For a person to apply for a visa to Canada, he/she must know the visa types available, and other requirements. As one of the most developed countries in the world, Canada is the world’s largest country by total area.
Situated above North America, It shares a border with the United States.
It is a bilingual nation with both English and French as official languages.
Citizens of foreign countries who intend to travel to Canada would need a Canada visa unless they are from countries that are eligible for the Waiver Program
Canadian Visa Types
| VISA TYPES | PROCESSING TIME | VALIDITY | MULTIPLE ENTRIES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Study Permit | 38 days | Valid for the duration of study plus an extra 90 days | Yes |
| Business Visa | 38 days | 6 months | Yes |
| Work Permit | 12 weeks | The initial work permit will be valid for 24 months | Yes |
General Requirements for a Canadian Visa
To apply for any of these visas, applicants should have a clean criminal record (a police report required). The applicant would need to be able to speak, understand and communicate in the English language, in addition, assure the immigration officer to leave Canada after the stipulated time.
The documents for a Canadian Visa include
- Completed Visa forms.
- An original and photocopy of your Country passport. Your country passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of return and have at least two blank pages.
- Two coloured photographs that meet the visa photo requirements.
- Proof of visa application fee.
- Proof of that you have sufficient funds for the duration of the trip (i.e. three months bank statements, payslips, proof of investments etc.).
- If you are not paying for the trip you will need a letter from the person or institution sponsoring your trip and additional documents (i.e. a copy of their passport and a bank statement proving they have sufficient funds).
- Proof of ties to country (i.e. employment letter, proof of businesses or assets etc.).
- Copy of provisional flight booking and travel itinerary (i.e. accommodation reservations).
- You may need to provide evidence that you are in good health.
- Previous passports showing travel history.
- Additional documents to support your application (i.e. marriage certificates, invitation letters etc.).
- A self-addressed return courier envelope.
- Minors (under 18) traveling alone will need a letter of authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians. For minors traveling with one parent, a letter of authorization from the non-accompanying parent or legal guardian is required.
- If you are visiting family or traveling for business you will need an invitation letter detailing the nature of the visit, length of stay, details of the host person or business etc.
Canada is expanding its biometrics collection to the vast majority of immigrants during 2018 hence, you may be required to give your biometrics. Transit visa holders don’t need to give biometrics. Additional documents vary per type of visa applied for.
Visa Types
The purpose of traveling is relative to the success of the applicants.
Canadian visas are either for permanent residence or temporary residence.
There has been an upgrade on the types of Canada visas to include a new category of applicants.
The types of temporary Canada Visa include;
- Study Permit- Student Visa
- Tourist/Business Visa
- Work Permit
Study Permit -Student Visa
The student visa is available for people who want to study in Canada on a temporary basis. A student visa is valid for the length of your program plus an extra 90 days. Multiple entries are allowed however, you would have to show proof that you are still enrolled in your study program. Study Permit visa takes 38 days to process and costs 1500 dollars
However, to be eligible for a study visa application you have to have the following:
- Proof of admission by a school or educational institution.
- A proof that they are financially capable of paying their tuition fee, sorting accommodation, transportation, and other related maintenance costs.
- The applicant must be in good health and should be willing to take a medical test.
- The applicant must have a clean criminal record.
Business Visa
The visa is issued to persons who want to start a business in Canada. A business visa allows the holder to stay for a period of 6 months, if you wish to stay longer you would need to apply for an extension at least 30 days before the end of your stay. This type of visa takes 38 days to process and costs 1000 dollars
Work Permit
This is issued to applicants who intend to work in Canada temporarily. Proof of an offer of employment qualifies an applicant for a work permit. A work permit takes 12 weeks to process. The maximum total validity period of work permits is four years including extensions. The initial work permit will be valid for 24 months. Work permit cost 2,000 United States Dolla. The employer sponsors this application.
Canadian Visa Fees
| VISA TYPES | VISA FEES |
|---|---|
| Study Permit -Student Visa | $1000 |
| Business Visa | $2000 |
| Work Permit | $1500 |
