Canada offers a diverse range of visa options to accommodate the varied objectives of foreign nationals seeking temporary or permanent residence. Whether an individual intends to visit for tourism or business, pursue academic studies, or establish permanent domicile, there is a corresponding Canadian visa category. To ensure optimal selection and efficient application, a comprehensive understanding of each distinct type of visa in Canada and its eligibility criteria is essential.
Canadian Visa Category Codes
Understanding the nuances of each type of visa in Canada is essential for individuals seeking to explore the opportunities. Below is a Canada visa category list, along with the codes for each category, which will help you understand the different types of visas.
| Category Code | Visa Description |
| B-1 | Business visitor |
| C-1 | Courtesy |
| D-1 | Diplomat |
| F-1 | Facilitation visa |
| IM-1 | Immigrant (single-entry visa for PR) |
| 0-1 | Official |
| P A-1 | Permit holder |
| PAX-1 | National interest TRP |
| PC-1 | Permit holder with valid TRP |
| PG-1 | Parents or grandparents super visa |
| R-1 | Passed-residency obligation |
| RA-1 | Presence at appeal |
| RC-1 | Passed H&C – PR travel document |
| RX-1 | Attending a permanent residency hearing while residing in Canada in the last 365 days. |
| S-1 | A student with a study permit |
| SW-1 | An international student with a study & work Permit |
| SX-1 | A student exempt from the requirement to obtain a study permit |
| V-1 | Visitor |
| VH-1 | Brief transit stay of less than 48 hours. |
| W-1 | A worker with a work permit |
| WX-1 | Worker with work permit exemption. |
Canadian Visa Categories
Canada’s immigration framework provides a diverse array of visa options to accommodate the varied needs of international individuals seeking temporary or permanent entry. These types of visas in Canada can be classified into distinct categories, each with its own specific eligibility criteria and conditions.
1. Working Visas
This Canadian visa allows individuals to work and reside in Canada for the duration specified in their work permit. This visa is vital for anyone seeking employment in Canada, as it ensures compliance with immigration regulations. The type of work permit categories in Canada that one can opt for depends on the applicant’s chosen immigration pathway or the specific program applied for.
Canada visa types for work include:
Open Work Permit
The open work permit grants flexibility, allowing individuals to work for any employer across Canada without requiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, this permit is not widely available and is typically reserved for adults accompanying family members in the case of a study permit.
Employer-Specific Work Permit
An employer-specific work permit is tied to a particular job offer from a designated employer. Obtaining this permit requires an LMIA, demonstrating that the employer has made efforts to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident before offering the position to a foreign worker. If an individual wishes to change jobs after entering Canada on this permit, they must apply for a new work permit.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The PGWP is an open work permit available to international graduates from Canadian institutions. It allows graduates to live and work in Canada for up to three years, the exact duration of which depends on the length of their academic program.
International Experience Canada (IEC)
The IEC program enables citizens of certain countries with which Canada has bilateral agreements to work and travel in Canada. It includes three categories:
- Working Holiday: Allows individuals to work for multiple employers and locations without a job offer, primarily to fund their travels.
- Young Professionals: Designed for those whose Canadian job contributes to their professional development, enabling them to work for the same employer in one location.
- International Co-op Internship: For post-secondary students with a valid job offer for a work placement or internship in Canada. This Canada visa category also accommodates students needing an internship to complete their studies, allowing them to work for the same employer in one location during their stay.
To know more about these working visas and opportunities, like the short-term work visa in Canada, contact us today at 416-447-6118.
2. Temporary Visas
A temporary visa allows foreign nationals to visit Canada for a limited period. What activities can be carried out during this period, such as visiting or working, depends on the type of temporary visa in Canada. Once the Temporary Residence visa expires, the visitors should depart the country. Even though this visa option in Canada is not a permanent visa, it acts as a stepping stone for those seeking long-term ties to Canada.
3. Study Visas
If you wish to enroll in a program at a Canadian institution that extends beyond six months, you need to obtain a study permit. To get a Study Permit in Canada, you must first secure admission into a Canadian school and provide a letter of acceptance from that institution. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have adequate financial resources, are not inadmissible to Canada, and plan to leave the country once your permit expires.
Studying in Canada can serve as a strategic pathway to permanent residency for those who may not currently qualify for direct immigration programs. By completing a program at a Designated Learning Institute (DLI), international students can gain eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). This work permit allows graduates to gain valuable Canadian work experience, which can significantly enhance their chances of securing permanent residency.
4. Visitor Visas
If you plan to visit the country, you will need one of the following types of visitor visas in Canada:
- Single Entry Visa: This Visitor Visa permits one-time entry to Canada for a specific period, usually around 6 months. Subsequent visits require a new visa application, regardless of the remaining validity of the previous one.
- Multiple-entry Visa: A Canada multiple-entry tourist visa allows repeated entries into Canada over a maximum period of ten years. Each visit can last up to 6 months but may be extend-able in some circumstances.
- Super Visa: Specifically tailored for grandparents or parents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, this visa provides extended stay privileges of up to five years initially, with a total validity of up to 10 years.
- Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA): Mandatory for citizens of visa-exempt countries entering Canada by air, with the exception of U.S. citizens travelling on a U.S. passport.
To know more about the Canada tourist visa category, contact us today at 416-447-6118.
5.Canada Investor Visa
A Canada Investor Visa offers a pathway to Canadian permanent residency to individuals with substantial capital to invest in the country’s economy. By meeting specific investment criteria and creating jobs for Canadian citizens, investors can secure permanent residency for themselves and their families. This Canada visa category is designed to stimulate economic growth and job creation in Canada.
Permanent Residence (PR)
If you’re dreaming of building a new life in Canada, obtaining permanent residence is the first step. Regardless of your route, becoming a Canadian permanent resident offers significant benefits.
1. Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry system is a fast track to permanent residency. The Express Entry To Canada manages three main programs: Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class. You are supposed to submit your profile to the Express Entry Pool if you fall under any of their programs. After this, you will be ranked, and the candidates who rank the highest are then issued an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for Canadian permanent residence.
Federal Skilled Worker Program:
- At least a year of skilled work experience is required for the federal skilled worker program.
- You must also meet minimum language requirements in French or English.
- You must score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection grid.
Federal Skilled Trades Program:
- You must have two years of experience in a skilled trade.
- You must meet minimum language requirements in French or English.
- You must possess either a Canadian certificate of qualification to practice your trade in Canada or a job offer in your skilled trade in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class:
- At least one year of work experience in Canada on a valid Canadian Work Permit.
- Meet minimum language requirements in one or both of Canada’s official languages.
- The profile will be ranked against others in the pool, regardless of program eligibility.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Each Canadian province, excluding Quebec, operates its own immigration system called a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These programs have specific requirements and application processes that vary from one province to another. While some provinces prioritize candidates with existing ties to the region, many offer pathways for foreign workers to fill labour shortages and contribute to the demographic graph.
To have a better understanding of these programs, get in touch with our professional Canadian Immigration Lawyers.
3. Quebec Immigration
Quebec has a distinct immigration system that differs significantly from the rest of Canada. Individuals aiming to reside in Quebec must first obtain approval from the province before proceeding with the federal government.
Quebec Experience Class:
This is equivalent to the Canadian Experience Class program and is managed by Immigration Quebec. You must either be a temporary worker or an international student.
Temporary Worker:
- Have an eligible work permit.
- Be working for an employer in Quebec.
- At least 12 months of work experience is required here (Skill level O, A, or B).
- Advanced-intermediate French proficiency.
International Student or Recent International Student Graduate:
- You must have an eligible degree or expect to complete your program within six months.
- Advanced-intermediate French proficiency.
Quebec Skilled Worker
This does not require a job offer and French language proficiency. This is very similar to Express Entry, meaning it operates on a point basis. You must first meet the score requirements on the QSW points grid to submit an Arrima profile. Quebec conducts regular selection rounds to invite the top-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residency.
4. Sponsorship
When your relatives become permanent residents of Canada, they gain the right to live, study, and work there. If you are at least 18 years old and meet the necessary conditions of the Sponsorship Application, you can sponsor relatives, including parents, spouses, and children, to join you in Canada.
Want to know more about PR and the Permanent Resident Card? Call us today at 416-447-6118.
Types Of Canada Visa And Fees (August 2024 – fees may be subject to change)
| Visa Types | Fees | |
| Canadian Visa Categories | Temporary Visa | Depends on Program |
| Study Visa | 150 CAD | |
| Visitor Visa | 100 CAD | |
| Canada Investor Visa | Varies Based on Program | |
| Permanent Residence (PR) | Express Entry | 2,300 CAD for a single applicant and about 4,500 CAD for a couple. |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Varies Based on the Province | |
| Quebec Immigration | Varies Based on Program | |
| Sponsorship | Varies Based on Relationship and Program | |
*Please note: These fees are subject to change. Always check the official Government of Canada website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Conclusion:
From temporary visits to building a new life, Canada offers a world of possibilities. With a diverse range of visa options available, including opportunities for entrepreneurs through the Canada business visa types, there’s a pathway to Canada for everyone. Understanding your goals and exploring the different visa categories is the first step to your Canadian journey.
To make this journey seamless, contact us today at 416-447-6118.
FAQs
How many types of visas are there in Canada?
There are numerous visa types in Canada, categorized primarily as permanent and temporary residence visas.
Which type of Canada visa is easy to get?
The ease of obtaining a Canadian visa depends on individual circumstances. Generally, visitor visas are relatively accessible, but approval is not guaranteed.
What is the longest visa in Canada?
Permanent residency is the longest visa status in Canada, allowing individuals to live and work indefinitely.
Who can sponsor me in Canada?
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members for immigration to Canada.
