If you stay outside the US and you are looking to migrate to Canada, you’d most likely need a VISA. A VISA is different from your passport. In most cases, you’d need a passport before applying for VISA.
But, how do you know the right VISA to apply for? How do you know which is appropriate for you? When it comes to moving to Canada, there are different categories of VISAs. These categories and which to go for depends on why you want to migrate to Canada and how long you plan to stay there.
In this post, we will be looking at some categories of VISAs and which type(s) you can enter Canada with.
What Is Canada VISA?
A Canada VISA is a stamp on your passport indicating you’ve passed all requirements, thus making you eligible to be allowed to enter Canada.
As you can probably tell from that simple definition above and based on what we’ve said earlier, you’d need a VISA AFTER you’ve got your passport. Your passport is like a national ID card presented to you by the Government of your country.
Different Canada Immigration Program
Before now, we talked about a few different ways you can migrate to Canada. These different ways could require a different kind of VISA. For example, a Visitor’s VISA only allows you to visit Canada as a tourist. On the other hand, A study VISA allows you to visit Canada and also study in Canada.
In the same vein, there are different kinds of Canadian immigration programs, and these require different kinds of VISA. Before talking about the different types of VISA, it is necessary to talk about the different Canada Immigration Programs that are available.
This includes:
- Express Entry
- Special PNP program
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- Quebec Immigration
- Student Pathway
- Canadian Family Sponsorship
- Federal skilled worker program
- Canada Federal Skilled trades class and more.
These Canada Immigration Programs could require different VISA types, but first, you’d have to pass all eligibility criteria for your preferred immigration pathway program.
Different Canada VISA Types
In simple English, the different Canada Visa categories you should be aware of are:
1. Visit Visa
2. Study Visa
3. Working Visa
4. Permanent Visa
5. Working Holiday Visa
6. Business Visa.
7. And others…
The Visit Visa allows you to visit Canada as a tourist. There’s not much you can do with this asides from visiting the country, exploring, and possibly networking.
The Study VISA allows you to do more than just visitation. This allows you to study in the country and in the institution that offered you admission or scholarship.
The Working VISA allows you to do more than just visitation and schooling. It allows you to work freely in Canada.
The Permanent VISA is given to immigrants who are eligible to become permanent residents in the country. The Business VISA is basically for investors seeking to invest in Canada.
Please note that there are requirements to be met in-other to apply and be approved for any of these VISAs. Also, there are fees to be submitted alongside your application.
Fees Required For Canada VISA Applications
| Permit/Visa | Fee |
|---|---|
| Study permit (including extensions) | $150 |
| Work permit (including extensions) | $155 |
| Work permit – maximum fee for groups of performing artists and their staff | $100 |
| Visitor visa – single entry or multiple entry (including extensions) | $100 |
| Visitor visa – maximum fee for family | $500 |
| Visitor record (including extensions) | $75 |
