What Kind of Canadian Visas Are Available to Immigrate to Canada?
There are many different types of Canadian visas for those wishing to immigrate to Canada.
A visa allows people born outside of Canada to travel the country legally. When approved for a Canadian visa, it means that you fulfill all the requirements to enter the country.
What Types of Canadian Visas Are There?
There are many different types of Canadian visas. Before you apply for one, you must know which type you need. Here is a list of available Canadian visas:
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Visitor visa
- Permanent residence visa
- Express entry program visa
- Business immigrant visa
What Are Temporary Canadian Visas?
Temporary Canadian visas allow people to stay in the country for specific periods, typically up to six months. A Temporary Canadian visa can either be single-entry or multiple-entry.
A single-entry visa allows a person to enter the country once, stay for six months, and then return to their home country. A multiple-entry visa allows a person to enter the country multiple times until the visa expires.
Here are the different types of temporary Canadian visas:
- Tourist Visa: This visa allows the holder to enter Canada for tourism.
- Super Visa: Allows the parents or grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to visit their children or grandchildren. You can learn more about the Super visa here.
- Diplomatic and Official Visa: This visa allows diplomats and officials from other countries to enter Canada for official purposes.
- Courtesy Visa: Given to those who do not qualify for a diplomatic and official visa but hold high ranks or positions (i.e., trade mission members or diplomats who wish to travel).
- Canada Business Visa: Given to those who are traveling to Canada for business purposes.
- Visa to Give Birth in Canada: Given to those who are pregnant and wish to give birth in Canada and stay temporarily in the country.
- Intending Organ Donors Visa: A person receives this visa if they travel to Canada solely to donate an organ to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Canadian Facilitation Visa: Given to Canadian citizens who hold dual nationality but only hold a passport for their other nationality.
- Canada Student Visa: Given to those who are attending a Canadian university for over six months.
- Canada Temporary Work Visa: Given to those who receive a job offer in Canada and will work for up to six months. To qualify for this visa, an applicant requires a valid job offer letter from an employer.
- Temporary Residence Permit: Given those who need to travel to Canada for reasons that do not make them eligible for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).
- Working Holiday Visa: This is given to young people from 30 different countries, allowing them to work and travel in Canada. Applicants receive this visa by random selection. Once selected, an applicant must apply for a work permit. For more information about how to get a work permit in Canada, click here.
Permanent Canadian Visas
The permanent Canadian visa allows holders to settle in Canada permanently. They include:
- Immigrant Investor Program: This visa is for people investing in the Canadian economy. They must have a net worth of at least $800,000 and must invest at least $400,000.
- Startup Visa Program: Eligible only to those who have a net worth of at least $300,000. They must manage at least one-third of a Canadian business and maintain employment within three years of being in the country.
- Self-Employed Persons Visa: This visa is for those who are wishing to start their own business. They must prove how they plan on financing their business and the skills in which they will run the business.
- Quebec-Selected Skilled Worker Program (QSWP): given to those who work in one of the occupations required in Quebec. Must be fluent in French.
- Family-Sponsorship Program. This visa allows spouses and children of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to immigrate to Canada. To learn more about spousal sponsorship.
- Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP): Given to caregivers who care for any elderly or disabled people or children in Canada.
How to Apply for a Visa Based on Your Specific Skills
You can apply to immigrate to Canada using the Canada Express Entry Program, an electronic immigration program allowing people to apply for immigration based on their specific skill set. The following skills are eligible for this program:
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Given to tradespeople in occupations including:
- Welders
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Machinists
- Ironworkers
- Crane operators
- Aircraft mechanics, etc.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Applicants who receive this visa hold professions that the Canadian workforce requires. You must meet all eligibility requirements, including funding and proof of skills.
Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
This visa is for low or semi-skilled workers who can use their skills to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Canadian Experience Class
This visa is for travelers who currently hold a temporary student visa or temporary workers visa and wish to switch over to a permanent residence status.
Apply for Your Canadian Visa Today
Preferred Immigration helps people succeed and begin their new journey. Our expert immigration agents work with clients to overcome any challenges to create a positive outcome. We offer you the help you need in your immigration journey and are upfront about fees. We make the application process a smooth and easy one. Contact us today to see how we can help you on your immigration journey.