Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa — TRV)

A Visitor Visa is for tourism, visiting family, short medical treatment or attending events. Citizens of some countries need this sticker in their passport; others are visa-exempt and use an eTA. Typical initial admission is up to six months unless a border officer specifies otherwise.

• Allowed: Touring, family visits, short business meetings and short courses (non-credit).
• Not allowed: Taking paid employment, full-time study without a study permit.
• Core docs: Valid passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, invitation (if visiting), ties to home country.

Tip: Provide a clear travel plan and honest financial documents — vagueness is a common cause for refusal.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

The eTA is for passport holders from visa-exempt countries arriving by air. It’s an online form linked to your passport and typically valid for five years or until passport expiry. eTA speeds up processing but doesn’t guarantee entry — final decision is at the port of entry.

• Apply online: quick, usually approved within minutes but sometimes requires further review.
• Who needs it: Most visa-exempt travellers flying to Canada (U.S. citizens are exempt).

Study Permit

If you plan to study at a Canadian college or university, you need a Study Permit. A study permit is typically valid for the duration of your program plus 90 days. International students can often work part-time during study and full-time during scheduled breaks, subject to permit conditions.

• Documents: Letter of Acceptance from a DLI, proof of funds, passport, photos, and sometimes biometrics, medical exam or police clearance.
• Post-study: Eligible graduates can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), an important bridge to Canadian work experience and PR pathways.

Tip: Confirm your institution’s DLI number before applying — applications referencing non-DLIs will be refused or returned.

Work Permit (Temporary)

Work permits let foreign nationals work in Canada temporarily. They can be employer-specific (tied to one employer) or open permits that allow employment with most employers. Many work permits require either a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an LMIA exemption under International Mobility Programs.

• Common routes: Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), International Mobility Program (IMP), intra-company transfers, global talent streams.
• Key docs: Job offer, contract, LMIA or exemption evidence, passport, biometrics.

Tip: If your partner is accompanying you, check dependent work/study rights — some work permits open dependent eligibility.

Business Visitors & Start-up Visa

Business visitors may conduct meetings, attend conferences or negotiate contracts without entering the Canadian labour market. For entrepreneurs seeking to build a business, the Start-up Visa program links innovative entrepreneurs with designated organizations and can be a pathway to PR.

• Business visitor docs: Invitation letters, event registrations, company background.
• Start-up visa: Requires support from a designated venture fund, incubator or angel investor group and meeting language & settlement funds criteria.

Family Sponsorship & Reunification

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members to immigrate. Spousal sponsorship, dependent children and parent/grandparent sponsorships are common. Sponsors must meet income requirements and sign an undertaking to provide basic support.

• Processing tip: Sponsorship applications include both sponsorship and permanent residence forms — prepare supporting documents carefully (marriage certificates, photos, communication history).

Super Visa (Parents & Grandparents)

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to stay longer — up to five years per visit — and is issued for up to ten years. Applicants must have medical insurance from a Canadian insurer and the host must meet a minimum income threshold to support the visitor.

• Important: Super Visa holders still must obey entry rules and may be asked to show return plans or funds at the border.

Transit Visas

Travellers from visa-required countries transiting through Canadian airports often need a transit visa unless they qualify for exemption (e.g., holding valid U.S. visas or certain statuses). Transit visas are for short stays (usually under 48 hours).

Permanent Residence (Overview)

Permanent residence is the long-term goal for many visitors, students and workers. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship and humanitarian pathways are the main channels. Each program has specific eligibility, points systems or employer nomination requirements.

• Express Entry: Points-based system focusing on age, education, work experience, language and adaptability.
• PNP: Employer-driven or labour-market targeted nominations by provinces.

Tip: Building Canadian work experience (through a work permit or PGWP) strongly improves Express Entry or provincial nomination chances.

eTA vs Regular Visa — Which one applies to you?

eTA is only for air travellers from visa-exempt countries. If you require a sticker in your passport you need a Visitor Visa (TRV). Study and work routes require separate permit applications and sometimes a TRV or eTA for entry depending on nationality.