What’s in this guide?

Do I need a Visa to visit Canada?

You do not need a Visa to visit Canada on vacation or if you are a visa-exempt national, but if you intend to work, study, or stay in Canada for an extended period then you need to apply for a Visa. There are many types of visas you can apply for that fit into your specific needs as either a temporary resident, student, business visitor, fiance, refugee, or immigrant. 

To find the right Canadian immigration option, you have to decide which of the four categories you fit into: individual, family, businessperson, or investor looking to immigrate. Learn more about the options available to you during this process.

What are the different types of Canadian Visas by number of entries? 

When categorizing the different types of Canadian Visas by number of entries, it’s important to note that there are only two: single entry and multiple entry. 

A single entry visa allows you to travel to Canada once during the validity period. Learn more about single entry visas. 

A multiple entry visa can be issued for a maximum period of 10 years or 1 month before the expiry date on your passport (whichever is earlier) and allows you to re-enter Canada as many times as you want during the validity period. Learn more about multiple entry visas. 

As these are both types of visitor visas, you should know that the maximum period of stay allowed for a visitor in Canada is 6 months from the date of arrival. 

Single Entry Visa

A single entry visa allows you to travel to Canada once during the validity period. To learn more about single entry visas, click here. 

Multiple Entry Visa

A multiple entry visa can be issued for a maximum period of 10 years or 1 month before the expiry date on your passport (whichever is earlier) and allows you to re-enter Canada as many times as you want during the validity period. Learn more about multiple entry visas. 

What are the different types of Canadian Visas?

The different types of Canadian Visas for individuals, families, businesses, and investors include temporary residence and permanent residence. Within these two categories, there are the visa types of visitor visas, student visas, work visas, business immigrant visas, and visas part of the express entry program. 

There are several types of visas depending on your familial situation, what you plan to do in Canada, and how long you plan to stay for. My Visa Source can help you figure out which visa is the best for you and your specific case.

What are the different types of temporary visas in Canada?

Do you want to visit Canada? Travel to beautiful places, visit tourist sites, family members and friends? A visitor visa allows foreign nationals like yourself to enter Canada as a visitor. 

Whether you are an international student looking to study, a temporary worker looking to work, or visiting for tourism, you are required to apply for a visitor visa for your temporary stay in Canada. Learn more here.

What is a temporary resident visa? 

If you want to enter Canada and you are not a visa-exempt, then you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). A TRV is an official document issued by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that shows that you have fulfilled all the requirements to be eligible to become a temporary Canadian resident. 

A TRV can be issued for a single entry or multiple-entry. The duration of stay allowed is determined on a case by case basis. For tourists, the maximum period of admittance is 6 months. For foreign workers and international students, the duration of stay is dependent on their case. You can apply for a visitor Visa extension from within Canada.

To be eligible for a TRV you must be 18 or older, hold a valid government-issued passport or travel document, have all documentation in either English or French, not be inadmissible for reasons such as criminality or medical, have required funds to cover your stay, attend an interview and provide biometric information if required, submit copies of your current immigration status, and demonstrate that your stay in Canada will be temporary and you will return at the end of your authorized stay. 

Tourist Visa

A tourist visa, also known as a visitor visa, allows foreign nationals to enter Canada as a visitor. Whether you are an international student looking to study, a temporary worker looking to work, or visiting for tourism, you are required to apply for a visitor visa for your temporary stay in Canada.

Canada’s beauty and sights make it a wonderful tourist destination. Learn more tourist visas and the different types available. 

What is a Super Visa? 

The Super Visa is designed for visiting parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The Super Visa is specially created for allowing parents and grandparents to visit and stay in Canada as temporary residents for up to 2 years without the need for any extensions. It is a multiple entry visa that remains valid for up to 10 years and allows reentry within that period. 

To apply for a Super Visa, you need to be visiting a permanent resident or Canadian citizen as their parent or grandparent, have an invitation letter signed by and from your child or grandchild which lists assurance of financial support during your stay, the number of people living in the house, proof of their Canadian citizenship or permanent residency, and medical insurance valid for up to 1 year with a minimum coverage of $100,000 and proof that it is paid. 

You must apply to the Super Visa from outside of Canada and the child or grandchild must provide proof that minimum necessary income requirements are met. 

Business Visitor Visa

A business visitor visa is for business visitors to Canada who intend to stay for a period of 6 months or more, intend to work in the Canadian labour market, have a main place of work and source of income outside of Canada, have the required documents to support your application, have basic travel documents like a passport, have enough funds to stay in Canada, do not have a criminal record or pose a health risk, and cannot enter the Canadian workforce as a business visitor. 

The main requirements for a visitor visa for business visitors includes proof of your activities to the border official at your arrival port of entry or airport, and an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you are a business visitor from a visa-exempt country arriving by air. 

You can travel anywhere within Canada if you are on a visitor visa, but if you are searching for Canadian employment, a work permit may be a better choice. 

Student Visa

If you want to study at a Canadian institution as an international student, you are required to apply for a student visa, which can also be referred to as a study permit. Student visas authorize you to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. 

You do not require a student visa is your study program is 6 months or less, you have children inside Canada, you are accompanying a foreign representative as a family member or staff, you are a member of the armed forces of a country designated for the purposes of the Visiting Forces Act, or you are a Registered Indian. 

Diplomatic & Official Visa

Diplomatic visas can be granted to people entitled, under Canadian law, to diplomatic and consular privileges who intend to travel to Canada for an official purpose or to travel through Canada on the way to the US. 

Diplomatic visas are granted to heads of state/members of organizations with head-of-state duties, heads of government, cabinet ministers of foreign governments, diplomatic agents traveling to or from their diplomatic missions (or on a temporary mission to Canada), career consular officers, delegates to the international organizations listed in the Temporary Foreign Worker Guidelines, senior officials, senior officers of the Secretariat of the ICAO, family members of diplomatic agents, foreign diplomatic couriers, and special cases on authorization from the Diplomatic Corps Services. 

Official Visas are very similar to diplomatic visas and are granted to persons entitled under Canadian law to official privileges and immunities who intend to travel to or pass through Canada for an official (government) purpose. 

Facilitation Visa

There are circumstances where a Canadian citizen with dual citizenship will be required to place a facilitation visa counterfoil into the passport of the Canadian’s other nationality. A facilitation visa is issued in cases where not facilitating the Canadian citizen’s travel would result in undue hardship. 

A facilitation visa can be issued for Canadians in distress because of lost/stolen documents, for dual nationals coming to Canada for the first time or who did not obtain a Canadian passport prior to leaving Canada, for children born in Canada to foreign nationals who have returned to their country and do not wish to assert their Canadian citizenship at birth, for children who go through the citizenship adoption process overseas and their birth country only allows them to leave on that country’s passport, and for Canadians under 18 who are coming to Canada to reside with their Canadian parents or for humanitarian reasons as determined by the visa officer (the person must also be in possession of a valid foreign national passport or travel document).

Courtesy Visa

Courtesy Visas are for all other persons traveling to Canada for the purpose of an official visit who do not qualify for a diplomatic or official visa. If you are traveling to Canada for an international organization or on behalf of a foreign government you can be issued a courtesy visa.

Courtesy visas can be issued as multiple-entry visas, with a validity period of up to 3 years upon issue date. 

Business Visa

The Canada business visa allows those who want to go to Canada with the purposes of doing business with a Canadian company to enter the country and attend meetings or participate in conferences and workshops.

A business visa is valid for 6 months. As a businessperson visiting Canada, you have many options: you can apply for a work permit, apply for temporary residence in Canada, be a business visitor, or apply for a visa dependent on the industry you’re in or the work you intend to conduct while in Canada. 

Organ Donor Visa

Under the Organ Donor visa, foreigners can enter Canada for the purpose of donating a potentially lifesaving organ to a Canadian resident in need of medical assistance. Applicants must intend to come to Canada temporarily and refrain from engaging in work or study and respect the terms of their entry to Canada.

To be eligible for an organ donor visa, you need evidence of medical compatibility between the donor and the recipient, evidence that the sale of a human organ is not being transacted, and evidence of satisfactory financial arrangements.

Visa to give birth in Canada

The visa for women to give birth in Canada is a simple Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). There are no differences in the procedures or what is allowed, except for the fact that the woman might or will be giving birth in Canada. This visa is temporary, usually valid for 6 months or less.

To learn more about temporary resident visas, click here. 

What is an eTA?

An Electronic Travel Authorization (e TA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air. An e TA is electronically linked to a traveler’s passport. It is valid for up to 5 years or until the passport expires. If you get a new passport, you need to get a new e TA.

With an e TA, you can travel to Canada as often as you want for short stays (normally up to 6 months at a time). You do not need an e TA to travel within Canada. 

Travelers who require an e TA include visa-exempt foreign nationals and lawful permanent residents of the US. You are eligible for an e TA if you are from select visa-required countries and need to travel to Canada by air. 

What is a temporary residence permit? 

A Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) is a document that authorizes a person who is inadmissible or does not meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act or Regulations either as a temporary resident or as a permanent resident to enter or remain in Canada.

A temporary resident permit is usually issued for the length of your visit to Canada—for example, 1 week to attend a conference. 

You cannot work while on a TRP. If you are a foreign national who wants to work while in Canada, check out the Temporary Work Permit. 

What is a temporary work permit? 

If you are looking to work in Canada, you’ll need a work permit from the government body of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before you come to Canada.

Temporary work permits authorize foreign nationals to work in Canada for a period of time. Work permits are issued based on grounds ranging from employment needs in Canada, work experience, education, bilateral agreements and pilot programs. 

Depending on authorization, work permits can allow for full or part-time employment. A work permit may also enable you to apply for permanent residency. The different types of work permits include an open work permit, post-graduate work permit, work permit for IT workers, inland spousal sponsorship open work permit, and a bridging open work permit. 

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

With the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Canadian employers can hire temporary foreign workers. The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers for positions that couldn’t be filled by Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This program is jointly operated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

If you wish to apply for a work permit through the TFWP, then you will require a valid job offer from a designated employer in Canada. You must also meet the admissibility requirements to enter Canada. 

The TFWP helps Canadian employers to hire foreign workers and provides foreign workers all the necessary rights and protections to work in Canada. 

Open Work Permit 

An open work permit authorizes a foreign national to work in Canada for any employer and in any location. 

If you are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), then you are eligible to apply for an open work permit. If you want to extend or change your work permit, then you can apply 30 days before your current permit expires. 

The two types of open work permits are unrestricted open work permits and restricted open work permits. You are eligible for a work permit if you are the spouse or common-law partner of a foreign skilled worker or international student, an international student that graduated from a study program that lasted longer than 8 months, if you’ve applied for permanent residence through the inland spousal sponsorship program, a participant in programs offered by International Experience Canada, or living in Canada as a refugee or protected person (and their family members). 

Work and Holiday Visa/Work and Travel Visa

A work and holiday visa provides temporary work permits to young people who want to legally live and get a job in Canada. The permits are valid for either 12 or 24 months, depending on your country of citizenship. 

To be eligible for a work and holiday visa, candidates must be a citizen of one of the 35 countries that have a bilateral youth mobility agreement within Canada, have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, be between the ages of 18 and 30 (some countries of citizenship extend the upper age limit to 35), have the funds to cover initial expenses (usually $2,500 CAD), be able to take out health insurance for the full duration of their visit, have funds to purchase a departure ticket at the end of their authorized stay, not be accompanied by dependents, pay the appropriate fees, and be admissible to Canada.

Post-Graduate Work Permit

As a student who has graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI), you can apply under the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWPP) for a work permit. A Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) is an open work permit that does not require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 

You qualify for the Post-Graduation Work Permit if you are 18 or older, complete a full-time study program that lasted at least 8 months, apply within 180 days of your graduation, and have a valid temporary residence status at the time of your application. 

Different types of permanent visas in Canada

Permanent residence means that you have been granted the status of a permanent residence as an immigrant. A permanent resident is not a citizen of the country. However, as a permanent resident, you will have access to certain benefits, such as public health care services, protection under Canadian law, and the ability to leave and enter Canada without any prior authorization.

The different types of permanent resident pathways include Canadian Spousal Sponsorship, Canadian Family Sponsorship, Express Entry, Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, Canadian Business and Investor Immigration, Provincial Nominee Program, Express Entry, Quebec Immigration, Permanent Residence for Caregivers, Humanitarian Compassionate Grounds, Permanent Resident Card, Canadian Citizenship, Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, Agri-Food Immigration Pilot, and the Economic Mobility Pathway Pilot (EMPP).

Learn more about gaining permanent residency through one of these pathways. 

Express Entry Program

Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system is a selection process used by the Canadian government’s department of “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada” (IRCC) to select skilled immigrants to become permanent residents of Canada. 

In order to enter the pool, eligible candidates must meet the Express Entry Canada requirements by qualifying for one of the following Canadian immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. 

Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also have an Express Entry component. If you receive a nomination from a provincial authority, you are able to include the respective approval on your Express Entry submission. 

Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)

As a foreign skilled tradesperson, you have the opportunity to immigrate to Canada under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). It is a faster route for foreign nationals to immigrate because this program helps to add productivity to the Canadian economy.

You are eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) if you have full-time work experience in a skilled trade for at least 2 years obtained in the past 5 years. Your work experience is only valid if you have received appropriate certification to practice your trade in Canada.

Under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, the occupations that are considered skilled trades include industrial, electrical, construction, maintenance, equipment operation, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources or agriculture and related production, processing, manufacturing, and utility supervisors or central control operators, chefs/cooks, butchers, and bakers. 

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

If you want to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker, then you can apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). A skilled worker is someone with appropriate education, work experience, age, and language proficiency. 

The FSWP is 1 of the 3 programs offered by the Express Entry System as a pathway to apply for permanent residency in Canada. The FSWP allows you to immigrate with your immediate family members and work in Canada. 

You are eligible to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker Program if you have at least 1 year of continuous full-time skilled employment in the last 10 years or a part-time equivalent, score a minimum of 7 levels on an English or French language proficiency test, have a Canadian high school diploma or foreign equivalent, have enough financial resources to support yourself and your accompanying family, and intend to live outside the province of Quebec. 

The government body of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) selects applicants for the FSWP based on a unique points grid. You must score at least 67 points out of the 100 point grid to qualify for the FSWP. 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces to nominate their own candidates for provincial nomination based on their potential to meet the labour market needs of their respective regions, populace, and economies.

Except for the territory of Nunavut and the province of Quebec, each province has its own PNP with a signed agreement alongside the federal government body of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The PNPs each operate as multiple immigration pathways for foreign skilled workers who wish to apply for permanent residence in a chosen province or territory with all pathways contributing to the benefit of the entire country. 

For some PNPs, applicants require nomination from a prospective employer from that province and are eligible to receive a letter of support for a temporary work permit. Employers in the province who wish to hire foreign skilled workers through the PNPs must meet certain criteria to qualify. 

Pilot programs under several PNPs often target semi and low-skilled workers to meet the variety of the labour market gaps in the province. There are also Provincial Business Programs available that are PNP streams designed to attract international entrepreneurial talent, innovation, and investment.

Learn more about the PNP application process. 

Canadian Experience Class

If you have worked in Canada as a temporary foreign worker, then you can apply for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

The Express Entry system manages the CEC applicants for permanent residency. The Express Entry system assesses applicants based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). 

To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, you need to have at least 1 year of full-time work experience as a skilled worker in Canada acquired in the last 3 years before applying. You cannot apply for the CEC without Canadian work experience. Additionally, you need to work in an occupation under the NOC skill level 0 or A jobs, receive remuneration for performing a job, get at least a 7 on a language proficiency test for English or French, and have the intention to move and live outside of Quebec in another province or territory. 

You will also be required to clear the admissibility requirements for immigrating to Canada. 

Getting a Visa Through Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)

If you want to immigrate to Quebec, you can apply through the Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP). The QSWP offers highly talented foreign nationals an opportunity to work in Quebec. You will be evaluated on your eligibility for the Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ). 

To apply for the QSWP, you must get a Quebec Selection Certificate and apply for permanent residency. Your QSWP application is assessed on the basis of education level, work experience, age, knowledge of English and French, link to Quebec (any relationships such as family member, past visit, previous education, etc.), job offer validated by the Ministere d’immigration, francisation et integration (MIFI), characteristics of your accompanying spouse if you have one, accompanying dependent if you have one, and financial resources to support your stay.

You can apply for the Quebec Skilled Worker Program through the Arrima Portal. QSWP applications are no longer processed under the “first come, first served” principle. 

Getting a Visa with family sponsorship 

Canada’s family class immigration offers you the opportunity to reunite with your family by sponsoring your dependent children for permanent residency. This sponsorship applies to both biological and adopted children. The government body of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) must approve both you and your sponsored dependents to be eligible. 

The requirements for sponsoring dependent children are that you need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 18 years of age or older, and not in prison, criminally convicted, or bankrupt. You will be required to provide proof of relationship, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers. 

Additionally, a Minimum Necessary Income (MNI) is required to sponsor the dependent children to Canada. The processing times for a Dependent Child Sponsorship depends on the country of residence for the child, however, most Dependent Child Sponsorships are processed within 12 months.

Learn more about the application process and financial requirements. 

Getting a visa by starting a business or investing in Canada

There are programs for investors designed to attract foreign business people and investors to immigrate to Canada and contribute to economic growth. If you are eligible for these programs, you can qualify for permanent residency. 

The investor programs are for foreign investors who wish to make a substantial business investment in Canada without the obligation to establish a business. If you wish to establish a business, then you can apply for the Canadian Business Immigration programs for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed persons. 

The different investor programs available include the Start-Up Visa Program, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, Provincial Nominee Programs for Investors. 

Investors Program

The investor programs are for foreign investors who wish to make a substantial business investment in Canada without the obligation to establish a business. If you wish to establish a business, then you can apply for the Canadian Business Immigration programs for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and self-employed persons. 

The different investor programs available include the Start-Up Visa Program, the Quebec Immigrant Investor Program, Provincial Nominee Programs for Investors. 

Start-Up Visa program

The Start-Up Visa Program is for foreign business entrepreneurs who wish to establish a new business in Canada. No minimum investment is required. However, must obtain a letter of support or commitment certificate from a designated Canadian organization. 

Business investors are also eligible for a temporary work visa if they are actively engaged in operating a business in Canada. They can qualify for permanent residency after attaining a letter of support or a Commitment Certificate. 

Provincial Nominee Investor Program

If you wish to invest and live in a specific province or territory in Canada, then you can apply to be approved through their Provincial Business Programs. 

Each province and territory in Canada offer their own immigration streams for foreign investors and entrepreneurs with their own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Each province will have its own set of eligibility criteria and requirements. However, you will be required to clear all admissibility requirements for entry into Canada on the federal level.  

Caregiver Programs

If you are an experienced caregiver with a job offer in Canada, then you can apply for permanent residency. The caregiver programs were created to encourage professional caregivers from around the world to immigrate to Canada for work. 

The new pilot programs have replaced the Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs program. The new pilots provide new freedom to the caregivers. Caregivers will be allowed to change employers when necessary. 

Caregivers will also be eligible to add accompanying family members to their permanent residency applications. This means their spouse or common-law partners will be eligible to apply for open work permits. 

The different caregiver programs available for obtaining permanent residency include but are not limited to the Home Child-Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot. Learn more about the different programs and find out if you’re eligible.  

Self-Employed persons program 

The Canadian federal government offers the Self-Employed Person Program for individuals who have the required experience to establish themselves in Canada as self-employed individuals in farming, cultural activities or world-class athletics. 

To obtain permanent residency, you are not required to have a minimum net worth to be eligible. However, you must demonstrate enough financial resources to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Canada. 

The government of Canada defines a self-employed person as an individual with relevant self-employment experience in a cultural or athletic profession. To be eligible for the Self-Employed Persons Program, you must have 2 years of professional work experience either as a self-employed individual in your profession, in the form of participation experience at a world-class event in your profession, or 1 year of experience in each of the activities mentioned above. 

You will also be required to score a minimum level of points to be selected for this program. You must score at least 35 points out of 100 to be considered for this program. Education makes up 25 points, experience is 35 points, age is 10 points, language proficiency is 24 points, and adaptability makes up 6 points. 

The processing time for this program is 23 months. Learn more about the requirements for the self-employed persons program here. 

What is the Canadian citizenship program? 

The government body of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages matters related to Canadian citizenship. 

There are 2 ways to obtain citizenship: by birth or by Naturalization. Naturalization is the process of attending a ceremony and swearing an oath to become a Canadian citizen. Canada also allows you to have dual or multiple citizenships. 

To be eligible for Canadian citizenship, you must be a permanent resident, live in Canada for 3 years in the last 5 years, be able to speak either English or French, not have a criminal record in the recent past or an ongoing criminal case, and pass a test to prove your knowledge of Canada’s geography, political system, history, and rights of the citizens. 

There are 3 types of documents that can be used as proof of citizenship: Naturalization Certificate, Registration of Birth Abroad, and a Citizenship certificate. A Canadian citizenship certificate can be issued to individuals born in Canada, born abroad to Canadian citizens, or permanent residents who have been granted citizenship. 

The processing time for a grant of citizenship is 12 months. 

How to Apply for a Canadian visa 

To apply for a Canadian visa, you must first know the different types of visas available. You can choose to apply for a visitor visa, student visa, work visa, permanent resident visa, business immigrant visa, or express entry program visa. 

Once you have finished deciding which specific program or visa you want to apply for, you need to make sure that you’re eligible. Eligibility varies from visa to visa, so click here to find out which pathway is best for you. 

If you are eligible, have all the necessary documents, and are ready to begin the process, you will have to pay certain fees, compile your documents, and wait for your visa to be processed. Visa processing times also vary. It usually takes between two and four weeks, but in some cases can take longer. 

What documents do I need when applying for a Canadian visa?

The required documents for a Canada visa are your passport, the appropriate Canada Visa application form, proof of paid Canada Visa fees, proof of a clean criminal record, proof of good health via a medical exam, photographs in accordance with the photo requirements for Canada Visa, proof of financial means, proof you will return to your home country once your Canada Visa expires, identity and civil status documents, a cover letter that explains the purpose of your traveling to Canada, and a letter of support/invitation to Canada. 

All documents and requirements vary on a case to case basis, so it is best to book a consultation with an immigration expert. 

What is the photo size for a Canadian visa? 

For a Canadian Visa, the frame size must be at least 35 mm x 45 mm (1 3/8″ x 1 3/4″). The photographs must show the full front view of the head, with the face in the middle of the photograph, and include the top of the shoulders. The size of the head, from chin to crown, must be between 31 mm (1 1/4″) and 36 mm (1 7/16″).

How to apply for a Visa extension

A visitor visa with temporary residence status authorizes you to legally stay in Canada to visit, work, or study for a definitive period of time. You may also be required to follow specified terms and conditions based on your visa and the purpose of your stay. 

You are required to apply for an extension when you want to either change the conditions of your stay or extend your visa. Visa extensions are one of the most commonly requested types of Canadian visas. 

You qualify for a visa extension from within Canada if you are a visitor to Canada, a study permit holder, or a work permit holder. A visa extension can be applied by those who still hold a valid legal status in the country. 

What are the requirements for getting a Canada visa? 

To be eligible as a visitor in Canada, you must have a valid travel document, demonstrate sufficient ties to your home country, have enough funds to support your stay, be in good health, and not be inadmissible for reasons such as criminal activity, human rights violations, or other security reasons.

The length of stay allowed is restricted to various conditions. Citizens of certain countries might need to provide biometric information in order to confirm identity and review past crimes or previous challenges with Canadian immigration. 

If you are looking to enter Canada and you are not a permanent resident or from a visa-exempt country, you are required to have a visitor visa. Visa-exempt nationals may still be required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (e TA). 

Only Canadian citizens and permanent residents can enter Canada without a visitor visa. Depending on the purpose of your visit, you may have to apply for different forms of the visitor visa. For example, if you are coming to Canada for business purposes, then you may need a Business Visitor Visa. 

How to appeal for Canada visa refusal? 

The most common reasons for a Canadian visa rejection include failure to provide proper documentation, failure to demonstrate required financial resources to support yourself and your dependent in Canada during your stay, failure to demonstrate your clear intention for residing in Canada, and failure to clear inadmissibility on security grounds, criminality, or human rights violations. 

There are many other reasons why your application can be refused. Based on the type of application, you can appeal the refusal or reapply for the visa. 

If you received a visitor visa rejection, you can make a request to access the visa officer’s notes regarding the reason for your refusal. You can decide on what action to take based on the fairness of the decision against your eligibility for the visa and the documentation provided to support your application. 

If you think that a mistake has been made or supporting documentation was disregarded, you can request for reconsideration. A request for reconsideration must be made within a 10 day period. If you cannot apply for reconsideration, then reapplication can be an alternative to overcome the reasons for the previous refusal. You’ll have to provide additional documentation and information to clarify the issues.

If your application is refused again, then you can appeal for a judicial review to the Federal Court of Canada. Learn more about how to handle specific visa/permit refusals here. 

How much does a Canadian immigration consultant cost? 

Initial consultations at My Visa Source are free. A qualified immigration lawyer and their team are assigned to your case to help obtain necessary information and documentation from you. They have navigated interactions with thousands of clients and have ensured a tailored personal touch with every case.

After that, fees will vary. Not every case is the same, the legal fees take into account your immigration goal and the complexity of the case in a cost effective manner.

Is it hard to get a visa to Canada? 

Typically, no. Our consultants make the immigration process as easy and comfortable as possible for you. So long as you have the required documentation and meet the eligibility requirements, Canadian immigration should not be a difficult process. Of course, everything varies on a case by case basis. 

Which countries require a visa to enter Canada?

Travelers from the following countries need a visa to come to Canada by any method of travel – plane, car, bus, train, or cruise ship: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British subjects (subject to control), Burkina Faso, Burma (Myanmar), Burundi, Cambodia, Republic of Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Republic of Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macao Special Administrative Region, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Federal States of Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Authority, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwana, Sao Tome e Principe, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe. 

Which countries do not need a visa for Canada? 

The following travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (e TA) to board their flight to Canada. However, these travelers do not need an e TA if entering by land or sea. The countries that do not require a visa for Canada include Anorra, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, British citizen, British National (Overseas), British overseas citizen, British Overseas territory citizen with citizenship through birth, descent, naturalization, or registration in one of the territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Island, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands, British subject with a right abode in the U.K., Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (must have a national Israeli passport), Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Poland, Portugal, Romania (electronic passport holders only), Samoa, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan (must have an ordinary passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that includes the personal identification number), United Arab Emirates, United States, Vatican City State.

Foreign nationals in the following situations also do not need a visa to enter Canada: French citizens who live in Saint Pierre and Miquelon flying directly to Canada from Saint Pierre and Miquelon, foreign nationals who are passengers destined to (or coming from) the US on a flight that stops in Canada to refuel, foreign nationals who are passengers on a flight that makes an unscheduled stop in Canada, and foreign nationals who transit through a Canadian airport under the Transit Without Visa or China Transit Program.  

Lastly, travel and official representatives, flight crew, civil aviation inspectors, accident investigators who are or will be working in Canada, members of the Armed Forces coming to Canada to carry out official duties, and Diplomats accredited by the Government of Canada can enter Canada without a visa. 

Can I go to the US with a Canada visa? 

Canadian citizens do require a visa to enter the USA if they are going to visit for longer than six months, or if their visit is for reasons other than pleasure, such as to engage in business.

Can I go to Canada with a US Visa? 

Most travelers need a visitor visa or an e TA to travel to, or transit through, Canada. What you need depends on the type of travel document you will travel with, the country that issued your travel document, your nationality, and how you will travel to Canada. 

Which countries can I visit with a Canada visa? 

If you have a Canadian passport, you can travel to the following countries without any visa at all: Albania, American Samoa, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Bonaire, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cape Verde Islands, The Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini (Swaziland), Falkland Islands, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French West Indies, The Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, North Macedonia, Norway, Palestinian Territory, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turks and Caicos Islands, Ukraine, United Kingdom, The United States of America, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, and Vatican City.

How long does it take to get a Canada visa?

Canada Visa processing usually takes between 2 and 4 weeks, but may take longer depending on various factors, such as eligibility, the country you’re applying from, and which visa you’re applying for. 

How to check your Canadian visa application status? 

If you applied for your visa online, you will need to sign into an account to check your application status, depending on which website you applied through. There should be navigation allowing you to click something regarding checking your status and messages. 

When checking through the Government of Canada website, you will need to answer a few questions regarding your age, which visa you applied for, and your intended length of stay so they can properly show you the status of your application. Make sure that you have also received your acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter or email and that you have your passport number on hand (it may be required in some cases).

What are the conditions for visa-exemption in Canada? 

You are visa exempt in Canada if you are a foreign national who is not a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, and who does not normally need a visa to enter Canada.

The following 55 countries can travel to Canada visa-exempt and must apply for an eTA:

Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, 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 Kingdom, Vatican City.

The United States is also visa exempt but U.S. citizens are not required to apply for an eTA when traveling to Canada.