There are seven different types of visa to enter Canada with from any country in the world, and each one has its own set of eligibility requirements and fees. Depending on the situation of the applicant and their reason for wanting to visit Canada, they will need to apply for a specific type of visa.
So if you’re wondering how many different types of visas are there in Canada, we will cover all seven types of visa in detail. We will discuss the eligibility criteria, requirements, and processing time for each one. So whether you’re a tourist looking to visit Canada or a business owner looking to immigrate, we have you covered!
In this article
Who needs a visa to enter Canada?
Citizens of certain countries can travel to Canada without a visa, but citizens of many other countries require a visa in order to enter. For a full list of which countries don’t need a visa, visit the Canadian government website .
Generally speaking, you will need one of the types of visa to enter Canada if you are not a citizen of:
The United States of America, Saint Pierre and Miquelon (a French Overseas Territory), Greenland, The Faroe Islands, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State, Liechtenstein, Germany , Austria, Switzerland or Slovenia. For a complete list of countries whose passport holders can enter Canada without a visa, see resource below.
Citizens of any other country not listed in the Canada visa free list will require a visa to enter Canada. Visa processing times can vary anywhere from one day up to several months depending on the type of visa you need, where you’re applying from and your circumstances. It’s always best to start the application process as soon as possible, especially if time is of the essence.
The 7 Different Types of Visa in Canada
There are seven different types of visa in Canada, and each one has its own set of eligibility requirements and fees. Depending on the situation of the applicant and their reason for wanting to visit Canada, they will need to apply for a specific type of visa. Now, let’s explore the types of visa to enter Canada if you intend to visit a Canadian city this year or in the near future.
1. Tourist Visa
If you’re planning on traveling to Canada as a tourist, you will need to apply for a visitor visa.
Eligibility for visitors visa in Canada: You can apply for this visa if you intend to visit Canada temporarily, and you meet the eligibility requirements.
Requirements for Canada Tourist Visa: The application process is fairly straightforward. In addition to providing personal documents such as your passport or travel document, you’ll need a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
Canada visitor visa fee: $100 CAD (Taxes included).
Canada visitor visa processing time: The average processing time for a visitor visa is 20 days, but it can take as long as three months if you’re from a country that requires biometrics or other special considerations.
2. Work Visa
If you want to work in Canada, you can apply for a work visa along with a work permit. To qualify for this type of visa, your employer must first offer you a job and then complete the necessary paperwork before applying on your behalf.
Recommended: How to obtain a permit to work in Canada.
Eligibility for Work Visa: To be eligible for a working permit in Canada, there are a few requirements that you must meet.
- You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- The job offer must be in an occupation that is listed as skill level A, B or O in the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
Requirements for Work Visa: In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria outlined above, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of your offer for employment from a Canadian employer in the form of a written job offer letter which includes details about how long you will be employed and how much you will be paid.
Canada Work Visa fee: $155 CAD (Taxes included)
Canada Work Visa Processing Time: The average processing time for Canada work visa is 20 days but it can take as long as three months if you’re from a country that requires biometrics or other special considerations.
3. Study Visa
Our number 3 in the list of type of visa to enter Canada is the Students Visa. If you want to study in Canada, you’ll need a student visa along with your study permit. To qualify for this type of visa, the school or university that you intend to attend must first accept your application and then complete the necessary paperwork before applying on your behalf.
Eligibility for Study Visa in Canada: In order to be eligible for a study visa in Canada, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have been accepted by a Canadian school or university.
- You must prove that you have enough money to cover your expenses while you’re in Canada.
Requirements for Study Visa: Along with meeting the eligibility requirements outlined above, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of your acceptance from a Canadian school or university in the form of an official letter which includes details about how long you will be enrolled and what classes are being offered during that time period (if applicable).
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your expenses while you’re in Canada. Learn more about proof of financial support for Canadian student visa.
Study Visa fee: $150 CAD (Taxes included).
Canada Study Visa processing time: The average processing time for a student visa is 20 days, but it can take up to four months if you’re from a country that requires biometrics or other special considerations.
4. Permanent Resident Visa
If you want to become a permanent resident of Canada, you can apply for one of the many Permanent Residence visas. There are a few different types of Permanent Resident visas available, so be sure to carefully read the eligibility requirements and application process for the visa that best suits your needs.
Recommended: How to become a permanent resident in Canada.
5. Super Visa
The Super Visa is a temporary resident visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for up to two years at a time. The Super Visa was created to help reunite families and provide an alternative to permanent immigration for those who wish to visit Canada on more than one occasion but may not be eligible to apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility for Super Visa: In order to be eligible for a super visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You are a parent or grandparent of Canadian citizen or permanent resident; and
- Have been found admissible to Canada;
- Meet the required medical and security conditions.
Super Visa fee: $100 CAD (Taxes included).
Super Visa Processing Time: The average processing time for a Super Visa is 20 days, but it can take up to six months if you’re from a country that requires biometrics or other special considerations.
Learn more about how to apply for a Super Visa to Canada and the requirements you must meet before applying.
6. Business Visa
If you want to conduct business in Canada, you’ll need a Business Visa. This type of visa is for people who are not permanent residents or citizens of Canada and who want to come to Canada for the purpose of conducting business activities such as attending meetings, negotiating contracts, attending programs and short courses or investing in a business.
Eligibility for a Business Visa: In order to be eligible for a business visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have been invited by a Canadian company or organization to conduct business in Canada; and
- You must show that you have enough money to cover your expenses while you’re in Canada.
Requirements for a Business Visa: Along with meeting the eligibility requirements outlined above, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of your invitation from a Canadian company or organization.
- Proof that you have enough money to cover your expenses while you’re in Canada. Learn more about Canada business immigrant visa.
Business Visa fee: $100 CAD (Taxes included).
Business Visa processing time: The average processing time for a Business Visa is 20 days, but it can take quite longer than that depending on your country of origin and how many documents you need to include with your application.
7. Express Entry Program Visas
The last and often most wanted type of visa to enter Canada is the permanent residency visa. The Express Entry Program is a selection system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to select candidates for immigration to Canada who are skilled workers. Those eligible can create an online profile in the system where they will be ranked according to various factors. The top-ranked profiles may then receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
There are a few different types of Express Entry visas, so be sure to carefully read the eligibility requirements and application process for the visa that best suits your needs.
Become Canada Permanent Resident via Express EntryFrequently Asked Questions About Canada Visa
How Long Does it Take to Get a Canada Visa?
The time it takes to get a visa for Canada depends on several factors, so there’s no set answer. For example, the type of visa you apply for will affect how long it takes to process your application. Temporary visas can take anywhere from two weeks to six months or more to process depending on where you’re applying from.
Can someone help me apply for Canada visa?
Yes! An authorized IRCC representative, family member of friends can help you apply for a visa to Canada.
What are the difference between online and paper visa application?
The difference between the online and paper visa application is that with a paper visa application, you need to go to your nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. With an online visa application, you can apply from anywhere in the world through the internet.
Can I extend visitor visa in Canada?
Yes you can extend your visitor visa while in Canada, but only if the initial period of stay was for six months or less. To do this, you must apply to extend your stay before the expiry of your current visa. You will be required to provide proof or reason for extending your stay in Canada.
Will I be forgiven if I overstay my visa in Canada?
No you will not be forgiven if you overstay your visitor’s visa in Canada. While there is no strict rule that says how many days a person can stay as an illegal immigrant, it is usually between 30 to 90 days before the Canadian authorities takes action. An illegal immigrant may be deported from Canada. That said, there are ways to appeal for deportation decisions and make your case before a competent court of law.
Can I re-apply after Canada visa application is rejected?
Yes you can reapply after your visa application is rejected, provided you are still eligible to apply for the visa. If there was a reason why your visa application was declined, you must address that issue in subsequent applications. You should not assume that the result of previous applications will repeat itself over and over again.
Will I Get a Refund if my Canada Visa Application is Rejected?
No you will not get any refund if your visa application is rejected. This, however, does not mean that you will never be able to travel to Canada in the future. You have the option of applying again after satisfying the requirements and other necessary conditions for the Canadian visa.
How can I get Canada visa invitation letter?
There are many ways to get a Canada visa invitation letter. For example, an organization, business, school, friend or family member you intend to visit can send you an invitation letter if they intend to sponsor your stay in Canada. This is particularly relevant if the visa applicant needs a support letter from a resident of Canada, or someone who has legal status in the country.
What information is contained in a sample Canada visa?
The following information is contained in a sample Canada visa:
- Visa applicant’s name, address and date of birth.
- Type of Canadian visa applied for (tourist, work or study).
- The number assigned to the applicant’s application once it has been submitted. This number can be used to follow the progress of the application.
- The visa issuance date.
- Visa validity.
- Details of intended visit, including purpose and duration.
- A declaration that the visa holder agrees to comply with all Canadian laws.
Recommended: how to check if your Canada visa is real or not.
What type of visa do I need for medical trip to Canada?
If you are intending to visit Canada for medical purposes, then you need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). You can apply for this visa from your home country. Medical tourism in Canada is a growing industry, and the Canadian government wants to ensure that all visitors coming for medical treatment are legitimate. The TRV will allow you to enter Canada and seek medical attention. You must provide proof of your arrangements with a Canadian healthcare facility, as well as evidence of funds to cover your stay in Canada.
Ready to Apply? Take a 100% Free AssessmentConclusion
Canada is a beautiful country to visit, whether for the purpose of business, study, work, family or medical treatment. It is advisable to apply for the right visa for your situation. We hope that at least 1 out of the 7 types of visa to enter Canada will be a good fit for you.
