Understanding Canada Visa Types
Getting a visa to enter Canada can be an onerous task especially if you are not familiar with the rigors of immigration procedures.
During visa application, there is zero-tolerance for errors, and the slightest mistake whether intentional or not may be the deciding factor whether your visa gets approval or not, it is imperative you pay utmost attention especially during the very first stage of visa application.
Getting the help of an immigration expert is advisable to help you expedite the whole process, as there is someone who understands the terrain of the immigration process and knows exactly what to do.
A foreigner who wishes to enter Canada regardless of their immigration objectives must first obtain a temporary resident permit from the Canadian embassy in your home country unless he or she is a national of the 54-eligible visa-exempt countries and territories.
All visa-exempt nationals traveling to Canada with the exception of the United States citizen are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when arriving in Canada by air.
Visa Exempt Countries
Citizens or permanent residents of the following countries and
territories are allowed to enter Canada with recourse for a visa and can
stay in Canada for up to six months. However, if an eTA is not required
if the following nationals are entering Canada by land or sea.
Andorra
Australia
Austria
Bahamas
Barbados
Belgium
British citizen
British National (Overseas)
British overseas territory citizen with citizenship through
naturalization or registration, birth, descent, in one of the British
overseas territories of:
Anguilla
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Gibraltar
Montserrat
Pitcairn Island
Saint Helena
Turks and Caicos Islands
Brunei Darussalam
Bulgaria
Chile
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Israel, must have a national Israeli passport
Italy
Japan
Republic of Korea
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Papua New Guinea
Poland
Portugal
Romania (electronic passport holders only)
Samoa
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Arab Emirates
The United States, lawful permanent resident of
Vatican City
Canada Visa Types
Before applying for a Canada visa, knowing the right visa for you should be the first consideration.
There are two categories of visas in Canada, Temporary and Permanent.
Temporary Visa
Temporary visas for the purpose of tourism allow the holder to stay in
Canada for a limited time, usually up to six months. While visits for
the purpose of study, work, or family can be longer which can be a
single or multi-entry visa.
The following visa falls under temporary visas
Student visa
Temporary residence visa
Working holiday visa
Super visa
Visitor visa
Diplomatic and Official visa
Business visa
Intending organ donors visa
Permanent Visa
These visa categories allow the holder to stay in Canada on a permanent basis and can even acquire citizenship.
The following are visas under the Canadian Permanent Visa categories:
Express Entry visa
Start-up Visa Program
Self=employed Person visa
Quebec- Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Live-in Caregivers Program (LCP)
Canada Vis Requirement
if you are not from any of the 54 eligible visa-exempt countries, you
will need the following documents required for a Canada visa
Valid passport
Passport photographs
Proof of finance
Proof you will return to your home country after the expiration of your visa
Proof of application fee
Copy of accommodation reservation, itinerary, and flight booking
Medical report
Completed filled visa form