For Express Entry Program?

1. Find out if you are eligible for any of the three schemes.
2. Once you know which program you are eligible for, the next step is to check your score on the CRS.
3. Fill out your express entry profile. It is your application where you fill out all the necessary details and information.
4. Submit the application.
5. Wait for the invitation from the government. The candidates with the highest scores are chosen for invitations. Then, you can apply for express entry.

Permanent Residence

Permanent residency allows foreign nationals to live and work freely in Canada for as long as they would like. They become like citizens with complete rights and responsibilities. To get permanent residency you can apply through various streams.

Residence Types

Golden Visa Program

The immigrant-by-investment program was launched almost a decade ago in the country. Similar to other countries like UAE Investment Visa and Portugal Investment Visa, this allows applicants to invest a certain amount in the country to become eligible for PR.

The minimum amount required for an investor immigrant program in Canada is CAD 400,000. The investment can be done in the form of real estate, government funds, restoration of cultural and heritage sites, or investment in a business or research.

The process is quite simple too. You just have to make the investment, create a bank account, acquire a tax number, and complete the application process. The approval for application can come within a duration of 3 to 6 months. The best part is that you can apply for your spouse and children alongside yourself. If approved, you can create a home for your family in Canada.

Family Sponsorship Program

The program was launched to unify family members, spouses, or dependents that live in different parts of the world. Through this program, a citizen or permanent resident card holder can simply apply for their spouse or dependent to become a permanent resident too.

The person who sponsors has to show a document of proof that they can support their family members. Other requirements are:

• Your spouse must be legally married o you and over 18 years of age.
• Common law partner shouldn’t have to be married but must have been living with you for at least 1 year in a conjugal relationship.
• Children must be under 22 years old and must not have a spouse or common-law partner.
• Children over 22 years of age are qualified only if they are not financially stable or physically or mentally handicapped.
• Parents or step-parents can be sponsored.

Live-in Caregiver Program

To be eligible to apply for this program, you must be a certified caregiver. You must be able to take care of children, the elderly, or people who are mentally or physically disabled.

Start-up Visa Program

To promote business and entrepreneurial minds, the Canadian government launched this program. It is offered to people who can invest at least CAD 300,000 to establish a business in the country. The business must contribute to the economy of Canada and the applicant must own one-third of the business.

The program is a pathway to residency and citizenship for people with business minds abilities. To become eligible you must fulfill the 4 basic criteria:

1. Establish a business with a net worth of CAD 300,000
2. Complete the language requirements
3. The applicant must have a letter of support from any designated organization
4. Proof of funds for residence in Canada

If you are on par with these requirements, you are good to apply. Just know that the approval takes at least 12 to 18 months. So, don’t get disheartened if you don’t hear from them soon.

Key Notes

Relocating to Canada is one of the best decisions that you can make. It secures you a good present and a great future. With a stable economy, safe living conditions, and beautiful sights, it is one of the best places to live and travel at.

Acquiring Canadian immigration or a temporary residence isn’t as difficult. As we mentioned, they are quite a friendly bunch of people who love to welcome new people to their community. Just make sure that you do your research prior to applying. Choose your visa type wisely and let fate do the rest.

Frequently Asked Questions