Canada is a country located in North America. It is one of the best countries for foreigners. Every year people from different countries apply for a Canadian visa.
Canada is a popular travel destination, and many still don’t know how to apply for a Canada visa. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know to apply to get a Canadian visa.
What is a Canada Visa?
A Stamp in your passport showing entry to Canada is known as a Canadian visa. While it also allows you to legally remain there temporarily or permanently.
Who Needs a Canadian Visa
Anybody who wants to travel, study, work, or relocate permanently to Canada needs a Canadian visa or authorization.
Citizens of nations that don’t require visas. May visit Canada for any reason for up to 90 days without a visa. And must first get an electronic travel authorization ( ETA). Steps to get a Canadian visa
Types of Canadian Visas
Firstly, decide which type of Canadian visa you wish to apply for before you do so. These are the several kinds of Canada visas:
- Temporary Canada Visas
- Permanent Canada Visas
- Express Entry Visas
Temporary Canada Visas
Temporary Canada Visas allow a person to stay in Canada for a specific time which is about six months. Set on by the Canadian Consulate or the Border Services Officers (BSO). The temporary visa, however, might be either a single entrance or a multiple entry visa.
A single entry enables the holder to visit Canada once and remain there for six months. And then leave again for their place of origin. A multiple-entrance visa enables the holder to briefly enter Canada on several occasions up until the expiration of the visa.
Types of Canadian Temporary Visas
- Canada Tourist Visa: The bearer of a visitor or tourist visa is permitted entry into Canada for the sole purpose of visiting the nation.
- Canada Student Visa: For individuals who have been accepted to a Canadian institution to complete their studies, a student visa is issued. For studies lasting more than six months, you will require a student visa. However, for studies lasting less than six months, you can only obtain a temporary residence visa (TRV).
- Canada Super Visa: Parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or Canadian Permanent Residents can travel to see their children or grandkids for a longer time thanks to the Canadian Super Visa.
- Canada Temporary Work Visa: Those with a job offer in Canada who want to work there for up to six months are granted temporary work visas. Also, the applicant must meet the requirements for a temporary visa and produce a legitimate employment offer letter from an employer to get this visa.
- Diplomatic and Official Visa: Foreign officials and diplomats are permitted entry into Canada for business and official purposes with a Diplomatic and Official visa.
- Working Holiday Visa: Young people can work and visit Canada with the help of the Working Holiday Visa, which is available to citizens of 30 different countries. Which is a random selection visa. Candidates will have to submit their applications and wait for a selection at random before applying for a work permit.
- Courtesy Visa: Those who do not meet the requirements for a diplomatic or official visa but who are deemed important because of their positions and ranks are awarded courtesy visas.
- Canada Business Visa: Individuals or a group of business associates visiting Canada for professional reasons can apply for a business visa.
Other special temporary visas
- Visa to Give Birth in Canada: Those who are pregnant and want to give birth in Canada has this visa if they meet all the requirements for temporary residence in the nation. Also, the newborn is instantly a Canadian citizen if the birth takes place in Canada.
- Intending Organ Donors Visa: A person who is coming to Canada to donate an organ to a Canadian citizen or Permanent Residence. Has this visa
- Canada Facilitation Visa: Dual-national Canadian citizens who do not have a Canadian passport but do have a passport from another country are granted facilitation visas.
- Temporary Residence Permit: Those who need to travel to Canada for various reasons but are not otherwise eligible for TRV might do so with the help of this permit.
Permanent Canada Visas
This visa provides permanent residency in Canada, also known as an immigrant visa
Types of Permanent Canada Visas
Families (spouse and dependent children) of Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents are eligible to come to Canada permanently under the Family Sponsorship Visa program.
- Self-employed Person Visa: Those who can start their firms and have abilities in business, athletics, culture, or farming are eligible for the Self-employed Person visa. Secondly, together with proving their expertise in those specific fields, these persons must also show how they will fund the business.
- Immigrant Investor Program: Those with a minimum net worth of CAD 800,000 who intend to invest in the Canadian economy are eligible for the Immigrant Investment Program. They must make a minimum investment of $400,000 CDN, and the government will return their money interest-free after five years.
- Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP): Caregivers who meet the requirements to care for the elderly, the disabled, or children and reside in a private home in Canada are granted this visa.
- Startup Visa Program: Those who will individually participate in contributing to the economy are eligible for the Canada Startup Visa. They must pledge to own and manage at least one-third of a Canadian company and generate and retain employment within three years of moving to Canada. And have a net worth of at least $300,000.
- Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): This program allows you to move and work permanently in the Canadian province of Quebec if you have one of the occupations needed in Quebec and speak French fluently.
Express Entry Visas
A digital immigration system created by the Canadian government enables individuals from all around the world to apply for immigration to Canada based on their unique abilities.
Types of Express Entry Visas
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Traders skilled as Carpenters, Aircraft Mechanics, Crane Operators, Heavy-duty Equipment Mechanics, Electricians, Machinists, Ironworkers, Welders, Plumbers, etc are eligible for this visa.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) grants visas to individuals with occupations that are in demand in Canada. Before applying ensure that Canada requires your profession.
- Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
Workers who are semi- or low-skilled but have the potential to have a positive impact on the Canadian economy are eligible for this visa.
- Canadian Experience Class
For people who desire to go from temporary employment or student status to permanent residence status, the Canadian Experience Class permanent visa is available. They have assimilated into the Canadian society and either have Canadian schooling or professional experience.
What Are the Required Documents for a Canada Visa?
Here is a detailed list of all the documents needed to apply for a Canada visa, including the precise documents needed for each application category
- A valid passport.
- Appropriate application form for a visa to Canada.
- Proof of the Canada visa payments.
- Proof of a spotless criminal history.
- Proof of excellent health obtained by a medical examination.
- Photos that meet the criteria for photo submission for a visa to Canada.
- Evidence of financial capability.
- Evidence that once your Canadian visa expires, you’ll go back home.
- Documents proving identity and civil status.
- A letter of introduction outlining why you’re visiting Canada.
- Support letter/invitation to Canada, if your friend or family is inviting you to Canada.
Passport
A current passport is required. The information page of your passport must be photocopied when you apply for a Canadian visa. And it must contain the number on your passport, the issue and expiration dates, your name, picture, date of birth, and place of birth.
Documents and forms
You will need to download an Application Package from the IRCC website to submit your visa application. There are all the forms you need to fill out and submit, as well as an instruction manual and a document checklist.
All of the documents and forms listed on the checklist must be submitted. In addition to the documents on the IRCC’s checklist, various nations might also need additional documents. However, if additional documentation is required, you must inquire at the local visa office.
Proof of paid Canada visa fees
You must pay the required fees and include the receipts with your application to be eligible to apply for a Canadian visa, However, depending on the purpose of the trip, the fees are priced differently.
The two types of fees are biometric fees and application processing fees.
Canadian visa photos
According to Canada’s requirements, you must submit two passport photos. In addition, your application might be turned down if the pictures don’t meet the standards set by the Canadian government.
Proof of financial means
You must show that you can support yourself and any family member(s) who may be travelling with you for the duration of your stay financially. To accomplish this, use the following methods: show bank statements, and employment letters with annual earnings. Evidence of arrangement with friends or family to receive financial support during your stay, as well as proof of your Canadian host or relative’s income.
Note that, your country will determine what documents you must submit for financial proof.
Identity and civil status documents
Your application for a visa to Canada must be accompanied by photocopies of your identification and legal documentation. Birth, marriage, divorce, and annulment certificates fall under this category.
Medical exam
To obtain a Canadian visa, you must be in good health. You will need to take a medical exam performed by a Panel Physician and submit the results with your application to prove that.
A medical exam is typically not required if you are staying for less than six months unless you will be working closely with people.
How to Apply for a Canada Visa
The procedure for obtaining a visa for Canada is largely determined by the type of visa you require. For instance, you can get a Canadian visa online or offline.
Canada Visa Online Application
You will require a scanner to make digital copies of your documents and a credit card to pay the processing and biometric fees to submit an online application.
The IRCC website offers the option of online applications.
Follow these easy steps to submit an online application for a visa to Canada:
- Find out if you qualify for a visa to Canada.
- Download the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa (IMM 5257), and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- Create a profile online.
- Put the document file together.
- Pay the fees
- Wait for your Canadian visa to be processed.
- Passport and processing fees must be submitted.
In-person Canada visa application ( offline)
- Find out if you qualify for a visa to Canada.
- Download the Document Checklist, Visitor Visa (IMM 5257), and Family Information (IMM 5645) forms.
- Complete the application forms and compile all the necessary supporting documentation.
- Pay the visa fees
- Send your application to the visa application centre in your area. Bring along every document listed on the document checklist.
- You can track the status of your application online by using the receipt that comes with your payment of the service fee and a unique tracking number.
How long does it take to get a Canadian visa?
Visa applications can take up to 30 days to process, depending on the type of application, the number of applications received, and whether the application is complete.
How do I receive my Canadian visa?
Your passport can be picked up at the visa application centre where you submitted your application or sent by courier service.
Conclusion
Canada is one of the best places to live in the world. Besides, it’s affordable and offers endless opportunities to foreigners.
We covered the steps to getting a Canadian visa in this article. We hope you found this article on “steps to get a Canada visa” informative.
