Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for travel, work and study. To enter the country, you need to obtain a Canadian visa. And types of visas in There are quite a lot of them — you can choose them for your correct query.
It is the visa that allows you to legally stay in the country. The difficulties of obtaining it directly depend on the purpose of the trip. As a rule, it is relatively easy to obtain a tourist visa. In addition to the basic documents, it is enough to prove financial self-sufficiency, provide a travel plan and accommodation reservation.
The most difficult to obtain an immigration visa is in Canada. It requires a high level of education and qualifications, as well as significant work experience in high-demand areas. Candidates must also be proficient in either English or French at a high level. And the process itself can take a year or even more.
Visa to Canada is also the first step towards obtaining residency. After all, the main thing that a Canadian visa gives is the opportunity to apply for citizenship after several years of residence in Canada on an immigration visa. In this article, we will analyze in detail how to get a visa to Canada and what documents will be needed for this.
Do I need a visa to Canada for Ukrainians, Russians and Belarusians
At the moment, the visa is in Canada is mandatory for Ukrainians. Earlier, the state initiated the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program, according to which any Ukrainian could apply for a free temporary resident visa. She allowed me to stay in Canada is up to three years old with the possibility of obtaining an open work visa.
However, the deadline for applying for this program expired on July 15, 2023, and the last day of entry for a CUAET Canadian visa was March 31, 2024. Now a Canadian visa for Ukrainians is issued in the same way as for other foreigners.
Visa to Canada for Russians is issued on a general basis. To enter the country, you must open a visa in advance. The process begins with filling out a questionnaire, providing biometric data and paying the appropriate fees. You also need to meet the general requirements:
- Have a valid passport.
- To prove the absence of infectious and dangerous diseases based on the results of a medical examination.
- Have no criminal record or immigration violations.
- Convince the immigration officer that he has ties to his native country and intends to leave Canada at the end of the visit.
- Have sufficient financial resources to stay in Canada.
Visa to Canada for Belarusians is also issued on general terms with one nuance: you need to personally visit the visa center in Warsaw to undergo the procedure for submitting biometric data, because there are no such centers in Belarus.
Some citizens can visit Canada without a visa, for example, citizens of the European Union (except Bulgaria and Romania), Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and other countries. A complete list of them can be found on the official website of the Government of Canada.
If citizens of these countries want to enter Canada by air, they can obtain an electronic travel permit (eTA). It is also available for permanent residents of the United States who enter Canada by air or transit through a Canadian airport. However, there are some exceptions in which such permission is not available:
- Persons with a valid Canadian visa or a status in Canada (tourist, student, worker) returning after visiting the USA or Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
- French citizens living in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, flying directly from these places.
- Foreign citizens traveling to the United States or arriving from the States on a flight that stops at Canada for refueling, if they have a permit from the USA.
- Foreign citizens, passengers of flights that landed unplanned or urgently in Canada.
- Foreign citizens transiting through a Canadian airport under the “Visa-free Transit” or “Chinese Transit” program.
- Flight personnel, civil aviation inspectors, accident investigators working during their stay in Canada.
- Military personnel of the armed forces of the countries specified in the Law on Invited Forces arriving to perform official duties.
- Diplomats accredited by the Government of Canada.
The eTA application is completed online and requires the entry of personal data such as passport information, contact details and answers to several health and safety questions. A small fee of 7 Canadian dollars ($5) is charged for applying for an eTA. And the eTA permit itself is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Documents for obtaining a Canadian visa
To apply for a visa in Canada, it is necessary to provide general documents and specific for a specific type of visa. For example, for a tourist visa, you will need a confirmation of the reservation of accommodation, proof of kinship for a family and a letter of admission for a student. The list of common documents includes:
- A completed application form for the required type of visa.
- The forms can be found on the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- A passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended entry into Canada. You must also provide copies of all passport pages, including pages with visas and stamps.
- Two photos that meet the requirements for photo documents.
- An invitation letter from a person or company in A letter confirming the purpose of the visit (optional).
- Evidence of financial viability. These may be bank statements for the last 6 months, job certificates indicating salary or other documents.
- Confirmation of the purpose of the trip using the hotel reservation document, travel itinerary. Return tickets, registration for events, etc. are also suitable.
- A medical examination may be required depending on the type of visa and the length of stay.
- A receipt for payment of the visa fee.
Photo requirements for documents
Photo requirements for a visa to Canada is regulated, down to posture and facial expressions. To apply for a visa, you must provide two photos that meet the following requirements:
- The size is 35 mm x 45 mm (1.37 inches x 1.77 inches).
- A uniform white or light background.
- Photos should be clear and without shadows.
- The face should occupy 31-36 mm (1.22–1.41 inches) from chin to crown.
- A neutral facial expression, mouth closed, eyes open and looking directly into the camera.
- Glasses are allowed only if they do not cover the eyes and do not create glare. Headgear is allowed only for religious reasons and should not cover the face.
- The photo must be taken no more than 6 months before the application is submitted.
Examples of photographs showing the correct volume occupied by the face and facial expression can be found on the official website of the migration service.
Types of visas in Canada
Visas can be divided into two main categories: immigration and nonimmigrant. Immigration visas, such as the Permanent Resident Visa, are intended for those who plan to move to Canada for permanent residence. Nonimmigrant visas, such as the Temporary Resident Visa, are issued for temporary stay in the country. There are general documents for each type of visa and specific ones for each type. Common documents for a Canadian visa include photographs, a document confirming payment of the necessary fees and a completed application form.
Types of visas in Canada:
Visa category | Visa Description |
---|---|
B—1 | Business Visitor allows you to participate in various business events, meetings and negotiations. |
C—1 | A Courtesy Visa is provided to foreign diplomats and consular officials who do not have access to a diplomatic visa. |
D—1 | The Diplomat Visa is issued to foreign diplomats. |
IM—1 | Immigrant Visa (single-entry visa for PR) is a visa for those who have received permanent resident status to enter Canada. |
0–1 | An Official Visa is issued for the entry into Canada of officials who come to perform official duties. |
P A—1 | The Permit Holder is intended for temporary entry to Canada for work, study or other temporary activities. |
PAX—1 | The National Interest TRP is issued to foreign nationals whose presence in the country is considered important to Canada’s national interests. |
PC—1 | The Permit Holder with Valid TRP is assigned to persons who have been granted a temporary permit to stay in Canada, and which have a valid TRP. |
PG—1 | Parents or Grandparents Super Visa — parents, grandparents of citizens who want to visit their children or grandchildren in Canada. |
R—1 | Passed-Residency Obligation is assigned to permanent residents of Canada who have successfully fulfilled their residency obligations. |
RA—1 | Presence at Appeal is assigned to persons who participate in the appeal process in Canada, confirming their presence at the hearing of the appeal in the immigration case. |
RC—1 | Passed H&C — PR Travel Document is issued to permanent residents of Canada who have successfully passed the review process on humanitarian and Compassionate grounds (H&C) and need confirmation of their status to return to Canada. |
S—1 | It is awarded to international students who have been admitted to an accredited educational institution in Canada and received a Study Permit. |
SW—1 | It is assigned to international students who, in addition to studying, have the right to work in Canada on the basis of a Work Permit issued to them. |
SX—1 | It is assigned to international students who do not need to obtain a Study Permit to study in Canada. |
V—1 | Visa to Canada v1 is issued to foreign citizens who come to the country for the purpose of its temporary visit. |
VH—1 | It is issued for transit through Canada with the right to stay in the country for a period of 48 hours. |
W—1 | The w1 (Canada) visa is issued to foreign citizens who have received a work Permit in the state. |
WX—1 | Work visa in Canada is issued to foreign citizens who are exempt from the need to obtain a work permit in Canada. Canada. |
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) allows you to stay in Canada for tourism, study or work. It is issued to persons who are planning a temporary stay in They can prove that they have the intention to return to their country at the end of the visa validity period. She needs:
1. A valid passport with a sufficient validity period (usually at least six months after the planned date of entry into Canada).
2. Forms and questionnaires:
- A completed application form for a temporary resident visa (Form IMM 5257).
- A form for providing family information (Form IMM 5645 or IMM 5707).
- Additional travel information (if required, Form IMM 5562).
3. Two photos that meet the requirements for a visa.
4. Receipt of payment of the consular fee for consideration of the application.
5. Proof of financial viability with the help of:
- Bank statements for the last few months.
- Letters from the employer indicating income.
- Letters from the sponsor (if applicable) confirming sponsorship and proof of financial viability of the sponsor.
- Proof of ownership of the property (if applicable).
6. A letter from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident inviting the applicant to Canada, indicating the purpose of the visit, the place of stay and confirmation of responsibility for expenses (if applicable).
7. A detailed travel plan, including dates of entry and exit, places of residence and routes of travel around the country (tourist visa to Canada).
8. Employment documents (for work). A letter from the employer confirming the applicant’s employment, position and duration of work.
9. Marriage certificates, birth certificates and other documents confirming family ties in the native country.
10. The results of a medical examination conducted by an accredited doctor (if the applicant is planning a long stay or if this is required for specific countries).
It is important to note that TRV is a general term that covers several types of visas for temporary stay in Canada. They are intended for those who are not permanent residents or citizens of Canada and want to visit the country temporarily for various reasons.
The most common subtypes include a Visitor Visa to enter Canada as a tourist, to visit friends or relatives, or for short-term business trips. TRV also includes Student Visa, Work Permit and Super Visa.
Supervision for relatives (Super Visa, SV)
A supervisor is a sponsorship visa in Canada for relatives of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. It allows holders to enter the country multiple times during its validity period (up to 10 years). At the same time, the duration of continuous stay in the country during one visit should not exceed two years, while for TRV this period is 6 months. Criteria for obtaining a super visa in Canada consists of the following:
- The applicant must be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- The Canadian sponsor must provide a letter confirming the financial support of the applicant during his stay in Canada.
- The applicant must have valid health insurance from a Canadian company in the amount of at least 100,000 Canadian dollars ($72,763), and valid for at least one year.
- The sponsor must prove that his income meets the minimum level set by the Canadian government (Low Income Cut-Off, LICO).
- The applicant must undergo a medical examination by an accredited doctor.
To obtain a parental visa in Canada needs the following documents:
- A valid passport with a sufficient validity period (usually at least six months after the planned date of entry into Canada).
- A completed application form for a temporary resident visa (Form IMM 5257). And a form for providing family information (Form IMM 5645 or IMM 5707).
- Two photos that meet the requirements for a visa.
- Receipt of payment of the consular fee for consideration of the application.
- Delivery of biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at the visa application center (VAC) and a receipt for payment of the biometric fee.
- A letter confirming financial support and the intention to invite the applicant to Canada. And also, documents proving the financial viability of the sponsor.
- Proof of valid Canadian company health insurance in the amount of at least 100,000 Canadian dollars ($72,763), covering at least one year.
- The results of a medical examination conducted by an accredited doctor (if required).
A super visa is often issued under the Family Sponsorship program. This is one of the most common family reunification programs in Canada. Under this program, Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their loved ones to obtain a family visa to Canada.
Transit Visa (Transit Visa, TV)
Transit visa to Canada allows you to cross the territory of the country for transit purposes, that is, when traveling to a third country. For example, in the case of a transfer to Canada during the flight. A transit visa allows you to stay in In Canada, no more than 48 hours and the applicant must have tickets with an assigned departure date within this time. As well as confirmation of the route of the trip, including tickets and visas for the final destination.
Documents for obtaining a transit visa:
- A valid passport with a sufficient validity period.
- Confirmed tickets for the next flight through Canada and documents confirming the destination of the route.
- Visa for the final destination country (if required).
- Completed Transit visa application form (Form IMM 5257).
- Two photos of 35×45 mm.
- A document confirming the submission of biometric data (fingerprints and photo) and payment of the biometrics fee.
Business Visa (BV)
Business visa to Canada allows entrepreneurs to enter the country to conduct business or negotiate. Participants of conferences and international exhibitions are also subject to the visa. Business Visa applicants in Canada must be presented:
- A valid passport with a sufficient validity period.
- Invitation letters from Canadian organizations, registration at business events and other confirmations of business goals.
- Bank statements, proof of income, letters from sponsors (if applicable).
- Evidence of ties to the native country. Employment contracts, real estate documents, marriage certificates and other evidence.
- A completed application form for a temporary resident visa (Form IMM 5257).
Student Visa (Study Permit, SP)
Student visa in Canada is provided to international students to study at local educational institutions. It is issued for the duration of the training and can be extended if necessary. The applicant must enroll in an accredited (DLI) Canadian educational institution and provide a letter of admission as proof.
Main documents:
- A valid international passport.
- A letter of admission from a recognized educational institution (DLI).
- Financial documents confirming sufficient funds for living and studying in Canada.
- Certificates of non-conviction from countries where the applicant lived for more than six months after reaching the age of 18.
- The results of a medical examination conducted by an accredited doctor (if required).
- Completed Student Visa Application Form (IMM 1294).
- Two photos that meet the requirements for a visa.
- A document on the delivery and payment of biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
The first step is to select a recognized educational institution (DLI) and receive a letter of admission. After that, you need to fill out the application form IMM 1294 (study visa to Canada) and pay the consular fee for reviewing the application. The application is submitted online through the MyCIC system or in paper form at the nearest visa application center (VAC). If approved, the applicant receives a letter with a positive response, and upon arrival at He is granted a study permit in Canada.
Work Permit (WP)
A Canadian work visa is issued to individuals who have received a job offer from a local employer and meet the requirements of the program. Also a work visa in Canada can be provided through international agreements (for example, NAFTA), programs for young professionals and programs for internal candidates, such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit for graduates of Canadian educational institutions. In order to obtain a work visa to Canada, you need:
A valid international passport.
- An invitation letter from a Canadian employer with a job offer.
- A contract or contract with an employer containing detailed information about the job offered, including job responsibilities, salary, working conditions and term of employment.
- LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) on the assessment of the impact on the labor market (if required). An LMIA is a document that an employer must obtain to confirm that hiring a foreign employee will not negatively affect the Canadian labor market.
- Proof of qualifications and experience, including copies of diplomas, certificates and certificates.
- Documents confirming that the applicant has sufficient funds to support himself and his dependents during his stay in Canada.
- Medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Canada, and the results of a medical examination.
- Completed application form for a work visa (IMM 1295).
Guest Visa (Visitor Visa, VV)
Guest visa in Canada (Visitor Visa) is one of the subtypes of the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) and allows foreign citizens to temporarily enter Canada for the purpose of tourism, visiting friends or relatives, as well as to participate in short-term events. The visa is usually issued for up to six months, but can be extended if necessary. Visitor visa in Canada is issued to persons who:
- They are planning a temporary stay in Canada (tourism, visits to relatives and friends, participation in short-term business events).
- They can prove that they have an intention to return to their country at the end of the visa validity period.
- Have sufficient funds to cover all expenses during their stay in Canada.
- They meet the requirements for health and safety.
To obtain a guest visa, you must provide the following documents:
- A valid international passport with at least one blank page for a visa.
- Completed visa application form (IMM 5257).
- Bank statements, income statements, letters from employers or sponsors confirming that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover the costs of his stay in Canada.
- A letter from relatives or friends in Canada, which states that they invite the applicant and can provide accommodation for the duration of the visit (guest visa in Canada by invitation).
- A detailed travel plan, including information about places of residence, route and date of return to your homeland.
- It is recommended to have medical insurance covering the entire period of stay in Canada.
- Payment of a visa fee of CAD $100 ($73) and a biometric fee of CAD $85 ($62), if applicable.
- In some cases, certificates of no criminal record and the results of a medical examination may be required.
Startup Visa (SUV)
Start-up Visa is an investment visa in Canada is for entrepreneurs who want to create a business and move to Canada for permanent residence. The program aims to attract talented entrepreneurs from around the world who could contribute to Canada’s economic development. Startup visa to Canada includes the following requirements:
- An innovative business idea. Businesses must be innovative and have the potential to create jobs for Canadians, as well as be globally competitive.
- Support from a Canadian organization. The applicant must receive support from one of the following designated organizations:
- Investments from venture funds in the amount of at least $200,000.
- Receiving a minimum of $75,000 from a designated group of business angels.
- Inclusion in the program of one of the accredited business incubators.
- Compliance with the share structure. Up to five people can apply for a startup visa (Canada). Each of them must own at least 10% of the voting shares, and jointly the applicants and the designated organization must own more than 50% of the voting shares.
- Language skills. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French at the CLB 5 (Canadian Language Benchmark) level in all four skills: reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension.
Permanent Residence Visa (PRV)
A Permanent Residence Visa allows individuals to permanently reside and work in Canada. Holders of this visa can enjoy most of the rights and privileges of Canadian citizens, with the exception of the right to vote and hold certain government positions. Canada offers several programs for obtaining permanent resident status:
- Express Entry is a system for managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers through three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
- Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate candidates who want to move to a specific region.
- Quebec-selected Skilled Worker for the province of Quebec, which has its own system for selecting qualified workers.
- Family Sponsorship allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their close relatives.
- Start-up Visa is for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Canada and create jobs.
To apply for permanent residence, you must meet the minimum requirements for the following criteria:
- Qualified work experience must correspond to one of the categories of the National Classification of Professions (NOC) and be obtained in the last 10 years.
- It is necessary to pass approved English or French language proficiency tests and achieve a minimum of four points in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
- The presence of a Canadian diploma or its equivalent, confirmed through an educational assessment (ECA).
Candidates must demonstrate that they have sufficient finances to support themselves and their family after moving to Canada. This requirement does not apply to those who already have a valid employment contract in Canada.
And all applicants must be eligible to enter Canada. This includes a lack of criminal records, serious medical problems and other factors that may prevent you from obtaining permanent resident status.
The application process:
Express Entry. Candidates create a profile in the Express Entry system and are included in the candidate pool. Highly rated candidates receive an invitation to apply for Permanent Residence (ITA).
Provincial nominations. You must first apply for a nomination from a province or territory, and then to the federal level for final approval.
Family sponsorship. The sponsor (a citizen or permanent resident of Canada) submits an application for sponsorship, after which the sponsored person submits an application for permanent residence.
Visa to Canada for a child
Visa to Canada for a Child allows minor children to enter and stay in Canada. This may be necessary for various purposes, such as studying, visiting relatives, or traveling with parents. It is given to children who meet the following criteria:
- Minor children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
- Minor children traveling to Canada for the purpose of studying.
- Minor children traveling with parents who have temporary or permanent status in Canada.
To obtain a visa to Canada for a child requires:
- A valid international passport of the child.
- Completed visa application form (IMM 5257). It must be signed by a parent or legal representative.
- A copy of the child’s birth certificate confirming the relationship with the parents.
- A letter of admission from an educational institution to Canada, if the child is going to study.
- An invitation letter from relatives or friends in Canada, if the purpose of the trip is a visit.
- Evidence of financial viability of parents or sponsors, such as bank statements, income statements, etc.
- A detailed travel plan, including information about accommodation and return to your homeland.
- Medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Canada.
- Notarized parental consent for the trip, if the child is traveling without them.
Depending on the age and country of origin of the child, it may be necessary to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photographs). As a rule, biometrics is given up from the age of 14. The same applies to passing a medical examination.
Online visa to Canada (Canada eTA)
Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an electronic Canadian visa for short—term travel such as tourism, business travel or transit. Canada eTA is required for citizens of visa-exempt countries who wish to enter Canada by air. It is important to note that an eTA is not required for traveling by land (car or bus) or by sea (for example, by cruise).
Required documents for an electronic visa to Canada:
- A valid international passport from a country exempt from visa requirements to enter Canada.
- Payment of the fee for processing an eTA application.
- A valid email address to which the eTA authorization will be sent.
The application process includes filling out an online form on the official website. The form must contain personal data, passport information and some questions about health and criminal record. Next, you need to pay the application processing fee using a credit or debit card.
In most cases, the decision on an eTA application is made within a few minutes. The applicant receives a notification to the specified email address. In rare cases, additional documents may be required, which may take several days.
The eTA is linked to the passport, so when you receive a new passport, you will need to submit a new eTA application. The permit is valid for up to five years or until the expiration of the passport, whichever comes first. The holder may enter Canada multiple times during the validity period, provided that each visit does not exceed six months.
The stages of obtaining a Canadian visa
To understand how to get a Canadian visa, let’s look at the general steps. The process of applying for a visa in Canada begins with choosing the type of visa and depends on the purpose of the visit: tourist, work or student. Each category has its own requirements and nuances. For example, for long-term visas at the biometrics stage, in addition to standard fingerprints and photographs, additional medical examinations may be required. It is also important to keep track of deadlines when submitting an application, as a delay in submitting documents may lead to refusal.
Apply for a visa in Canada can be sent directly to the consulate or online. In order to apply for a Canadian visa online, you need to register on the IRCC website and create an account; then fill out the visa application form (IMM 5257) and download all the necessary documents electronically. The last step is to pay the visa fee and wait for a response.
Required documents for applying for a visa:
- A valid passport.
- Photos that meet the requirements for a visa.
- Evidence of sufficient funds to stay in Canada.
- An invitation letter (if required).
- Transport documents: tickets or travel plans (for transit and tourist visas).
- Depending on the situation and the type of visa, additional documents may be required, such as proof of work or study, as well as information about family or planned events.
After submission, an email will be sent to the applicant indicating where and when to submit biometric data. This usually takes 30 days from the date of receipt of the letter.
During the examination of the application, the migration authorities may ask for additional documents or request an additional interview. After the review is completed, you will receive a notification of the decision on the application. If the visa is approved, the passport will be returned with the visa pasted on. In case of refusal, you will receive a letter from the migration officer explaining the reasons for this decision. If the information provided is incomplete, the application itself will be sent along with the letter.
The time frame for obtaining a visa in Canada
Visa processing begins with the preparation of documents. There are no specific deadlines here, since the collection process strongly depends on external factors and usually takes from 3 days to two weeks. The list of documents includes flight details, proof of residence, bank statements and forms corresponding to the type of visa.
The application can be submitted online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Canadian Citizenship) portal. You will need a good scanner or a high-resolution camera to download the necessary documents. Fees can also be paid online through the official website. From the moment the application is submitted, its official processing period begins, which includes these stages:
- Submission of biometric data. The applicant receives an invitation to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photos). The waiting time depends on the availability of the nearest visa application center and its workload.
- Consideration of the application. The application is checked for completeness and compliance with the requirements. This stage may include requests for additional documents, interviews, medical examinations, or criminal record certificates. Verification usually takes 15 to 30 business days.
- Decision making and notification. After completing all the checks, the applicant will be informed of the decision. If the application is approved, it is necessary to send a passport to insert a visa or visit a visa application center, which takes from 2 to 5 working days.
- Entry to Canada. You can enter Canada with a visa in your passport. Upon arrival, the Border guard officer will verify the identity of the applicant and make a final decision on the entry permit and the validity period of the visa. A stay of up to six months is usually allowed.
Otherwise, the average waiting time for applying for a visa in Canada is highly dependent on the type of visa and the country of origin of the applicant. On the official website, you can view the approximate time of consideration by selecting the type of application, type of visa and country of origin. Here are some examples:
Terms of registration of temporary residence (visit, study, work) on a guest visa issued outside Canada for different countries:
- India: 53 days.
- Nigeria: 187 days.
- USA: 42 days.
- Portugal: 139 days.
- Russia: 86 days.
The time frame for temporary residence for a student visa with registration for different countries is 9 weeks when applying from outside Canada and 5 weeks when applying inside Canada. During this time, you must receive a letter of admission from a Canadian educational institution, fill out a questionnaire, pay the fee, provide biometric data, undergo a medical examination and submit documents.
Average waiting times for temporary residence for a work visa by country:
- India: 19 weeks.
- Nigeria: 15 weeks.
- USA: 23 weeks.
- Portugal: Not applicable.
- Russia: 57 weeks.
Reasons for refusal of a Canadian visa
The Canadian Immigration Service reserves the right to refuse to grant a visa to an applicant. As a rule, there are two possible scenarios in this case. The first option is a refusal, which is issued if the applicant does not meet the minimum requirements for entry. The reason may be health problems, a criminal past, or insufficient evidence of financial stability.
The second option is to return the application. The visa application may be returned to the applicant due to incomplete information provided, poorly completed forms or the absence of any necessary documents.
The main reasons for the refusal of a Canadian visa:
- Insufficient financial guarantees. The applicant was unable to provide sufficient evidence of his financial stability or sources of income.
- Incomplete or incorrect set of documents. Submitting an incomplete set of documents or providing incorrect information.
- The lack of convincing ties with the motherland. There is a lack of evidence that the applicant will return to his country after the end of the trip.
- Violation of the visa regime in the past. The history of violations of the visa regime or immigration rules in Canada or other countries.
- The wrong purpose of the visit. The discrepancy between the stated purpose of the visit and the actual actions that are planned in the future Canada.
- Insufficient level of language proficiency. The need to prove proficiency in English or French for certain types of visas.
What should I do in case of refusal?
First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the letter — it should specify the specific reasons for the refusal of the application. If the applicant is located outside Canada, you can submit a request through ATIP (Access to Information and Privacy) and get information about the reasons for the refusal.
If the problem concerns the legal side (for example, an incomplete list of documents or incorrect filling out of forms), you can seek help from immigration lawyers or consultants to solve problems with re-filing. After removing the comments, you need to file an appeal or a new application.
However, a new application can only be submitted if new data is available or the situation changes. For example, if medical or criminal problems have been corrected, additional financial evidence has been provided, etc.
Frequently Asked questions about opening a visa in Canada
How long has the Canadian eTA been in effect?
The Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is usually valid for five years from the date it is issued or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. This means that if the passport expires after three years, then the eTA will only be valid until the passport’s expiration date.
Is it possible to use Canada eTA for multiple entry into Canada?
Canada eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) can be used for multiple entry into Canada. The applicant may enter Canada multiple times during the validity period of the eTA. However, each individual visit is usually limited to six months.
What is the difference between a Canadian Visitor visa and a Worker visa?
The Visitor Visa is used for tourism, meetings with loved ones, or for short-term business visits. A Worker Visa is required to work in Canada for a local employer. Holders of this visa can legally work in the country for the duration of the contract. At the same time, the work visa can be extended in case of renegotiation or extension of the contract.
How much money should be in the account to get a visa to Canada?
Starting January 1, 2024, proof of at least 20,635 Canadian dollars ($15,000) per year of residence is required for a student visa, except for tuition and travel expenses. This amount will be adjusted annually in accordance with Statistics Canada indicators. There are no specific requirements for the availability of funds to obtain a work visa (Work Permit), since having a job in Canada implies a source of income. However, it is recommended to have sufficient funds to cover the initial costs of moving and the first months of living before receiving the first salary. Usually 3000-5000 Canadian dollars ($2200-3600) is enough for this.
How long can I live in Canada on a visa?
The exact length of stay is always determined by the immigration officer upon entry into Canada and depends on the documents provided and the purpose of the visit. However, usually, a tourist visa allows you to stay in Canada is up to six months old. A student visa allows you to stay in the country for the entire period of study specified in the curriculum, plus an additional 90 days. Additional days are given to prepare for departure from Canada or applying for an extension of stay. The validity period of a work visa depends on the terms of the employment contract and can vary from several months to several years. Usually, a work visa is issued for the duration of the employment contract, plus some additional time to prepare for departure from Canada.
Author
Mikhail Konon is a copywriter
I write informative articles about real estate, investments, job search and taxes.