Overview

Canada is one of the most popular destinations for visitors, international students, skilled workers, families, and business professionals. Depending on your purpose of travel, you may need a visitor visa, study permit, work permit, or a pathway to permanent residence.

Dream Visa Guide provides general information about Canadian visa and immigration programs, including eligibility requirements, required documents, application procedures, fees, and common reasons for refusal.

1. Canada Visitor Visa

A Canada Visitor Visa, officially known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), allows eligible foreign nationals to travel to Canada temporarily for purposes such as:

• Tourism
• Visiting family or friends
• Business visits
• Attending conferences or events
• Short-term activities permitted under Canadian immigration rules

Applicants generally need to demonstrate that they meet the temporary resident requirements and have sufficient funds for their stay.

2. Canada Super Visa

The Super Visa is designed for eligible parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Unlike an ordinary visitor visa, the Super Visa can provide eligible parents and grandparents with the ability to visit Canada for extended periods, subject to the applicable rules and conditions.

Applicants generally need to meet requirements concerning their relationship to the sponsor, financial support, medical insurance, and other immigration requirements.

3. Canada Study Permit

International students who want to study at an eligible Canadian educational institution generally need a Study Permit.

Depending on the student’s circumstances and the current Canadian immigration rules, applicants may need:

• A letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution
• A Provincial Attestation Letter or Territorial Attestation Letter where required
• Proof of financial support
• A valid passport or travel document
• Biometrics where required
• Medical examination where applicable
• Other supporting documents

A study permit is not itself a visa for entering Canada. Depending on your nationality and circumstances, you may also need a temporary resident visa or an electronic travel authorization to travel to Canada.

4. Canada Work Permit

A work permit allows an eligible foreign national to work in Canada according to the conditions of the permit.

There are two broad types of work permits:

Employer-specific work permit

This type of permit normally restricts the worker to the employer, occupation, and location specified on the permit.

Open work permit

An open work permit can allow an eligible foreign national to work for eligible employers without being tied to one specific employer, subject to the conditions of the permit.

Not everyone qualifies for an open work permit. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s circumstances and the applicable immigration program.

5. LMIA-Based Work Permit

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) may be required when a Canadian employer wants to hire a foreign worker.

The LMIA process is generally handled by the Canadian employer through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). If an LMIA is required and approved, the foreign worker may then use the required documentation to apply for a work permit.

There are also situations where Canadian employers can hire foreign workers without an LMIA under specific LMIA-exempt programs.

Canada Permanent Residence

Canada has several pathways for eligible foreign nationals who want to become permanent residents.

6. Express Entry

Express Entry is an online immigration application management system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for certain economic immigration programs.

Express Entry currently manages three major federal programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for skilled workers with qualifying foreign or Canadian work experience who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.

Applicants are assessed under applicable selection criteria, including factors such as:

• Skilled work experience
• Education
• Language ability
• Age
• Adaptability-related factors
• Arranged employment where applicable

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class is intended for eligible skilled workers who have qualifying Canadian work experience.

Applicants must meet the program’s specific work experience, language, and other requirements.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for eligible skilled trades workers who meet the required criteria for work experience, language ability, and other program requirements.

7. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

Canada’s provinces and territories operate immigration programs that allow them to nominate eligible candidates for permanent residence.

Provincial Nominee Programs can target different groups, including:

• Skilled workers
• International graduates
• Workers with Canadian experience
• Entrepreneurs
• Candidates with specific occupations or skills

Requirements vary significantly between provinces and territories.

Some PNP streams are connected with Express Entry, while others operate outside the Express Entry system.

8. Family Sponsorship

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may be able to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residence.

Family sponsorship categories can include:

• Spouse
• Common-law partner
• Conjugal partner
• Dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Other eligible relatives in specific circumstances

Both the sponsor and the sponsored person must meet the applicable requirements.

9. Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program is a pathway for eligible skilled workers and international graduates who want to become permanent residents in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces.

The program covers:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island

Applicants generally need a qualifying job offer from a designated employer and must satisfy the program’s other requirements.

10. Rural and Community Immigration Pathways

Canada has introduced immigration pathways designed to support communities that need skilled workers.

Eligibility, participating communities, occupations, job requirements, and application procedures can vary by program.

Applicants should always check the current requirements before submitting an application because community-based immigration programs can change over time.

11. Canada Start-Up Visa

The Start-Up Visa Program is designed for eligible entrepreneurs who want to establish an innovative business in Canada.

Applicants generally need support from a designated Canadian organization and must satisfy the program’s eligibility requirements.

The program may be suitable for entrepreneurs who have an innovative business idea with the potential to create jobs and compete internationally.