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Canada is a nation positioned well above the United States on the North American continent. It is recognised as a highly industrialised economy.
In the last few years, the desire for individuals to fly to Canada has gradually grown. In 2024 alone, Canadian immigration authorities processed 844,600 study permit applications and 1,301,000 work permit applications.
However, people interested in visiting the country have several doubts regarding the process of applying for a Canadian visa.
Dive deeper into this article to understand in detail how to obtain a Canadian visa.
What Is a Canadian Visa?
A visa from Canada is a stamp on your passport that enables you to enter Canada. It is a permit allowing you to fly to the nation and stay temporarily or permanently legally.
Having a visa to Canada indicates that the Canadian Consulate or Embassy has determined you are qualified.
However, it is up to the officers at the border to determine if you are fit to enter the country.
Types of Canadian Visas
Depending on the purpose of the visit, Canada has diverse visa alternatives. Carefully learning about the type of visa you require is essential for smooth application processing.
Here are the major classes of Canadian visas:
Visitor Visa
It allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for short periods of time for purposes such as business or visiting family. It is typically granted for up to six months.
Tourist Visa
It is for people who want to visit Canada to experience its beautiful landscape, cultural places, and dynamic cities.
It prohibits work or study but allows travellers to move around within the country.
Study Permit
A Canadian study permit is required for international students enrolling in educational institutions in Canada.
While it is not a visa itself, it is often issued alongside a Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), allowing students to enter and remain in Canada for the duration of their studies.
Work Permit
A Work Permit grants foreign nationals the legal right to work in Canada for a specific employer or under an open work arrangement.
It can be employer-specific or open, depending on the conditions of the job offer and the applicant’s qualifications.
Transit Visa
A transit visa is required for travellers passing through Canada on their way to another destination.
It is typically valid for a short duration and does not permit entry beyond the designated transit area.
Permanent Visa
A Permanent Visa is granted to individuals seeking to settle in Canada permanently.
This includes immigration pathways such as Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programmes (PNPs), and family sponsorship.
Holding a Permanent Resident (PR) status provides numerous benefits, including access to healthcare, social services, and a pathway to Canadian citizenship.
Duration of Different Types of Canadian Visas
The validity period of a Canadian visa depends on the type of visa issued.
Below is an overview of the duration for various Canadian visa categories:
| Type of Canadian Visa | Validity |
| Visitor Visa | Up to six months |
| Work Permit | Matches the duration of the employment contract with a Canadian organisation |
| Study Permit | Duration of the study programme plus an additional 90 days |
| Transit Visa | Up to 48 hours |
| Permanent Visa | One year or five years, as stated on the Permanent Resident Card (renewable) |
How to Apply for a Canadian Visa?
Most travellers, except those with diplomatic privileges or specific visa exemptions, must obtain a pre-approved Canadian visa before entering the country.
To apply, follow these steps:
1. Determine the Type of Visa: Identify the appropriate visa for your travel purposes, such as a Tourist Visa, Study Permit, or Work Permit.
2. Check Your Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the requirements for entry into Canada.
3. Review Travel Requirements: Verify that you have all necessary documents, including those related to any current travel restrictions.
4. Apply Online: Create an account on the official website of the Canadian Immigration Services and submit your application.
5. Upload Required Documents: Provide all necessary documentation for your visa application.
6. Complete the Application & Payment: Fill in the visa application form and pay the applicable visa fee.
7. Schedule an Appointment: Book an interview at a Canadian Visa Application Centre for biometric submission and verification.
8. Await Processing: The processing time varies depending on the type of visa. It is advisable to apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Eligibility Criteria for a Canadian Visa
To apply for a Canadian visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Hold a valid passport.
2. Be in good health, with no serious medical conditions.
3. Have no criminal record or history of immigration violations.
4. Provide proof of intent to leave Canada before the visa expires.
5. Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support their stay.
6. Provide medical examination results and, if applicable, an invitation letter from a Canadian resident.
Documents Required for a Canadian Visa Application
When applying for a Canadian visa, you must submit the following documents:
1. A valid passport.
2. Acceptable proof of identity.
3. Recent passport-sized photographs.
4. Form IMM 5476 (Use of a Representative) if applying through a family member or third party.
5. Form IMM 5645 (Family Information).
6. Specific documents for minors travelling to Canada, such as custody or adoption papers and parental consent (if applicable).
7. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination (if required).
8. A negative COVID-19 test result (if applicable).
Points to Note:
- All initial documents must be submitted online through the official Canadian immigration portal.
- The Canadian Embassy will send an email requesting biometric submission. The application will only be processed after biometrics have been provided.
- Once biometrics are submitted, the embassy will review the application, and the decision will be communicated via the registered email ID.
- If the visa is approved, the applicant must submit their passport to a VFS centre within 30 days of receiving the approval email.
- Applications may be rejected if uploaded documents and photographs are unclear or do not meet the specified guidelines.
- The Embassy reserves the right to request further documents at any stage of the application process.
Canadian Visa Processing Time
The Canadian visa processing time can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa being applied for and the applicant’s individual circumstances.
On average, the processing times are as follows:
| Type of Visa | Processing Time |
| Visitor Visa | 20 to 30 days |
| Study Permit | 8 to 12 weeks |
| Work Permit | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Transit Visa | 10 to 15 days |
| Permanent Resident Visa | 6 to 12 months |
It is important to keep in mind that processing times are not guaranteed and can vary depending on the volume of applications, the complexity of the case, or additional documentation requests.
To avoid delays, applicants should ensure that they submit complete and accurate documentation at the time of application.Â
Applicants should apply well in advance of their intended travel date to account for any unforeseen processing delays.
Tips to Remember While Applying for a Canadian Visa
Applying for a Canadian visa can be a detailed process, and ensuring that every step is followed correctly can increase your chances of approval.
To make the process smoother, here are some essential tips to keep in mind while preparing your application:
1. Apply Early: Always apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow ample time for processing and any unforeseen delays. Ideally, apply at least 2-3 months before your planned departure.
2. Ensure Document Accuracy: Double-check that all your documents are accurate, complete, and in the required format. Incomplete or incorrect submissions can lead to delays or even rejection of your application.
3. Follow Photo Specifications: Pay close attention to the photograph guidelines provided by the Canadian immigration authorities. Non-compliant photos can lead to your application being rejected.
4. Keep Track of Deadlines: Be mindful of deadlines, such as submitting your passport to the visa application centre within 30 days of receiving your approval email. Missing deadlines can affect your visa status.
5. Be Honest in Your Application: Provide truthful and transparent information in your visa application. Misrepresentation can lead to denial and potentially a ban on future applications.
6. Stay Updated on Travel Restrictions: Check for any updated travel restrictions or entry requirements, particularly regarding health measures like COVID-19, to ensure you meet all necessary conditions before applying.
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FAQs
1. What documents do I need to apply for a Canadian visa?
You will need a valid passport, proof of identity, recent passport-sized photographs, proof of financial stability, and any additional documents specific to the type of visa you’re applying for (e.g., acceptance letter for study permits, job offer for work permits).
2. Can I apply for a Canadian visa online?
Yes, you can apply for most types of Canadian visas online by creating an account on the official Canadian Immigration Services website. You will need to upload the required documents and complete the application form.
3. Do I need to provide biometrics for a Canadian visa?
Yes, after submitting your application, you will receive an email from the Canadian Embassy requesting biometric information. This is part of the processing procedure and must be completed before your application is reviewed.
4. What happens if my Canadian visa application is rejected?
If your visa application is rejected, you will receive an explanation of the reasons behind the refusal. You can reapply after addressing the issues, or you may appeal the decision if applicable.
5. Can I extend my Canadian visa once it expires?
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay in Canada by applying for a visa extension before your current visa expires. Ensure you apply well in advance and provide the necessary documents to demonstrate your continued eligibility, such as proof of finances and the reason for your extended stay.
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