Belonging to the North American continent, Canada is the second largest country in the world. Located next to the United States of America, Canada is a fascinating country that is home to diverse geographical locations, picturesque landscapes, charming cities, interesting history, and unique culture. People love to go to Canada for several reasons; the most common ones are tourism purposes and permanent residence. The best part is that Canada is open to both temporary and permanent immigration. However, it is important to know about the different types of Canada visas to know which is the right one for you.
What is a Canada Visa?
A Canada visa is issued by the IRCC or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It is an official document that allows the bearer to enter the country and stay there for a specific period of time. It is available in the form of a stamp on one’s passport. To get this stamp, an individual has to fulfill certain eligibility criteria, such as have a valid passport, have the necessary funds for your Canada visit, be in good health, have no criminal records, etc. Before you start your Canada visa application process, it is important to understand that Canada offers different types of visas to foreigners. The visa type will depend on the purpose of your visit. Here is everything you need to know about the Canada visa types.
Different Types of Canada Visas
1. Temporary Visas
As the name suggests, the Canada Temporary Visa is a visa with which you can stay in the country for a short period of time. The validity of this visa is usually 6 months. This type of visa is available as single entry as well as multiple entry. With single entry visa, you can visit the country just once, while the multiple entry visa gives you the right to enter the country as many times as you want until the validity of your visa expires. There are different types of visas under this category:
Canada Tourist Visa: The tourist visa is for those who want to visit Canada for tourism purpose. If you want to stay in Canada even after your visa expires, you can apply for Canada tourist visa extension.
Canada Business Visa: This visa is meant for individuals who want to travel to Canada for business related activities.
Canada Super Visa: A Canada Super Visa is awarded to the parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
Diplomatic & Official Visa: Diplomats and officials of foreign countries can apply for this visa for visiting Canada to fulfill certain official duties.
Courtesy Visa: Officials of important rank and position, who are not eligible for the Diplomatic & Official Visa, are eligible for this visa. Usually, diplomats with tourism purpose as well as members of trade missions are offered this visa.
Student Visa: A student visa is for those who have gained admission at any of the colleges or educational institutions in Canada. The duration of your course should be more than 6 months to be eligible for this visa.
Temporary Work Visa: People with a temporary job offer in Canada (lasting less than 6 months) are eligible for this visa. You need to submit your job letter from a Canadian employer while applying for this visa.
Temporary Residence Permit: People who are not eligible for Temporary Residence Visa can apply for the Temporary Residence Permit.
Working Holiday Visa: The working holiday visa is for those who want to work in Canada while travelling. This is awarded only to citizens of 30 countries, and the person is selected randomly.
Give Birth in Canada Visa: Pregnant women who want to give birth in Canada can apply for this visa. This will ensure that your baby is a Canadian citizen. You need to fulfill certain criteria to be eligible for this visa.
Organ Donors Visa: This visa is for those individuals who are travelling to Canada for donating one of their organs to a permanent resident or citizen of Canada.
Canada Transit Visa: If you are travelling through one of the airports of Canada to reach another foreign country, i.e., your final destination, you need to apply for a Canada transit visa.
2. Permanent Residence Visas
Also known as Immigrant Visa, the Permanent Residence Visa gives you the right to live, work, and settle in Canada. Different types of permanent residence visas are as follows:
Immigrant Investor Program: This visa is issued to people who can make an investment of CAD $800,000 to the Canadian economy. The Canadian government will return the money to the investor after 5 years (without interest). Apart from this, the investor should have a net worth of CAD$1,600,000, and meet certain health and other necessary requirements.
Self-Employed Persons Visa: Skilled people looking forward to starting their own business in Canada can apply for this visa. They must have specific skills in the field of athletics, farming, culture, or business to be eligible for this visa. Moreover, they will also have to illustrate their skill and explain how they are planning to fund their business.
Startup Visa Program: A person with a net worth of CAD 300,000, who is ready to own and manage at least 1/3rd of a Canadian business can apply for this visa. The minimum investment from Canadian venture capital fund is $200,000 and Canadian angel investor group is $75,000.
Family Sponsorship Program: This visa program is for families of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. With this visa, families can move to Canada permanently. Sponsors have to provide guarantee of supporting their family members for 3-10 years.
Live-In Caregiver Program (LCP): This visa program is for individuals who want to migrate to Canada as caretakers for children, elderly, and disabled people. These individuals will have to live and work in private homes.
3. Express Entry Program Visas
The Express Entry Program is for people who want to apply for a Canada visa based on their specific skills. Offered by the Government of Canada, this is an electronic immigration program.
Federal Skilled Worker Program: If you are into a profession that is required in Canada, you can apply for a Canada visa under this program. You will have to check the occupation requirements in the country before applying for this visa.
Federal Skilled Trades Program: Qualified tradespeople who belong to occupations like aircraft mechanics, carpenters, crane operators, welders, ironworkers, electricians, heavy-duty equipment mechanics, machinists, plumbers, and such others are eligible for this visa.
Canadian Experience Class: If you are already in Canada on a temporary work visa or student visa, you can apply for a Canadian Experience Class visa that will give you a permanent resident status. To apply for this visa, you should have a minimum 12 months of work experience in Canada.
Provincial Nomination Programs: Every province in Canada has the right to nominate an immigrant who wants to settle in that particular province. Individuals have to apply directly with the province. People are nominated if they fulfill the eligibility criteria, which is different for all provinces.
Conclusion
Knowing about the different types of Canada visas will help you to apply for the right one as per the purpose of your visit. Choose the right type of visa to ensure that your Canada visa application is accepted.
Comments
Post a Comment