Types of Visa in Canada: Requirements, Applications & more (2024)

A Canadian visa is an official authorization issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside in Canada for a predetermined purpose and duration.

The Canadian government can issue different types of visas, both permanent and temporary. Depending on your situation and aspirations, a specific type of visa in Canada may suit you better.

Canada offers over 100 immigration pathways, including work, spousal, and student visas. 

In this article, we will explain the different types of visas in Canada and help you determine the best option for your needs.‍

The different visa categories for living in Canada

Canada's visa system is organized into categories based on different travel purposes. 

Here, we will outline the types of visa categories in Canada.

Temporary visas

A temporary visa is available for work, study, or brief visits to Canada, and you must leave the country when your visa expires.

If you're not eligible for permanent residence immigration programs, coming to Canada as a student or worker could also lead to permanent status.

1. To work

There are different types of work visas in Canada, with some of the most sought-after options being:

• The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) enables Canadian employers to temporarily hire foreign workers to address labor shortages.

• International Experience Canada (IEC) allows individuals aged 18–35 to work and travel in Canada for up to two years, depending on their nationality.

• Intra-Company Transfers are designed for multinational companies to relocate employees to their Canadian branches.

You will need a work permit to live and work in Canada. Canada provides two main types of work permits: 

• Open work permits are issued in specific situations and allow individuals to work for any employer in Canada. They are not tied to a specific job and don’t require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

• An Employer-specific work permit allows people to work for only one employer in a specific location and requires an LMIA.

However, a Post-graduation work permit offers international graduates the chance to live and work in Canada after graduation.

2. For students

Once you are accepted by a Canadian institution for a program lasting more than six months, you must apply for a study permit.

To apply, you must show a letter of acceptance from a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI). You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient funds and provide a Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) from the province or territory where you intend to study.

If you plan to study in Quebec, you need a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) from the Government of Quebec before applying for a study permit.

3. For visitor

When traveling to Canada, it's important to know the two types of visitor visas available: 

• A single-entry visa allows foreigners to enter Canada for a one-time visit only. Once you leave the country, you must reapply for a new visitor visa to return. 

• A multiple-entry visa allows holders to enter and leave Canada as often as they want, as long as the visa is valid, for up to 10 years. 

Both visas allow you to spend up to 6 months in Canada. Still, you have other options:

• A super visa is for parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows for a stay of up to 10 years, with the flexibility to remain in Canada for up to 24 months on the initial visit. 

• If you are a citizen of a visa-exempt country, you must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if you plan to travel to Canada by air.

Permanent visas

If you consider making Canada your permanent home, you must apply for Canadian permanent residence. 

1.  Express Entry

Express Entry is an application process for skilled workers who want to live in Canada permanently. 

Eligible candidates for programs managed by Express Entry must submit a profile to the Express Entry pool. Once submitted, your profile will be included in a group of applicants. 

Once your application is ranked, if you are at the top, your profile will be selected from the pool. After that, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence as a skilled immigrant.

The Express Entry system oversees three primary economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program. 
• Federal Skilled Trades Program.
• Canadian Experience Class. 

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

PNP is a pathway for individuals to immigrate to a specific province in Canada. Each province has its own stream with unique eligibility criteria and application guidelines.

Candidates have to apply in the province or territory where they want to immigrate and have the required skills and qualifications for the job vacancies there.

The province or territory will assess whether you meet their job market requirements.

3. Sponsorship

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, and at least 18 years old, you may sponsor spouses, partners, dependent children, parents, and grandparents.

To do this, you must provide relevant documents to show your connection with the person you support. You must also demonstrate your ability to meet basic needs by showing how you can provide food, housing, and clothing for yourself and your relatives.

4. Quebec visas

All visa applicants who plan to reside in Quebec must obtain approval before applying to the federal government. 

You can do it through one of these programs: 

• The Quebec Experience Class (PEQ) is a fast-track immigration program for temporary workers with at least 12 months of work experience and advanced-intermediate French proficiency.

• The Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW) program does not require a job offer or French language proficiency. It operates on a points system similar to Express Entry.

Startup visa

The Startup Visa program is a popular immigration option that enables eligible entrepreneurs to obtain permanent residency in Canada.

An immigrant entrepreneur must demonstrate that their company is innovative and generates employment for Canadians. 

Entrepreneurs must obtain a letter of support from venture capital funds or business incubators to be eligible for the Canadian Startup Visa Program. 

They must also hold at least 10% of the voting rights attached to all company shares and, together with the designated organization, at least 50% of the voting rights attached to all company shares.

Proficiency in English or French, adequate settlement funds, and relevant business experience are also essential.

Do you need help with your visa? 

As mentioned, there are numerous pathways and types of visas in Canada. 

It's important to determine which type of visa is most suitable for you before filling out any forms and beginning the formal application process. 

A thorough knowledge of each type of visa category in Canada is crucial.

At Parsam, we assist you from the start, understanding your situation and needs. We approach each step carefully, with expertise in various immigration programs, from Sponsorship to Student visas.

Start your journey in Canada with Parsam here.