The immigration policies in Canada can be considered as one of the most liberal in the world. But, before you start racking up applications for residency, it’s important to be well-versed on your available options, and how to get the best deal for you.
There are many different types and categories of visas you should know about if you’re interested in visiting Canada. As a matter of fact, this article is going to list out as many as possible so as not to make you feel confused when the time comes to decide the best visa choice for your needs.
Types of Canada Visa
Student Visa: If you’re a student, then this is the most appropriate visa to take. It allows you to study in public and private colleges, institutes, and universities for up to 3 years. The processing time for this visa is about 6-8 weeks. You must also pass a medical exam and meet the minimum language requirements.
Visitor Visa
This is the second-best option for tourists, professionals, or business professionals traveling to Canada for leisure or for a specific purpose. This visa allows travel within Canada only; that means you can’t go on a tour outside of Canada. The processing time for a Visitor Visa is about 10-15 days.
Business Visa
This visa is for professionals who want to spend time in Canada for the purpose of business and trade. It allows the individual to stay in Canada for six months at a stretch, but multiple-entry visas are also available.
Permanent Residency Visa (PR)
This is the most sought-after visa by people planning on relocating to Canada. It not only allows permanent residence in Canada but also gives you citizenship within three years of entering the country. The processing time for this visa is four months, which might seem like a lot but remember that there are many factors at play here—the common ones include Canada Immigration’s processing time and your geographic location.
Categories of Canada Temporary Visas
The Canada visitor’s visa is majorly categorized into two and this categorization determines the use of the visa within the speculated time frame which is presented below:
Single entry visas: These are temporary visas that allow you to enter Canada only once until the expiration date. This kind of visa is the most common and practical to use, giving the individual up to six months in Canada.
Multiple entry visas: These temporary visas allow you to enter Canada as many times as you want until the expiration date of your visa. This type of Canadian visitor’s visa is also valid for longer periods and is a better option if you are planning on staying in Canada for a longer time.
Common Requirements for Canadian Visas
Regardless of the type of Canada visa, you’re applying for, there are a few common requirements that apply to all visas. These include:
Police Record Check: To make sure that you’re not a criminal trying to gain entry in Canada, you’ll be required to provide a police record check that is not more than six months old. This means that if you’re planning on applying for a visitor visa, then your police record check must be recent.
Medical Examination: Canada is a country with a very low crime rate and a great standard of living. So, it’s important that all immigrants to Canada are not only healthy but must also be in good physical condition.
English/French Language Test: Given that Canada is one of the top countries in the world for tourism and trade, the government has mandated all immigrants to learn at least one of its two official languages (English and French). This means that you’ll need to take an official English test or French test in order to be granted a Canada visa.
Application Fees: The cost of applying for a visa to Canada differs from one category to the other. However, it is necessary that you pay the required fee before your application is processed.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types and categories of Canada visas you should know about. After reading this article, you’ll never have reason to feel lost or confused when it comes down to selecting the right category for your specific needs.
Canada is a country full of opportunities; so it’s important that you know exactly what your options are and how to get the best deal for you.
