If you’re dreaming of traveling to or living in Canada, you’re not alone. This country, known for its beautiful landscapes and welcoming culture, attracts nearly 20 million visitors and half a million immigrants every year.
But before you can explore Canada’s wilderness and take advantage of its world-class cities, you’ll have to make sure your paperwork is in order. This post provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how you can apply for a Canadian visa.
At Remitly, we know that international travel is both exciting and challenging. We’re here to help make it easier for you by detailing which visa types you should consider, how to check your eligibility, and what documents you’ll require. We’ll also outline the visa application process and steps you can take to prepare for your trip.
Which Canadian visa do you need?
If you’re ready to cross the ocean, Canada offers various visa types based on your purpose of travel and the duration of your trip. These visas are administered by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and they have differing application processes and requirements. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common visa types.
Temporary visas
Temporary visas are best for those planning short stays in Canada. They are issued to travellers who have the express intention of returning home at the end of the visa validity period.
The IRCC approves several types of temporary visas, including:
- Visitor visa: Also known as the Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), choose this visa if you’re traveling for tourism reasons, family visits, or short business trips.
- Study permit: If you’re an international student enroled in a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada, this is the visa for you. An acceptance letter from your school will be required for your application.
Confirm that your school is on the list of approved DLIs here.
- Work permit: What if you want to work in the country temporarily? This visa is geared toward foreign nationals who already have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Immigration officials will request employment information, like a job contract, during the application process.
Permanent Residence (PR) visas
Permanent visas are for applicants who are looking to stay in Canada long-term. Permanent residency enables foreign nationals to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada for good. Individuals with PR status can also access the healthcare system and, eventually, apply for Canadian citizenship.
There are several pathways to permanent residency in Canada. Two of the main paths are detailed below:
- Express Entry: If you’re a skilled worker, you might be able to apply for Express Entry into Canada. This online system manages applications related to three specific immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): This visa process starts with a Canadian province nominating an applicant for permanent residency based on a specific labor market need. It’s open to skilled or semi-skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and students.
Temporary vs permanent visas
Temporary and permanent visas have their own uses and benefits, and your choice ultimately depends on why you want to travel to Canada. Below, we outline the key differences to help you make the right decision.
| Feature | Temporary visa | Permanent visa |
| Purpose | Allows entry for specific, short-term reasons | Allows you to live and work in Canada on a long-term basis |
| Duration | Limited period | Indefinate |
| Residency Pathway | A step to PR | The ultimate goal of PR |
| Key Benefits | – Lower barrier to entry
– Can lead to PR |
– Eligibility for citizenship
– Access to social services – Stability |
Are you eligible? Check online
Visa applications take a lot of energy, time, and money to prepare. So, to streamline the process, it’s a good idea to check your eligibility beforehand. Luckily, this is easy to do, as the IRCC has developed a free online eligibility tool for this purpose.
Each immigration pathway has different eligibility criteria and application procedures. By spending 10–15 minutes working with this online tool, you’ll be able to understand your options for travel or immigration to Canada.
Questions to expect
When using this online tool, you’ll be asked personal questions about the following topics:
- Your age
- Nationality
- Education
- Language ability
- Work experience
- Income and/or net worth
- Job offer details
- Family members
Based on your answers, the tool will be able to suggest immigration programs you may be eligible for. The more accurate and forthcoming you are with the information requested, the more applicable and appropriate your results will be.
The tool will also provide detailed information on the next steps for the visa pathways you qualify for.
Privacy concerns
Remember, any information you provide is for reference only. This means it doesn’t constitute an immigration decision, and your data will be shared with only authorised personnel.
Your confidentiality is assured throughout this process, which is an excellent first step towards your life in Canada.
How to apply for your Canadian visa in four steps
Although each visa application is unique, the general process follows some predictable steps.
Step 1: Gather your documents
The required documents vary by visa type, but usually include the following:
- Valid passport or travel document from your home country
- Proof of financial support, like bank statements
- Completed official application form
- Passport photographs meeting specific requirements
- Letter of acceptance (for student visas) or job offer letter (for work visas) when applicable
Once you know which visa you’re applying for, create a checklist of required documents to ensure that your application is complete.
Step 2: Fill out the application form
It’s often easier and faster to submit your visa application forms online rather than on paper. A digital application can also contribute to a quicker processing time.
As you complete your forms, be as accurate and honest as possible. Even small mistakes or inconsistencies can lead to rejection or delays in processing. Before submitting your forms, double-check that all your information is correct.
Step 3: Pay the application fees
There are two main fees associated with Canadian visas:
- The application processing fee
- A biometrics fee
The biometrics fee covers fingerprinting and an official photo. Officials ask you to provide this data in order to confirm your identity. Check the government website to determine if you need to submit biometrics.
To learn about the costs associated with your visa application, refer to the official IRCC fee list.
Step 4: Submit your application
Your options for submitting your application depend on which type of visa you’re applying for. In most situations, a digital application is preferred or required.
Paper applications are often reserved for applicants with a disability that prevents them from applying online, or individuals who have status as a refugee, stateless person, or non-citizen.
After submission, you’ll receive an acknowledgement of receipt for your application. Keep this acknowledgement in your files while your visa application is being processed—you may need it later.
What happens after you apply?
After all of the work necessary to apply for the visa, the wait time after hitting “submit” can often cause anxiety. Understanding what to expect after you apply can help calm your nerves.
Processing times
Wait times for application decisions can vary significantly based on visa type and the applicant’s home country. IRCC provides an online tool to help applicants better understand the expected processing time for their application.
Currently, UK citizens applying for a Temporary Residence Visa from outside of Canada can expect processing times of 49 days. This doesn’t include any additional time needed to send your application to the home office or for you to submit your biometrics.
For this reason, visas are usually processed faster when submitted digitally.
Application updates
Getting antsy while waiting for your visa decision is normal. Fortunately, the Canadian Government provides a tool that allows you to check the status of your application online.
To track your application, simply access your IRCC online account, even if you applied on paper.
Final decision
Once processing is complete, you’ll receive official communication from the Canadian Government, whether your application is approved or denied.
If you applied online, you’ll receive the final decision through your IRCC account. Then, if approved, you’ll have to wait for a physical visa to be placed in your passport.
If you applied on paper, your documents will be sent back to you with the visa already affixed to your passport. Alternatively, you’ll get a letter explaining why your application was refused.
Bon voyage! You’re off to Canada
Ready to take action on your dream to travel or move to Canada? Start by identifying the correct visa for your situation and verifying you’re eligibility. Then, prepare a thorough application based on official requirements. Keep in mind that a visa application can be a process; advanced planning and patience are key to ensuring things run smoothly.
We understand that traveling or moving to a new country is a big step. But once you take it, Remitly is here to help you secure your financial future as you begin your Canadian journey.
FAQs
Can I renew a temporary visa in Canada, or should I return to my home country?
Yes, you can apply to renew a temporary visa from within Canada, but you must do so before your current visa expires. Due to processing times, navigating the timeline of a renewal can be challenging. So, it is recommended that you return to your home country in order to renew.
Can I turn permanent residency into Canadian citizenship?
Yes. If you meet specific criteria, you can apply for Canadian citizenship after holding permanent residency for a period of time. Requirements include paying income taxes, maintaining physical presence in Canada, demonstrating language proficiency, and having knowledge about Canada.
Which passports allow visa-free entry to Canada?
Many countries have visa-exempt travel rights to Canada. These include—but are not limited to—the US, France, Germany and many other EU countries, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica and some Caribbean nations, Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand. To learn more about Canadian entry requirements by country, refer to the official government website.
Do infants and children need their own visas to enter Canada?
Yes. All individuals, regardless of age, need their own visa or permission to enter Canada unless they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
What are some common reasons for visa application rejection?
Visas for travel to Canada can be rejected for clerical reasons like incomplete applications, insufficient information, or unclear purpose of travel. Your visa could also be rejected for more discretionary reasons, such as insufficient funds, lack of ties to your home country, or misrepresentation.
Can I open a Canadian bank account as a visa-holder?
Yes. With your passport, immigration papers, and proper documentation, you’ll be able to open a bank account in Canada. Be sure to inquire about offers for newcomers to take advantage of special rates.