Getting a Canada visa
Country profile
Situated in the continent of North America, Canada is the world’s second largest country by surface area. It has started becoming a strong economic powerhouse despite having a relatively low population density. The government of Canada runs in accordance with the tenets of the British Parliament and is a democratic country. The primary languages spoken here are English and French. Canada is strong in terms of trade exports (energy, agriculture, minerals) and the service sector.
Why is Canada visa needed?
Visitors who are planning to go on a trip, visit their families or attend business meetings in Canada are required to have a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). Individuals who are not citizens of Canada or have not permanently resided in Canada will need a Visa to enter the country. There is a list of countries issued by the Canadian government that consists of countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Canada. However, if your country is not on the list, you will require a TRV. If your country falls under the list of Visa-exempt countries, you can get an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) on arrival.
Eligibility criteria for visa in Canada
| Criteria for Eligibility |
Federal Skilled Workers Program |
Federal Skilled Trades |
Provincial Nominee Program |
| Work Experience |
1-year full time/part-time experience in skill types 0, A and B |
1-year continuous experience in skill type B |
Variable and dependent on the target province |
| Language |
Robust skills in either English or French (CLB 7) |
Robust Skills in either English or French (CLB 5 for listening and CLB 4 for reading as well as writing) |
While strong skills in either English or French are required, the level of expertise differs based on the host country |
| Level of Education |
Secondary education Mandatory, Post-Secondary education ideal for scoring more points |
Not mandatory |
Relies on the selected province |
| Job Offer Letter |
Not mandatory but ideal for higher points |
Offer of full-time employment for at least a year |
Depends on the province selected |
Canada visa application process
Canada is a land of opportunities and growth, and at the same time, is a haven for people wanting to spend their lives in peace with their families. If you are among the many who wish to go to Canada, it is important to know the types of visas available according to their main types:
How to apply for Canada visa?
There are different types of visas which follow slightly different processes, so let's look at all the types of Canada visa processes one by one:
How to apply for a temporary work visa in Canada?
To get a temporary work visa in Canada, the first step is to receive a job offer from a company in Canada, which can make you eligible for a work permit and visa. The next step is to acquire a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LIMA) certificate, which has to be applied for and secured by your employer. After you have secured the LIMA certificate, you can apply for a work permit online on their website to fill out the necessary forms. Post the submission of your forms, you also have to submit a medical assessment to get the necessary approval. The last step is to attend the interview with the consulate agents at the appointed time, after which you have to wait for the request to get processed. After the necessary approval has been obtained, you can travel to Canada.
How to apply for Canada tourist visa?
If you are an Indian citizen, you will require a temporary visitor visa to travel to Canada. There are two ways you can do that:
- Online- The first step towards an online visa application is to create an account at the official website of the government of Canada. You will have to sign in using an online banking account, which will provide you with a GCKey. A GCKey allows you to access the online application services on the website. However, to complete the application process, you are required to complete your biometric at a local visa application centre.
- Offline- You can download the application package which is an assortment of forms you are required to fill out. After checking out the appropriate payment channels, you can select a preferable one to pay the visa application fees. After the required forms have been filled out, you can apply to a local visa application centre (VAC).The last step before you receive the final approval is to give a biometric test. The status of your application can be tracked online.
How to apply for a permanent work visa in Canada?
You can get a permanent work visa through approval of criteria of any of the 4 types of immigration programs:
- Federal skilled worker program
- Federal skilled trades program
- Canadian experience class
- Provincial nominee program
According to the new rules established in 2015, you can immigrate to Canada for work through the express entry system. While the earlier system followed a first-come-first-serve basis, the new system relies on multiple factors that determine the eligibility of the candidate for the citizenship. The express entry system helps people immigrate to Canada by reducing processing time to 6 months or even less in some scenarios.
For applying through express entry system, an individual must create an express entry profile at the online portal which requires an input of details like work experience, language proficiency, educational qualification, major skills, etc. if you have not received a job approval beforehand, you can apply for one at Job by registering at the Job Bank.
After you enter your details, you are ranked based on factors like work experience, language test scores, educational qualification and skills that are determinants of a successful future in Canada. After you have submitted your profile, you are among the pool of candidates that are in consideration for Invitation to Apply (ITA). This process can be accelerated if you have a job offer from a Canadian firm, a nomination from a Canadian province, or are high ranking in areas of skill. This profile is valid for 1 year and can be edited whenever you add something that contributes to the profile.
Canada visa eligibility
Visa categories like tourist visas, student permits, and temporary work permits do not have an extensive eligibility criterion and merely require a required level of funds, clean record, good health, and a letter of acknowledgement in case of student and work permits. However, for immigration to Canada, there are different eligibility criteria for different programs.
Eligibility for federal skilled worker program:
- Required level of language ability (test scores)
- Skilled work experience
- Educational qualification
Following these criteria, candidates are approved basis:
- Age
- Work experience
- A job offer from a Canadian firm
- Adaptability
If you score 67 points or above on a 100-point scale which considers these points, you have a high chance of approval for this visa
Eligibility for federal skilled trades program:
- Proficiency in language ability considering areas of listening, reading, speaking, writing in either English/French
- Work experience in either industrial trades, maintenance, technical job handling natural resources, manufacturing operations, cooking, butchering or baking.
After you submit your profile, it depends on which province in Canada has what sort of demand considering different skill trades.
How to check status of Canada visa?
The online portal for Canadian visa services allows you to create an account for conducting the entire visa procedure online. Through the profile created for visa submission, you can check the status of your visa and also get an insight regarding the processing time for each type of visa.
Canada visa requirements
A well-informed traveller is a safe traveller. While this can apply to any trip, foreign travel is something that requires meticulous planning for the stay, food, activities, your itinerary and the documentation. It is a healthy practice for everyone to check their passport and apply for the necessary application visa before leaving the country, because it may take some time for them to process your application.
Types of visas for Canada
For going to Canada, the primary types of visa are divided on the basis of:
For travellers, students and temporary workers, these are the relevant types of visas:
Temporary resident visa
For both traveling and studying in Canada, you may need a temporary visitor visa, which will allow you to stay in Canada for 6 months. If you are in a visa-exempt country, you are viable to take an Electronic Travel Authorization, but if you are traveling from India, you have to apply for a temporary resident visa.
Temporary work permit
A temporary work permit is similar to a temporary resident visa, except the condition that you need additional documents and the process is different. If you have already received a job offer, your employer is required to submit a Labour Market Impact Assessment, and you need to apply for a work permit.
For those willing to move to Canada, these are the relevant types of visas:
Federal skilled trades program
This visa is applicable for individuals trained in skilled trades like mechanics, carpentry, machinery operating, plumbing, welding, etc.
Federal skilled worker program
This visa is provided after evaluation of age, education, work experience and language abilities. It connects individuals to available jobs in different provinces within Canada. Express Entry is available for this type of visa, under which candidates are ranked on a 100-point scale
Family sponsorship visa
For Canadian citizens and permanent residents whose parents are living outside Canada, this program allows you to sponsor your spouse/dependent children to come and live with you in Canada.
Documents required for canada visa
Canada tourist visa requirements
If you wish to travel to Canada, you have to apply for a Temporary Resident Permit. If you are applying online, you need to fill out the questionnaire to assess eligibility and the type of documents you would require. While some document requirements are subject to change, here's a list of documents normally required for your Canadian Tourist Visa application:
- Passport
- Proof of financial support
- Proof of medical examination
- Digital copy of your photo
- A letter describing your purpose of travel
- Family information form
During the submission of your documents, you are also required to pay 100 Canadian dollars as application fees for your visitor visa. You can pay these fees online by using a credit/debit card.
If you have a minor traveling with you, you should have the following documents in your person:
- The minor’s passport
- Copy of minor’s birth certificate
- Letter of authorization (signed by the parent not accompanying if that is the case)
- Details of address and telephone number of parents
- True-copy of parent’s passport
If a minor is traveling to Canada alone, he/she needs to have the following documents:
- Passport of minor
- Copy of birth certificate
- Letter of authorization from parents
- Information regarding telephone no. and address
- Copy of parents’ signed passport
- Canada visa eligibility
To be eligible, the criteria for attaining a visa is simple
- You should be in good health (a relevant medical test report)
- You should not have a criminal record
- You must clearly define your purpose and desired duration of visit
How can I submit my visa application?
There are two ways to submit your application:
- Online: You can access the online portal for a Canada visa and apply for any type of visa online. It is one of the easiest options as it allows you to fill all the required forms accurately and also enables online payment
- Offline: You can visit your nearest visa application centre (VAC) and submit your application forms there with the required photocopies of the documents.
Do I need to go through a biometric test for my visa?
If you are applying after December 31, 2018, you will need to go through a biometric test and attest the results with the submission.
Canada tourist visa
Snowy landscapes to heart-warming seascapes, Canada has something in store for every traveller. Owing to its scenic beauty and rich ecosystem, many travellers have been eyeing Canada as their destination of the year. If you are also planning a trip to Canada, it is important to get an in-depth insight into Canada Tourist Visa Requirements before you start packing your bags.
What is Canada tourist visa?
If someone wants to visit Canada for traveling, or visit their loved ones/relatives, they require a visitor visa to do so. It is a permit that allows a citizen of any country to travel within Canadian borders for a certain amount of time. It is also referred to as a ‘temporary resident visa’ and depending on your country of origin, you may either require an Electric Travel Authorization (eTA) or a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). However, Indian citizens in this case require a Temporary Resident Visa.
What is super visa?
There is also a special category of Tourist Visa called Super Visa, which allows the applicant multiple entries in Canada for two years and can avail these benefits for ten years. To be eligible for a super visa, the applicant should be a parent or grandparent of Canadian citizens or individuals who have obtained a permanent residency.
Duration of Canada tourist visa
The permitted duration of stay in Canada after obtaining a temporary resident visa is of 6 months. In this duration of 6 months, you can also take up a learning course without having to apply for a separate study permit.
Eligibility criteria for Canada tourist visa
While requesting fora Temporary Resident Permit, you might be asked certain questions which are generally about the following factors:
- Nationality
- Age
- Language abilities
- Family members
- Level of education
- Amount of work experience
- Income
- Purpose of visit
- Province where the most time you are going to spend
Application Process for Canada Tourist Visa
There are two ways to apply for a visitor visa:
Through this method, you can create a profile on the online portal and process your payment on the same site. You will require a debit/credit card to do so. The benefit of applying online is that your details will be filled accurately without leaving out any required piece of information.
To apply for a visitor visa online, you have to download the application package from their website, which is a set of forms you are required to fill out. Even if you are applying offline, your payment has to be made online and you have to include the receipt of your payment within your application. Furthermore, when you apply offline, you have to submit your application at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC), while also paying the VAC service charges. If you are applying with your family, all of your applications should be provided together.
Note: If you are visiting Canada after December 31, 2018, you will need to opt for a biometric test and submit your report whenever you apply for any kind of visa.
Documents required for Canada tourist visa
To apply for Temporary Resident Visa, you will be required to fill out these forms:
- Temporary resident visa application form
- Family Information form
Documents to be submitted with these forms:
- Receipt of fee payment
- Passport photocopy
- Two copies of the photo
- Proof of financial status
- Marriage certificate photocopy (if applicable)
- Document disclosing the purpose of travel
Note: For all of the document photocopies above, you will be required to submit certified true copies of the original document, by a legally enabled notary.
Where to apply for Canada tourist visa?
You can either apply online on the official website of Canada immigration or you can fill out your application forms offline and visit your nearest Visa Application Centre.
How to track status of Canada tourist visa?
The online portal of the website can be used to track the application status of your application for a temporary resident permit.
Types of visas for Canada
Basic types of Canada visa
If you are just visiting Canada temporarily, these are the visas that are available for you-
Visitor visa: This type of visa is mainly for travellers who are willing to take a trip or visit their friends and family in Canada. According to the conditions prescribed by this type of visa, you can stay in Canada for 6 months. Also, you are granted a visit under the pretence that you are in a good financial condition and you are not in Canada to work or study.
Student visa: This type of visa is similar to a visitor visa, with the additional features of a student permit which allow the student to stay till the end of the course period. However, it is required that you are enrolled in a designated learning institute within Canada.
Temporary work visa: For individuals who have received an opportunity to work in Canada, the government offers to provide a temporary work visa, which is similar to a temporary resident visa with the additional features of a work permit.
If you are willing to live in Canada permanently, these are the eligible visa options for you-
Federal skilled trade/worker program: Both of these programs are for different types of work but allow permanent residency. While the skilled trades program requires you to be proficient in a skilled trade among the list of skills listed, the skilled worker program is provided for people in service of occupations that are in demand in Canada.
Canadian experience class: This visa is provided to people who are on a temporary visa on a study/work permit and have settled within Canada on account of job opportunities.
Canada visa fees
Every country requires visitors and immigrants to pay a certain amount for a visa, and while you might think about it as an entrance fee, it is much more than that. It is required to update records, perform background checks and produce security features on the visa labels to prevent fraud and illegal immigration.
It is very important to keep track of people going in and out of the country keeping in mind the concerns of security. On the other hand, some countries charge for visas based on reciprocity i.e. if the USA charges a high amount for visa procedures to French citizens, France would also accordingly charge a high amount to visitors from the USA. Furthermore, some countries also require biometric identity creation prior to entry, for which the visitors have to incur a certain amount. The amount you end up paying for a visa depends on all of these factors.
It is critical to know about these charges before planning your trip so you can plan your traveling budget accordingly. Whether you are planning to go to Canada for business or pleasure, here’s a quick guide to the types of visas that Canada offers and the charges for the related procedures: