A visitor visa (also called temporary resident visa) shows you meet the requirements to enter into Canada. Most foreign travellers to Canada require a visitor visa (there are some visa-exempt countries) while some require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).

US citizens need only proper identification, such as a valid US passport, to enter Canada.

Whether you need a visitor visa or an eTA depends on:

• The type of travel document you’ll be using when you enter Canada
• The country that issued your travel document
• Your nationality
• Your method of travel when you enter Canada

An Electronic Travel Authorization is a document used for visa-exempt foreign nationals who are travelling to Canada by air (such travellers do not need a visa if entering via land or sea). It is electronically linked to the traveller’s passport and expires when the passport expires. An eTA enables the holder to travel to Canada as often as the holder wants for short stays of up to 6 months at a time, but it does not guarantee entry to Canada.

Here is the list of visa-exempt (and eTA eligible) travellers.

To be eligible for a visitor visa you must:

• Have a valid travel document (for example, a passport)
• Be in good health
• Have no criminal convictions
• Have no immigration-related convictions
• Show that you have ties that will ensure you go back to your home country (for example, a job, family, or financial assets)
• Show an immigration officer that you plan to leave Canada at the end of your visit
• Prove you have enough money to cover your stay in Canada

Whether you are coming to Canada for business purposes or tourism purposes, the visitor visa and the eTA requirements are the same. Note that a business visa is for people who are visiting as part of their business activities and not to become part of the Canadian job market.

If you’re hoping to visit Canada, we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through the process of applying for your visitor visa, so you can boost your chances of being approved.

The super visa is given to parents or grandparents to enable them to visit their children or grandchildren for up to 5 years at a time, provided they meet specific requirements. People holding this visa can enter Canada multiple times over a 10-year period.

To be eligible for the super visa, you must

• Show you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada;
• Submit a signed letter from your child or grandchild, inviting you to Canada, and including a promise of financial support, a list of the people in their household, and a copy of their proof of citizenship or permanent residency;
• Prove you have private medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company, and that the insurance is paid (that is, it isn’t just a quote);
• Be outside Canada when you apply;
• Print your visa outside Canada
• Take an immigration medical exam

Canada is a wonderful place to obtain or further your education. Its schools are world-renowned, and give you the opportunity to build valuable skills and experiences. A study permit allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions in Canada.

Students who want to study a program of more than 6 months are required to obtain a study permit (with a few exceptions). Study permits allow students to work part-time during their studies and full-time during school vacations. After graduating from a program (at least 8 months long) at an eligible institution, the student can request a post-graduation work permit to practice the skills they obtained during their program.

To obtain a study permit you should:

• Apply to a designated learning institution (you must have a letter of acceptance before applying for the permit)
• If you are applying to study in Quebec you will need to submit a Quebec Acceptance Certificate before you apply for your study permit
• Apply for the permit before coming to Canada (some people are permitted to apply from within Canada)
• Apply online, submitting all necessary documentation including proof of acceptance, proof of identity, and proof of financial support

Your study permit is not a travel document, so it doesn’t give you the right to enter Canada. You may also need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization to travel and enter Canada. This will be issued if your study permit is approved.

We will help you throughout the entire process, ensuring you have the documentation you need and that your application is thorough.

If you’re an entrepreneur or employee looking to work in Canada and you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you’ll need an open or closed work permit.

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, with a few exceptions. A closed work permit (also called an employer-specific work permit) lets you work in Canada under a certain set of conditions, such as the specific employer you can work for. When you apply for a closed work permit you may need to submit a Labor Market Impact Assessment, which shows that no Canadians are available to fill a specific employment position (there are a few exemptions to this requirement).

The type of work permit or visa to apply for is critical to your application being accepted. You also need to submit a variety of paperwork such as an offer of employment for a closed work permit. Additionally, you may be required to show that you have no record of criminal activity and can financially support yourself and your family during your time in Canada.

In addition to applying for a work permit, you may need additional applications to enable your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children to work, study, or live with you in Canada.

Applying for a work permit and submitting all additional required documentation can be a long process, and it’s vital your application is thorough and accurate. Having an experienced team in place increases your chances of success and can decrease your stress. We’ll help you gather the necessary documentation and submit your application. Contact us to get started.