Work / Study / Visit

Canada, invites individuals globally for work, study, and temporary visits. In this guide, we discuss the opportunities presented by the Student Visa (Study Permit), Work Permits/LMIA, Visitor Visa/eTA, Super Visa, Caregiver Program, Temporary Resident Program, and Electronic Travel Authorization.

Student Visa (Study Permit): Your Academic Journey

A study permit, rather than a student visa, is what you’ll need to study in Canada as an international student. The permit allows you to stay in Canada while enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI).

Here’s a quick overview of the process:

Eligibility:

• Be enrolled at a DLI.
• Prove you have enough financial resources to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and return transportation.
• Meet the medical and criminal background check requirements.
• Convince an immigration officer that you’ll leave Canada when your study permit expires.

Application:

• You can apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or on paper.
• The application fee is currently CAD$150.
• Processing times can vary, but generally take 4 to 6 months.

Supporting documents:

• Proof of acceptance from a DLI.
• Proof of financial support.
• Medical exam results (if required).
• Police certificate (if required).
• Passport or travel document.
• Study permit application form (IMM1294).

Work Permits / LMIAs: Building a Career in Canada

Obtaining a work permit in Canada can be a complex process, and for some roles, it may involve acquiring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Let’s break down the key aspects:

Work Permits:

• Types: There are various work permits for temporary and permanent residency in Canada, each with specific requirements and eligibility criteria. Some common types include:
• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): This program allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary positions where no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available. An LMIA is often required for TFWP work permits.
• International Mobility Program (IMP): This program offers work permits for specific categories of workers, such as intra-company transferees, students, and researchers. LMIAs are not usually required for IMP work permits.
• Open Work Permits: These permits allow the holder to work for any employer in Canada, without restrictions on the type of job. They are typically granted to individuals with specific skills or qualifications in high demand.
• Application Process: The application process for a work permit varies depending on the type of permit and the applicant’s circumstances. Generally, it involves submitting an application form, supporting documents, and paying applicable fees.

LMIAs:

• Purpose: An LMIA is an assessment conducted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to determine the impact of hiring a foreign worker on the Canadian labour market. A positive LMIA confirms that there is a genuine need for the foreign worker and that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.
• Who Needs an LMIA: Employers are required to obtain an LMIA before hiring a foreign worker for most positions under the TFWP. There are some exceptions, such as for high-skilled workers in certain occupations.
• Application Process: Employers must apply for an LMIA online through ESDC’s website. The application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it’s important to seek professional guidance if needed.

Visitor Visa / eTA: Exploring Canada Temporarily

Choosing between a visitor visa and an eTA for Canada depends on your nationality and planned travel details. Here’s a breakdown:

Visitor Visa:

• Who needs it: Citizens of countries not eligible for an eTA require a visitor visa to enter Canada. 
• Duration of stay: Allows stays of up to six months (with possible extensions upon request).
• Multiple entries: Some multiple-entry visas allow multiple visits within a specific validity period.
• Application process: More complex, requiring application forms, documents, and an interview. Fees apply.
• Processing time: Can vary depending on your country and circumstances, typically take several weeks.

eTA:

• Who needs it: Citizens of visa-exempt countries traveling to Canada by air require an eTA.
• Duration of stay: Allows stays of up to six months per visit.
• Multiple entries: Valid for five years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple visits within the validity period.
• Application process: Simpler online application with immediate or within minutes approval for most applicants. Low application fee of CAD 7.
• Processing time: Usually quick, often approved within minutes.

Super Visa: An Invitation for Parents and Grandparents

The Super Visa is a great option for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who want to visit Canada for an extended period. Here’s what you need to know:

What is Super Visa

The Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents to stay in Canada for up to 5 years at a time with the possibility of extensions. They can visit for multiple visits within a 10-year validity period. This is much longer than a regular visitor visa, which typically only allows for a stay of up to 6 months.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for a Super Visa, you must:

• Be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Meet the financial requirements, which include purchasing private medical insurance that meets specific coverage requirements and demonstrating sufficient financial support from your child or grandchild in Canada
• Pass a medical examination
• Have no criminal inadmissibility

How to apply

You can apply for a Super Visa online or on paper. The application process can take several months, so it’s important to start planning early.

Benefits of the Super Visa:

• Spend more time with your family in Canada
• Attend important events, such as graduations and weddings
• Help with childcare
• Enjoy the Canadian lifestyle

Things to keep in mind:

• Super Visa holders are not allowed to work in Canada
• They must maintain their private medical insurance throughout their stay
• They cannot apply for permanent residency from within Canada

Caregiver Program: Compassionate Work Experience

There are actually two main caregiver programs in Canada, each with different pathways to permanent residency for foreign caregivers:

Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot:

Launched in 2019, these pilot programs offer a faster pathway to permanent residency for foreign caregivers who have experience working in Canada.

Eligibility:

• Must have worked in Canada for at least 12 months (or less if you have certain qualifications) as a home child care provider or home support worker.
• Meet the language requirements (English or French).
• Have a valid temporary resident visa.

Pathways to permanent residency:

• Direct to permanence: If you have 12 months of qualifying work experience in the past 36 months, you can apply directly for permanent residency.
• Gaining experience: If you have less than 12 months of experience, you can participate in this stream and gain the required experience while working in Canada. Once you have 12 months, you can apply for permanent residency.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) with caregiver streams:

This is the traditional program for foreign caregivers coming to Canada.

Eligibility:

Have a job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Meet the medical and security requirements. Have proof of financial support.

Pathways to permanent residency:

After two years of working as a caregiver under the TFWP, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through various programs, such as the Canadian Experience Class or the Provincial Nominee Program.

Temporary Resident Program

There are various avenues for temporary residency in Canada, catering to different purposes and eligibility criteria. To give you the most accurate information, it’d be helpful to know what specifically you’re interested in, such as:

Visiting Canada:

 Are you planning a tourist visit, attending an event, or simply seeing family and friends? Options include visitor visas and Electronic Travel Authorizations (eTA).

Working in Canada:

 Do you have a job offer or want to explore work opportunities? Temporary work permits under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or International Mobility Program (IMP) might be relevant.

Studying in Canada:

 Are you interested in pursuing academic studies at a Canadian institution? You’d need a study permit.

Other temporary stays:

 Perhaps you’re seeking medical treatment, participating in cultural activities, or reuniting with family under specific circumstances. Special permits like temporary resident permits or super visas might apply.

Remember, immigration regulations can be complex, so seeking professional guidance from an immigration consultant or lawyer can be beneficial.

Simplified Entry with Electronic Travel Authorization

An eTA is an electronic document that allows visa-exempt foreign nationals to fly to and from Canada. It’s not a visa, but it is a mandatory requirement for anyone entering Canada by air who doesn’t already have a valid visa.

Who needs an eTA?

Citizens of over 50 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and most European Union countries, need an eTA to fly to Canada. You can check the full list of visa-exempt countries on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Application Process:

You can apply for an eTA online through the IRCC website. The application process is quick and easy, and most applicants receive their eTA approval within minutes.

Requirements:

You will need the following:

• A valid passport from a visa-exempt country
• A credit or debit card
• An email address

The cost of an eTA is CAD $7. An eTA is valid for five years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. With an eTA, you can visit Canada for up to six months at a time. You can also travel to and from Canada as many times as you like during the validity period of your eTA.

Limitations of eTA:

You cannot work or study in Canada with an eTA. You also cannot apply for permanent residency in Canada from within Canada while holding an eTA.

Additional things to keep in mind about eTAs:

• An eTA does not guarantee entry into Canada. Border officials have the final say on whether or not you will be allowed to enter the country.
• If you have been refused entry into Canada in the past, you may not be eligible for an eTA.
• If you have any criminal convictions, you may not be eligible for an eTA.