Below is a table that outlines the major types of Canadian visas along with a brief description and eligibility criteria for each:
| Visa Type | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) | For individuals who wish to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. | Must prove they will leave Canada at the end of their visit, have enough money for their stay, and meet other entry requirements. |
| Student Visa (Study Permit) | For international students admitted to study at a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada. | Must have a letter of acceptance from a DLI, prove financial support, and pass a medical exam and security check. |
| Work Visa (Work Permit) | For individuals who have a job offer in Canada and are coming to work temporarily. | Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer and, in most cases, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). |
| Permanent Resident Visa | For individuals who have been granted permanent resident status but are not Canadian citizens. | Various pathways including Express Entry, Family Sponsorship, and Provincial Nominee Programs. Eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific program. |
| Express Entry | For skilled workers who want to settle in Canada as permanent residents through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class. | Candidates are evaluated based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. |
| Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) | Allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals for immigration to their region based on specific local labor market needs. | Must intend to live in the nominating province and meet the province’s specific eligibility criteria. |
| Family Sponsorship | Allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor family members to immigrate to Canada. | Sponsors must meet certain income requirements and agree to support the family member financially for a set period. |
| Business Immigration | Includes several programs aimed at attracting individuals who can contribute to Canada’s economy through their ability to invest in, start, or manage a business in Canada. | Varies by program: Start-Up Visa requires support from a designated Canadian organization; Self-Employed Persons Program requires relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics. |
| Caregiver Program | For individuals who are qualified to provide care for children, elderly persons, or persons with disabilities in private homes without supervision. | Applicants must meet eligibility criteria such as language skills, education, and work experience in caregiving. |
| Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) | Allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor and skill shortages. | Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer and an LMIA, proving no Canadian worker is available for the job. |
| International Experience Canada (IEC) | Provides young individuals the opportunity to travel and work in Canada. | Participants must be from countries with a bilateral youth mobility agreement with Canada. |
| Super Visa | Allows parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their family in Canada for up to two years without the need to renew their status. | Applicants must provide a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada, prove financial support, and buy Canadian health insurance. |
This table covers a broad range of Canadian visa types, reflecting the country’s diverse immigration and visitation policies designed to accommodate various needs and contribute to the country’s social and economic fabric. Each visa type has its eligibility requirements that applicants must meet to qualify.