Canada Visa Types

Canada offers four types of visa based on the applicant’s requirements :

• Temporary Resident Visa
• Study Permits
• Work Permits
• Permanent Resident Travel

Temporary Resident Visa

In order to enter or transit through Canada, the citizens from other nations are required to complete the online visa application process and get an approval for their application. Based on the type of the visa, the applicant can fill in the specific form, furnish necessary documents, and pay the visa fee to carry out the application process.

Eligibility Factors

• Passport or any other valid travel document
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay
• Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
• Completed VFS Consent Form
• Documents based on the visa type

Application Process

Applicants can choose to opt for either the online or offline (on paper) method. Once the application is submitted, it goes under review to determine whether it can be approved or renewed. The applicant may be asked to submit medical test results, police certificate or to appear for an interview. VFS Global will send out notifications to the applicant through text SMS/email to keep them updated.

The application gets processed within few weeks (subject to the requirement of any additional steps). The application needs the passport to be submitted which is returned along with the visa decision. The passport must have a blank page to provide space for visa stamping. Based on the nationality of the applicant, duration of stay, etc., the visa fee varies for different types of visas.

Extending Temporary Resident Visa

By keeping a check on the temporary resident status, individuals can apply for an extension before the visa expires. Applicants are recommended to carry out the application process at least 30 days before the visa expiry date.

Study Permits

The Study Permits allow foreign students to live and study in Canada for a specific period of time depending on the application and other important factors. Based on the applicant’s profile, the visa may have restrictions on the level of studies, permission to work, duration of stay, etc. During the course, the applicant may be provided with an option to work part-time. Students under the study permits are allowed to spend an extra 90 days after the completion of the course/study to prepare for their departure or to apply for a visa extension.

Eligibility Factors

• Passport or any other valid travel document
• Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay
• Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
• Completed VFS Consent Form
• Documents based on the visa type

Application Process

The applicant must obtain the letter of acceptance from a DLI for their respective course or study program in order to be eligible for the Study Permits. The application can be carried out online or offline based on the applicant’s convenience. Once the completed application form along with the VFS consent form and required documents are submitted, the applicant will need to pay the visa fee. The visa fee varies for each category based on the applicant’s nationality, duration of stay, and many other factors. The application may require the applicants to provide additional documents such as Medical Certificate, Police Certificate, etc. The processing time will take up to six weeks or vary depending on the particular CVAC and any additional step, if required by the IRCC.

Work Permits

The Work Permits allows individuals to live and work in Canada. Whether the applicant is within Canada or from outside of Canada, the application can be carried out online as well as off lines based on the eligibility factors. Applicants under the Global Skills Strategy can take advantage of the two-week processing facility when they are applying from outside of Canada. Based on the applicant’s nationality and other factors such as age, language requirements, education qualification, work experience, etc., the applicant can choose a suitable program that will allow him/her to live and work in Canada.

Eligibility Factors

• Passport or any other valid travel document
• Offer of employment
• Letter of invitation and/or medical exam certificate
• Documents based on the visa type
• Completed VFS Consent Form
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the travel and stay

Application Process

Based on the duration of employment, the nationality of the applicant, visa category, etc., the applicant will need to complete the application form and submit it along with all other specified documents and the VFS Consent Form. In order to process the application, the applicant must pay the visa fee which is based on various factors. Both the online and offline application offers an extensive range of payment mode options. The processing time may take up to 11 weeks.

Permanent Resident Travel Document

Individuals who are permanent residents of Canada are required to have the Permanent Resident (PR) Card to enter Canada by any mode of transport. Most PR Cards offer five years of validity, however, certain PR Cards are only valid for a maximum period of one year. The processing time under this category of an application can take up to eight weeks. By filling in the form, providing the documents, and paying the fee, the applicant can obtain the PR Card which will help him/her to show proof of permanent citizenship.