Canada is known for being a welcoming country for immigrants and refugees, but it can be difficult to obtain a Canadian visa.
You may need to be familiar with the requirements to apply for a Canadian visa depending on where you live.
The purpose of your stay and the type of Canadian visa that you require will determine which type you apply for. A Canadian study permit is required if you plan to travel to Canada to study. A work permit is required if you want to work.
Here are the things you should know before applying for a Canadian visa.
How to Apply for Canada Visa
There are four types of visas available in Canada.
- Canadian Study Permits
- Work Permits
- Temporary Resident Visa
- Permanent Resident Travel Document
Canadian study permit
Documentation needed to apply for a study permit
- Acceptance letter from the designated learning institution (DLI).
- Valid travel identification or a passport
- You have enough money to:
Tuition
Living expenses for you and your household members in Canada
Transporting yourself and your household members back to Canada
Canadian Work Permits
You can apply for a Canadian work permit if you are an impermanent worker, businessman or student. The Canadian work permit is not for long-term residents or tourists. It is intended to allow temporary workers from other countries to use Canada's skills for a limited period.
Documentation is required for Canadian work permits
- Passport or legal travel document
- If you are applying through Federal Skilled Workers, you will need to submit language test results for Education credential assessment.
- If you are a provincial nominee,
- Canadian employer will send you a written job offer.
- You must prove that you are qualified for the job described in NAFTA.
- Criminal history background and police certificate
- You are healthy if you have had your medical check-ups
- Evidence of resources to support transportation and living costs
Temporary Canadian Visa
A temporary Canadian visa is available if you are planning to temporarily visit Canada.
Documentation is required to obtain a temporary Canadian visa
- A letter from a parent or guardian must be signed by minors who are traveling on their own.
- Travel or visit for a reason
- Visa application office fee payment
- Photocopy of your passport, or other valid travel identification
- Two passport photos that meet the requirements with your name, date of birth and signature on the back
- Financial support documentation
- Photocopy of marriage certificate/certificate
- Photocopy of your current immigration status (visas, passports for other countries)
Permanent Canadian Resident Travel document
Permanent resident travel documents allow Canadian residents to travel abroad with proof of their authorization. This document is valid for one entry.
Documentation is required to obtain a permanent resident travel certificate
- When traveling with a child, the birth certificate of the child is required.
- If traveling with spouse/partner, a marriage license or proof that you are a part of a joint law partnership
- Articles of incorporation or business licenses, as well as agreements for partnership, are all available.
- Legal passport
- Fee Payment: $50
- Two visa photos that meet the specified photo specifications
- Photographic copies of any previous passports or travel documents that were used within the last five years
- Two pieces of evidence proving residency in Canada over the past five years are:
- Employment records or pay stubs
- Statements from banks
- Lease agreements
- Canada Revenue Agency Notice of Assessment five years prior to the application
- This is a sign that you have been able to receive benefits from Canadian government programs
Fees for applying for a Canada Visa
- You must have your documents translated by an authorized translator if they are not in English or French.
- Credential evaluation is the process of having foreign degrees recognized in Canada. It costs about $115, sometimes slightly more.
- You must show your ability to speak the language if your country's language administrator is not English or French. To prove this, you must take the test at an official recognized organization. TEF and IELTS, for example, will be $265 and $250 respectively.
- Everyone should have a health checkup. The appointment must be made by one of Canada's selected physicians. The fees vary depending on where you live and the country.
Conclusion
It can take time to obtain a visa to Canada to study, live or work. Take your time and do your research. Before you begin your application for immigration to Canada, we recommend that you prepare a budget to determine if you can afford the expense.
FAQ
What amount of money do you need to immigrate to Canada and apply for a Canada Visa?
The Processing Fees
Apply in the skilled worker category and it will cost you $550 for principal applicants, $550 to the spouse, $150 for each child, and $150 for each child under 22 years.
Sponsorship applications are $75. The sponsor will be charged $475.
Besides, if your intention is to settle in Quebec you will need to apply for a Certificate de Selection du Quebec (CSQ) which will cost $390. It costs $150 for each spouse and child.
All landed Canadian immigrants are required to pay $490 for the right of permanent residence.
Miscellaneous Fees
Only one passport is required before you can apply. The cost of making that passport is approximately $1,500. However, the cost varies from one nation to another.
The Settlement Fund
If you're applying for skilled employees, ensure that your qualifications are up to the task. It is necessary to prove that you can provide for your family and yourself during the first few months.
It is roughly $12,669 for an individual and $26,701 for a family with five.