Temporary Residence

In Canada, temporary residency applies to those who are not Canadian citizens but are legally in Canada for a temporary purpose, including international students, foreign workers, and tourists.

Visitor Visa

A visitor visa (also called a temporary resident visa) is an official document that shows that you meet the requirements needed to enter Canada.

have a valid travel document, like a passport

be in good health

have no criminal or immigration-related convictions

convince an immigration officer that you have ties (such as a job, home, financial assets, or family) that will take you back to your home country

have enough funds for your stay (depends on how long you will stay in Canada, and where)

You may also need a medical exam and a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.

Duration of the visa

Most visitors can stay for up to 6 months in Canada. At the port of entry, the border services officer may allow you to stay for less or more than 6 months.

Application process

Applicants can apply online, as paper applications are not being accepted at this time.

Types of visitor visas

There are two types: single entry and multiple entry visas. A single entry visa allows foreign nationals to enter Canada one time only. A multiple entry visa allows holders to enter and leave Canada as often as they want as long as the visa is valid.

Work Permit

The Canadian work permit visa allows business people, permanent workers, temporary workers, students, and others to work in Canada.

Types of work permits

An employer-specific work permit lets you work in Canada according to the conditions on your work permit, such as:

the name of the specific employer you can work for
how long you can work
the location where you can work (if applicable)

An open work permit lets you work for any employer in Canada, except for one that:

is listed as ineligible on the list of employers who have failed to comply with the conditions
regularly offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services, or erotic massages

Eligibility requirements

prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your work permit expires

show that you have enough money to take care of yourself and your family members during your stay in Canada and to return home

obey the law and have no record of criminal activity (we may ask you to give us a police clearance certificate)

not be a danger to Canada’s security

be in good health and have a medical exam, if needed

not plan to work for an employer listed with the status “ineligible” on the list of employers who failed to comply with the conditions

not plan to work for an employer who, on a regular basis, offers striptease, erotic dance, escort services or erotic massages

give the officer any other documents they ask for to prove you can enter the country

you have a temporary resident permit that is valid for six months or more

your spouse, common-law partner or parents have a valid study or work permit

you have a valid study or work permit

you’re eligible for a post-graduation work permit and your study permit is still valid

you’re waiting on a decision on an application for permanent residence from inside Canada

you made a claim for refugee protection

you’re allowed to work in Canada without a work permit but you need a work permit to work in a different job (this does not apply to business visitors)

you’ve been recognized as a convention refugee or protected person by the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada

Post-graduation work permit

You may be eligible for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) if you graduated from a designated learning institution (DLI) and want to stay in Canada temporarily to work.

Study Permit

The study permit is a document that allows foreign nationals to study at designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada.

How long can you stay in Canada with a study permit?

A study permit is usually valid for the length of your study program, plus an extra 90 days. The 90 days let you prepare to leave Canada or apply to extend your stay.

You can study in Canada if you

Are enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI)

If you’re coming from outside Canada to study as an international student, your DLI must be on the list of DLIs with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.

prove you have enough money to pay for

your tuition fees
living expenses for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada and
return transportation for yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada

obey the law, have no criminal record and get a police certificate (if required)

are in good health and get a medical exam (if required)

have enough funds for your stay (depends on how long you will stay in Canada, and where)

prove to an officer that you will leave Canada when your study permit expires

make progress towards completing your program

respect any conditions listed on your study permit and

stop studying if you no longer meet the requirements

Depending on your case, there may be conditions on your study permit such as:

if you’re allowed to work in Canada

if you’re allowed to travel within Canada

the specific date you must leave Canada

where you can study (a specific DLI listed on your permit)

You can’t study at a DLI other than the one listed on your permit.

whether you need an immigration medical examination.

proof of acceptance

proof of identity

proof of financial support

You may also need

a custodian declaration (minors only)

a letter of explanation

Test your eligibility!

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Temporary Residence

Visitor Visa

Work Permit

Study Permit

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