Types of Canadian Visas

Canadian visas are designed to match specific purposes and conditions. From study permits for students eager to pursue higher education at Canada’s renowned universities, to work visas for professionals seeking new and challenging job opportunities. Investment visas and family visas are also options that, depending on your circumstances and goals, can provide the best immigration pathway for you.
In this article, we will guide you through the diverse world of Canadian visas and the process of obtaining each one. From required documents to the application process, we will cover all the details to help you take the first step toward a new life in Canada with confidence and clarity. Join Synova as we open the door to a land of opportunities and beauty.

What is a Canadian Visa?

A visa is a document that allows you to travel to foreign countries. It is issued by the embassy or consulate of the respective country and indicates that the individual meets the entry requirements. A Canadian visa is the document you need for immigration and entry into Canada.

Citizens of certain countries, such as Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Croatia, France, Germany, and others, are exempt from obtaining a Canadian visa. This means they can stay in the country for up to six months without a visa.

Citizens from countries that do not have a visa exemption agreement or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) with Canada will need a visa to enter the country. Specifically, individuals from about 148 countries need a visa to visit, work, or immigrate to Canada.

Iran is neither a visa-exempt country nor a member of the eTA agreement; therefore, Iranian nationals need a visa to travel to Canada.

The requirements for obtaining a Canadian visa vary depending on the country, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the different types of Canadian visas before applying and determine which one best suits your needs. Additionally, the visa application process differs for those applying inside and outside of Canada.

Types of Canadian Visas

When a foreigner wants to immigrate to Canada, they must have a visa. There are different types of Canadian visas, each with its own requirements and limitations. Visas can generally be divided into two categories: temporary and permanent.

Temporary visas have a shorter validity period and allow you to stay in Canada for a specified, usually short, duration.

Permanent visas have a longer validity and allow you to live in Canada for an extended period, or even permanently.

More specifically, Canadian visas are categorized into six different types. Here are the different types of Canadian visas:

1. Canadian Visitor Visas
2. Canadian Student Visas
3. Canadian Work Visas
4. Canadian Permanent Residence Visas
5. Canadian Business Immigrant Visas
6. Canadian Express Entry Program Visas

Temporary Canadian Visas

A temporary Canadian visa allows individuals to stay in Canada for a maximum of 6 months. Some types of temporary visas are single-entry, while others are multiple-entry, meaning the visa holder can use it more than once within the validity period (up to 10 years). There are various types of temporary visas for Canada, which we will discuss below:

1. Canada Tourist Visa (Visitor Visa): This visa, also known as a visitor or tourist visa, allows you to visit Canada for tourism purposes.
2. Canada Super Visa: The Super Visa is designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada for an extended period to visit their children.
3. Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa: This visa is for foreign diplomats and officials who are traveling to Canada for official, administrative, or political purposes.
4. Canada Courtesy Visa: A courtesy visa is for individuals with high-ranking business, political, or economic status, such as members of trade delegations, allowing them to visit Canada.
5. Canada Business Visa: This temporary visa is for individuals who want to visit Canada for business purposes.
6. Visa to Give Birth in Canada: This visa allows a pregnant individual to travel to Canada to give birth. The child born in Canada automatically becomes a Canadian citizen, making this visa subject to specific conditions.
7. Intending Organ Donors Visa: People planning to donate an organ in Canada can apply for this visa. The organ donation must be approved by the Canadian immigration department before applying.
8. Canada Facilitation Visa: This visa is for individuals with dual citizenship (Canadian and another foreign country) who have not been able to obtain a Canadian passport. They can use the facilitation visa to enter Canada.
9. Canada Student Visa: If you wish to study in Canada and your program lasts longer than six months, you must apply for a student visa. You need to be accepted by a designated learning institution in Canada and have permission from your home country to study abroad.
10. Canada Temporary Work Visa: Some Canadian employers require you to have lived and worked in Canada for at least six months. If you wish to apply for a temporary work visa, you need a job offer from a Canadian employer.
11. Canada Temporary Residence Permit: For individuals who do not qualify for a temporary visa but need to stay in Canada for a short period, a temporary residence permit may be issued. The validity period depends on the individual’s circumstances and can range from a few weeks to several months.
12. Canada Working Holiday Visa: This type of temporary visa allows individuals to work in Canada for a period of 12 to 24 months. The requirements for this visa change each year based on labor market needs.

Permanent Canadian Visas

A permanent Canadian visa is a document that allows you to live in Canada permanently. There are several subcategories of permanent visas, which we will outline below:

1. Immigrant Investor Program: The Immigrant Investor Program is a government-supported immigration program that provides permanent residence to foreign nationals who wish to invest and contribute to the economic development of Canada.
2. Startup Visa Program: The Startup Visa is for individuals who want to establish a startup in Canada. The startup must contribute to the Canadian economy. Applicants for this visa must have at least $300,000 in net assets and take ownership and management of the business. They also have three years to create jobs for Canadians.
3. Self-employed Persons Visa: This visa is for individuals involved in fields such as agriculture, business management, sports, or the arts, who wish to start their own business in Canada. Applicants must demonstrate the necessary skills to establish and run their businesses.
4. Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): This program is for individuals who are proficient in French and wish to work in the province of Quebec. Applicants must have the required skills for jobs that are in demand in Quebec.
5. Family Sponsorship Program: This program is designed for individuals whose spouse or children are Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The Canadian resident can sponsor their family members to bring them to Canada under this visa.
6. Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP): This visa is for individuals who plan to work as caregivers for seniors, people with disabilities, or children in Canada. Applicants must meet the requirements for this program to obtain a visa to immigrate under the Live-in Caregiver Program.

Canada Express Entry Visa

The Canada Express Entry Program is designed to allow skilled immigrants to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This program has various categories, which we will explain below:

1. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an immigration program launched by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to address skill gaps in many Canadian occupations. The application requirements for this program are as follows:

• A valid job offer for continuous, full-time employment (at least 30 hours per week) from up to two employers in Canada for at least one year.
• Proof of basic language skills from a designated organization, showing that you meet the minimum language requirements set by IRCC. The minimum language requirement is CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
• At least two years of full-time work experience in a specialized profession within the past five years.
• The ability to demonstrate skills and experience in performing essential job duties.

This visa is available for individuals in the following occupations:

• Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades.
• Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades.
• Group 82: Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production.
• Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors, and central control operators.
• Sub-group 632: Chefs and cooks.
• Sub-group 633: Butchers and bakers.

2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

To receive a visa through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must have a job in demand in Canada, and you need to score enough points to meet the program’s criteria. Points are awarded based on the following factors:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Having a valid job offer
• English or French language skills
• Adaptability (ability to settle in Canada)

A total of 100 points can be awarded across these six factors, but a minimum score of 67 points is required to qualify for a visa application.

3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are designed for semi-skilled or low-skilled workers who can fill labor shortages in various provinces of Canada. All provinces in Canada offer these programs.

Under Provincial Nominee Programs, individuals and their families can apply for nomination by meeting the criteria set by each province. Each province and territory has its own conditions for nominating applicants. For example, one province may select applicants based on their skills and qualifications, while another may prioritize language skills. Therefore, it is important to first check the requirements of the provinces and then apply for the appropriate PNP. The steps to apply for a Provincial Nominee Program are as follows:

1. Step 1: Review your eligibility. You can use the PNP Live Tracker to explore available PNPs and evaluate their requirements.
2. Step 2: Complete the provincial nomination application and submit it to the relevant province or territory.
3. Step 3: Receive your provincial nomination certificate. If your application is complete and meets the necessary conditions, you will receive a nomination certificate, allowing you to proceed with the next steps.
4. Step 4: Apply for permanent residence. You need to submit your application to the federal government of Canada. If you are nominated through an Express Entry-aligned PNP, you can apply through Express Entry as well, giving you two chances for permanent residency.

4. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) permanent visa is designed for foreign workers who have studied or worked in Canada. To apply for this program, you must meet the following conditions:

• At least one year of professional work experience in Canada (or equivalent part-time work experience) within three years prior to application.
• Gaining work experience in Canada on a valid visa or temporary residence.
• The job must fall under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• Demonstrating language skills.

Requirements and Conditions for Applying for Canadian Visas

After learning about and reviewing the different types of Canadian visas, it is important to understand the conditions required for applying for each one. While the specific requirements for each visa were discussed in the previous sections, there are also general requirements that apply across all visa categories. Below are the key conditions for applying for a Canadian visa:

1. Valid Passport

You must have a valid passport. The passport should be up to date and meet the specific validity requirements set by Canadian authorities.

2. Mental and Physical Readiness for Immigration

Applicants should be prepared both mentally and physically for immigration. This includes being ready for the lifestyle and environment changes that come with moving to Canada.

3. Police Clearance Certificate

A police clearance certificate is required to prove that you have no criminal background. This document ensures that you meet the moral and legal requirements for entry into Canada.

4. Convincing the Immigration Officer to Return to Your Home Country After Visa Expiry

You must convince the immigration officer that you will return to your home country after the expiry of your visa. This is a crucial part of the visa approval process and requires showing strong ties to your home country.

5. Explanation of Intent to Leave Canada After Visa Expiry

You need to provide an explanation of your plans to leave Canada when your visa expires, ensuring that you do not overstay your authorized time in the country.

6. Proof of Financial Means

Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to support themselves and any dependents during their stay in Canada. This proof can include bank statements, employment records, or other forms of financial documentation.

7. Medical Examination Report

A medical examination is required to confirm that you do not have any health conditions that could pose a risk to public health in Canada. This examination must be conducted by a physician approved by the Canadian immigration authorities.

8. Invitation Letter (if applicable)

If you are invited by someone who lives in Canada, you may need to provide an invitation letter from them. This letter confirms the purpose of your visit and your relationship with the person inviting you.

Processing Times for Canadian Visa Applications

The time required to process a Canadian visa application depends on the Canadian authorities. The faster they process the applications, the sooner your request will be handled. It is important to ensure that all documents are prepared accurately and completely. If any documents are incomplete, the processing time for your application may take more than two weeks.

Processing Time After Submitting Biometrics Information

In general, the processing time for Canadian visa applications depends on the type of visa and your location. If you apply from within Canada, the processing time will be shorter. The table below highlights the processing times for different types of Canadian visas:

Visa Fees for Canada

To apply for a Canadian visa, you must pay a fee. This fee includes the application fee and processing fees. However, each type of visa has its own specific cost.

For study permits, you do not need to pay the visa application fee until your application is approved. However, you will need to pay for educational credential assessments. Below is a breakdown of the visa fees:

Obtaining a Canadian Visa: The Best Opportunity for Iranian Immigrants

In this article, we have aimed to explain the different types of Canadian visas and the necessary requirements for each one. Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Iranians and citizens of other countries. In this country, you can study, work, invest, and ultimately obtain permanent residency. However, to migrate to Canada for any purpose, you must have a visa.

The process of applying for a Canadian visa is not easy, which is why it is important to seek guidance from experienced professionals throughout this journey. If you want to immigrate to Canada but are unsure which visa is right for you, feel free to contact the experts at Synova Immigration Services. We can guide you through the process and help you make the right choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Canadian visa?
   A Canadian visa is a document that allows you to travel to Canada and stay in the country.
2. Can I extend my Canadian visa before it expires?
   Yes, you must apply for an extension at least 30 days before your visa expiration date.
3. What types of Canadian visas are there?
   There are various types of Canadian visas, including temporary visas, permanent visas, student visas, work visas, and more. You can apply for one based on your specific circumstances.
4. How long does it take to process a Canadian visa?
   The processing time for a Canadian visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for, and it usually takes a minimum of five weeks.
5. How much does a Canadian visa cost?
   The cost of a Canadian visa varies depending on the type, ranging from $5 to $877.
6. How do I apply for a Canadian visa?
   You can apply for a Canadian visa online or through a paper application. The application process depends on the type of visa you are applying for. You will need to submit the required documents, biometric information, and pay the associated fees.
7. Can I apply for a Canadian visa if I have a criminal record?
   If you have a criminal record, it may impact your visa application. However, in some cases, you may still be eligible for a visa through a process called “criminal rehabilitation.” You should consult with an immigration lawyer to discuss your specific situation.
8. What documents are required for a Canadian visa application?
   The required documents may include a valid passport, proof of financial support, travel itinerary, medical exam (if applicable), police certificate, and biometric information. Specific documents depend on the type of visa you’re applying for.
9. Can I travel to Canada without a visa?
   If you’re from a visa-exempt country, you can travel to Canada without a visa for short stays (e.g., tourism or business). However, you will still need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Check if your country is visa-exempt.
10. What should I do if my Canadian visa is denied?
    If your visa is denied, you will receive a letter outlining the reasons for the refusal. You can appeal the decision or reapply by addressing the reasons for denial. It is advisable to seek professional help from an immigration consultant or lawyer if your visa is refused.
11. Do I need to show proof of funds for a Canadian visa?
    Yes, most applicants must prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Canada. This is a requirement for visitor visas, student visas, and work permits, among others.
12. What is a Super Visa?
    A Super Visa is a type of visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows them to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time without needing to renew their status.
13. Can I work while on a Canadian tourist visa?
    No, a tourist visa does not allow you to work in Canada. If you want to work while in Canada, you need to apply for a work visa or permit.
14. Do I need a Canadian visa if I’m just transiting through Canada?
    If you’re just transiting through Canada and will stay for less than 48 hours, you may not need a visa. However, you must check whether you need an eTA or a transit visa based on your nationality and travel circumstances.
15. How do I check the status of my Canadian visa application?
    You can check the status of your visa application online through the official website of Canada’s immigration office, using the application number and personal details.