Deep coverage17 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Canada.
3 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Canada Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Online travel authorization required for visa-exempt nationals (e.g. UK, EU, Australia, Japan) flying to or transiting through a Canadian airport; not needed for arrival by land or sea. Costs CAD 7, is electronically linked to the passport and is valid 5 years or until passport expiry, allowing repeated visits of normally up to 6 months each. Most applications are approved within minutes; remote work for a foreign employer is permitted under visitor rules.
Valid passportPassport from a visa-exempt (eTA-eligible) country.How to get it ↓
Online eTA formApplication completed on the official canada.ca eTA site.How to get it ↓
Credit or debit cardTo pay the CAD 7 fee online.How to get it ↓
Email addresseTA confirmation is sent by email.How to get it ↓
Supporting documents on requestOptionalIRCC may request additional documents before approval in some cases.How to get it ↓
Tourist Visa
Canada Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
Required for nationals of visa-required countries visiting Canada for tourism, family visits or business. Usually issued as a multiple-entry visa valid up to 10 years (or passport expiry), with stays normally up to 6 months per entry; border officers set the actual period. Canada has no digital nomad visa, but visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer while in Canada under visitor rules. Biometrics fee CAD 85 extra.
Government fee
CA$100
Service fee
CA$220
Max stay
180 days
Validity
3,650 days
Document checklist (7)
Valid passportPassport or travel document valid for the intended stay.How to get it ↓
Online application (IRCC Portal)Completed visitor visa application submitted online.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsBank statements or other evidence you can support yourself during the visit.How to get it ↓
Proof of ties to home countryEvidence of employment, property or family showing you will leave Canada at the end of your stay.How to get it ↓
BiometricsFingerprints and photo (CAD 85) unless exempt or given in the last 10 years.How to get it ↓
Invitation letterOptionalLetter from a host in Canada, if visiting family or friends.How to get it ↓
Travel itineraryOptionalFlight bookings and travel plans.How to get it ↓
Transit Visa
Canada Transit Visa
Free visa for nationals of visa-required countries transiting through a Canadian airport to another country within 48 hours. Issued for one or two entries depending on the itinerary; applications are made online via the IRCC Portal and biometrics (if required) are also free. Travellers from select countries may instead qualify for the Transit Without Visa or China Transit programs.
Government fee
CA$0
Service fee
CA$220
Max stay
2 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportPassport valid for the journey.How to get it ↓
Online applicationTransit visa application via the IRCC Portal.How to get it ↓
Proof of onward travelTickets showing departure from Canada within 48 hours.How to get it ↓
Visa for destination countryOptionalIf required for your final destination.How to get it ↓
BiometricsOptionalMay be required; no biometrics fee for transit visa applicants.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Business Visitor Visa
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
3 routes
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Canada Study Permit
Permit for programs over 6 months at a designated learning institution (DLI); valid for the program length plus 90 days. Applicants need a letter of acceptance, a provincial/territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL) unless exempt, and proof of funds (CAD 22,895 living costs for a single applicant outside Quebec, plus tuition). Subject to a national cap (about 408,000 permits to be issued in 2026); graduates may qualify for a Post-Graduation Work Permit and PR pathways.
Work: up to 24 h/week
Study: Full-time study at a DLI
Residency: Route to PR via Express Entry/PGWP
Family: Spouse OWP (restricted programs); children study
Government fee
CA$150
Service fee
CA$300
Document checklist (8)
Letter of acceptanceFrom a designated learning institution (DLI).How to get it ↓
Provincial/territorial attestation letter (PAL/TAL)Required unless exempt (e.g. master's/PhD at public DLI from Jan 2026).How to get it ↓
Proof of financial supportCAD 22,895 living costs (single, outside Quebec) plus first-year tuition and travel; GIC, bank statements, loans or scholarships.How to get it ↓
Quebec acceptance certificate (CAQ)OptionalIf studying in Quebec.How to get it ↓
Immigration medical examOptionalDepending on country of residence and program.How to get it ↓
BiometricsFingerprints and photo (CAD 85) unless exempt.How to get it ↓
Letter of explanation / study planOptionalExplaining study goals and ties to home country.How to get it ↓
Language Course Visa
Canada Short-Term Studies (No Study Permit, up to 6 Months)
Language and other courses of 6 months or less can be taken as a visitor without a study permit, provided the course is completed within the authorized stay. Entry is under normal visitor rules: visa-exempt nationals need an eTA (CAD 7), others a visitor visa (CAD 100). Students planning to continue studying longer should apply for a study permit instead, since switching from inside Canada is restricted.
Course enrolment letterConfirmation from the school showing the course lasts 6 months or less.How to get it ↓
Proof of fundsEvidence you can pay tuition and living costs as a visitor.How to get it ↓
Return ticket / onward travelOptionalEvidence you will leave at the end of the authorized stay.How to get it ↓
Internship / Trainee Visa
Canada IEC International Co-op (Internship)
Employer-specific work permit for students aged 18-35 (18-30 for some countries) from IEC partner countries who are enrolled at a post-secondary institution abroad and have a Canadian internship offer directly linked to their field of study. Permits run 6 to 24 months depending on nationality; fee is the CAD 184.75 IEC participation fee (no open work permit fee). A related Young Professionals category offers employer-specific permits for young workers with a Canadian job offer.
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Self-Employment Visa
Self-Employed Persons Program (federal)
Not available
Intake paused since 30 Apr 2024 to clear backlog; pause extended indefinitely as of Jan 2026 (originally to Jan 2027). New applications are returned; program redesign under review.
Paused: designated organizations could not issue new commitment certificates after 31 Dec 2025; holders of 2025 certificates had to file PR applications by 30 Jun 2026; later applications returned. Annual PR space cut from 5,000 (2024) to ~1,000 (2026-27). IRCC plans a new entrepreneur pilot in 2026.
Canada's main skilled-immigration system: candidates eligible under the Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class or Federal Skilled Trades programs enter a pool, are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invited via general, program or category-based draws (2026 categories: French, healthcare, STEM, trades, education, plus physicians, senior managers, researchers, transport and skilled military recruits). 2026 CRS cut-offs ranged from 169 (physicians) to over 500 (CEC); provincial nomination adds 600 points. Grants permanent residence; fee CAD 1,590 per adult including the CAD 600 right of permanent residence fee, with a 6-8 month service standard after invitation.
Work: As PR, full work rights
Study: As PR, full study access
Residency: Grants permanent residence
Family: Spouse and dependants included
Government fee
CA$1,590
Service fee
CA$300
Processing time
210 days
Document checklist (8)
Language test resultsIELTS/CELPIP/PTE or TEF/TCF, less than 2 years old (CLB 7+ for FSW).How to get it ↓
Educational credential assessment (ECA)For foreign education, e.g. WES report.How to get it ↓
Valid passportFor each applicant and dependant.How to get it ↓
Proof of work experienceReference letters detailing duties, hours and pay for skilled (TEER 0-3) experience.How to get it ↓
Proof of settlement fundsRequired for FSW/FST without a job offer (amount set by family size).How to get it ↓
Police certificatesFrom all countries lived in 6+ months since age 18.How to get it ↓
Immigration medical examBy an IRCC panel physician.How to get it ↓
Provincial nomination certificateOptionalIf applying through an Express Entry PNP stream (+600 CRS).How to get it ↓
Seasonal Work Visa
Canada Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
Bilateral seasonal farm-work scheme for citizens of Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and the OECS states, recruited through their own governments to work for approved Canadian farms. Employment lasts up to 8 months between 1 January and 15 December with a guaranteed minimum of 240 hours; employers provide housing and transport and hold a positive LMIA. Workers receive employer-specific work permits; the standard CAD 155 work permit fee applies (often paid/recovered per the bilateral contract).
Selection by home-country governmentRecruitment through the partner country's ministry of labour.How to get it ↓
SAWP employment contractStandard contract between worker, employer and the home government.How to get it ↓
Positive LMIAEmployer's approved Labour Market Impact Assessment for SAWP positions.How to get it ↓
Immigration medical examRequired for agricultural occupations.How to get it ↓
BiometricsFingerprints and photo unless exempt.How to get it ↓
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Canada Intra-Company Transferee Work Permit
LMIA-exempt work permit for executives, senior managers and specialized-knowledge employees transferring to a Canadian branch, subsidiary, affiliate or parent of a multinational corporation after at least 1 year (in practice 2 years expected) of full-time employment abroad. Initial permits are typically up to 3 years (1 year for start-up offices), renewable to a 5-year cap for specialized knowledge and 7 years for executives/managers; prevailing wage must be paid. Worker pays CAD 155; the employer pays a CAD 230 compliance fee.
Work: Employer-tied work permit
Residency: Route to PR via Express Entry
Family: Spouse open work permit; children included
Proof of qualifying employment abroadAt least 1 year full-time with the foreign entity in a similar role.How to get it ↓
Proof of corporate relationshipEvidence the Canadian and foreign entities are parent/branch/subsidiary/affiliate of a multinational.How to get it ↓
Job offer and offer of employment numberEmployer submits the offer via the Employer Portal and pays the CAD 230 compliance fee.How to get it ↓
Evidence of executive/managerial or specialized-knowledge roleOrganizational charts, job descriptions, proof of proprietary knowledge.How to get it ↓
BiometricsFingerprints and photo (CAD 85) unless exempt.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
1 route
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Business Investor Visa
Quebec Immigrant Investor Program (QIIP)
Canada's only passive-investor immigration route, relaunched 1 January 2024 with stricter rules: net worth of CAD 2 million, 2 years of management experience in the last 5, a CAD 1 million 5-year guaranteed investment with Investissement Quebec plus a CAD 200,000 non-refundable contribution, and spoken French at level 7 of the Quebec scale. Applicants first receive a work permit and must spend at least 12 months residing in Quebec within 2 years (at least 6 months by the principal) before the Quebec Selection Certificate leading to permanent residence; a separate Quebec processing fee and federal PR fees apply. Annual intake is limited.
Work: Optional open work permit before PR
Study: As PR, full study access
Residency: Grants permanent residence
Family: Spouse and dependants included
Min. investment
CA$1,200,000
Document checklist (7)
Proof of net worthDocumentation of at least CAD 2,000,000 in lawfully acquired net assets (alone or with spouse).How to get it ↓
Proof of management experienceAt least 2 years of management experience within the 5 years before applying.How to get it ↓
French test resultsSpoken French at level 7+ (TEFAQ/TCF-Quebec) or qualifying diploma.How to get it ↓
DiplomaAt least a Quebec secondary school equivalent.How to get it ↓
Investment agreementCAD 1,200,000 (1M five-year investment + 200K contribution) via an approved financial intermediary.How to get it ↓
Valid passportFor applicant and family members.How to get it ↓
Police certificates and medical examFor the federal permanent residence stage.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Working Holiday Visa
Canada IEC Working Holiday
Open work permit for youth (18-30 or 18-35 depending on country) from about 36 partner countries including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea; permits last 12-24 months by nationality. Candidates enter a pool and apply after receiving an invitation; the 2026 season opened 19 Dec 2025. Fees: CAD 184.75 IEC participation fee plus CAD 100 open work permit holder fee and CAD 85 biometrics; proof of CAD 2,500 in funds and health insurance for the stay required.
Work: Open work permit, any employer
Government fee
CA$184.75
Service fee
CA$300
Processing time
56 days
Document checklist (7)
Valid passportFrom an IEC partner country, valid for the full intended stay.How to get it ↓
IEC profile and invitationPool profile and invitation to apply for the Working Holiday category.How to get it ↓
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP)
Not available
No new sponsorship intake in 2026 per Ministerial Instructions effective 1 Jan 2026; only up to 10,000 applications from the 2025 intake (2020 interest-to-sponsor pool) are being processed. 2026-2028 Levels Plan keeps PGP admissions at 15,000/year; IRCC points families to the Super Visa meanwhile.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouse, common-law or conjugal partner (and dependent children) for permanent residence, with no minimum income requirement for spousal cases but a binding 3-year undertaking. Total government fee is CAD 1,260 per principal applicant (incl. CAD 600 right of permanent residence fee, post-Apr 2026); processing is about 15-16 months outland and 21-25 months inland (longer for Quebec). Inland applicants can get a spousal open work permit (~3-5 months) while waiting.
Government fee
CA$1,260
Service fee
CA$370
Processing time
480 days
Document checklist (8)
Sponsorship application (sponsor)Sponsor eligibility forms and undertaking (3-year support obligation).How to get it ↓
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationshipIncluding evidence of 12 months cohabitation for common-law partners.How to get it ↓
Proof of genuine relationshipPhotos, communication history, joint finances, statements from family/friends.How to get it ↓
Valid passportsFor the sponsored person and any dependants.How to get it ↓
Police certificatesFor the applicant, from countries lived in 6+ months since age 18.How to get it ↓
Immigration medical examBy an IRCC panel physician.How to get it ↓
Sponsor status proofCanadian citizenship or PR documents of the sponsor.How to get it ↓
Dependent Relative Visa
Canada Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents)
Long-stay multiple-entry visitor visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, valid up to 10 years with stays of up to 5 years per entry (extendable by 2 years in Canada). The host child/grandchild must meet a minimum income (LICO, e.g. CAD 30,526 for a 1-person household, 2026 table) and the applicant needs at least CAD 100,000 of medical insurance valid for 1 year. With the Parents and Grandparents PR intake frozen for 2026, this is the main route for parents to stay long-term.
Government fee
CA$100
Service fee
CA$370
Max stay
1,825 days
Validity
3,650 days
Document checklist (7)
Valid passportPassport of the parent or grandparent.How to get it ↓
Letter of invitationSigned invitation from the child or grandchild in Canada including a promise of financial support.How to get it ↓
Proof of relationshipBirth certificate or other document proving the applicant is the host's parent or grandparent.How to get it ↓
Host income proofNotice of Assessment or T4/pay records showing the host meets the LICO minimum income.How to get it ↓
Medical insuranceProof of at least CAD 100,000 coverage for 1 year from an approved insurer.How to get it ↓
Immigration medical examExam by an IRCC panel physician.How to get it ↓
BiometricsFingerprints and photo (CAD 85) unless exempt.How to get it ↓
Not yet researched
Ancestry / Repatriation
1 route
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Canada Global Talent Stream Work Permit
Fast-track employer-driven route for tech and specialized talent under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program: ESDC targets 2-week LMIA processing and IRCC matches it with 2-week work permit processing under the Global Skills Strategy. Category A (unique talent referred by a designated partner) requires at least CAD 80,000 salary; Category B covers an in-demand occupations list (mostly IT/engineering) at prevailing wage. Worker pays the CAD 155 work permit fee; the employer pays a CAD 1,000 LMIA fee per position and must commit to a Labour Market Benefits Plan.
Work: Employer-tied work permit
Residency: Route to PR via Express Entry
Family: Spouse open work permit; children included
Government fee
CA$155
Service fee
CA$370
Processing time
14 days
Document checklist (6)
Positive GTS LMIAEmployer's approved Global Talent Stream Labour Market Impact Assessment.How to get it ↓
Job offer / employment contractMeeting GTS wage floors (Category A: CAD 80,000+ or prevailing wage).How to get it ↓
How to get these documents General guidance for any passport.
Valid passport
How to get this document
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
Issued by
National passport authority
Typical cost
$20–$150
Typical time
1–6 weeks (expedited often available)
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Online eTA form
How to get this document
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration portal
Typical cost
Usually free (the visa fee is separate)
Typical time
30–60 minutes to complete
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Credit or debit card
How to get this document
Pay the visa or government fee through the channel the consulate specifies — card payment on the application portal, bank transfer, or in person at the visa centre. Keep the receipt or transaction confirmation to upload or present.
Issued by
Destination consulate / payment provider
Typical cost
Varies by visa
Typical time
Immediate–2 days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Email address
How to get this document
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
Issued by
Landlord / host / municipality
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Supporting documents on request
How to get this document
Have documents translated by a sworn or certified translator and, where required, notarised. For cross-border use obtain an apostille (in Hague Convention countries) or consular legalisation from the competent authority in the country that issued the original.
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
Issued by
Your bank / employer / sponsor
Typical cost
free–$20
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of ties to home country
How to get this document
Write a signed cover or motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip or application, your plans and your ties to your home country, addressed to the consulate. You prepare this yourself.
Issued by
Self-prepared
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Biometrics
How to get this document
Book a biometrics appointment at the destination's visa application centre (e.g. VFS Global, TLScontact or BLS) or consulate, then attend in person to give fingerprints and a facial photo. Bring your passport and the appointment confirmation.
Issued by
Visa application centre / consulate
Typical cost
Often included in the visa feesometimes a small service fee
Typical time
15–30 minute appointment
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Invitation letter
How to get this document
Ask your host, company or institution in the destination to write an invitation letter with their details, your details, and the purpose and dates of the visit. Some countries require it to be officially registered or legalised by local immigration (e.g. a notarised or authority-stamped invitation).
Issued by
Host / inviting organisation
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Days–weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Travel itinerary
How to get this document
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
Issued by
Airline / travel agent
Typical cost
free–$30 for a reservation
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Visa for destination country
How to get this document
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
Issued by
Civil registry / interior ministry
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Same day–several weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Letter of acceptance
How to get this document
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
Issued by
School / university (admissions office)
Typical cost
Usually free
Typical time
A few days–2 weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Immigration medical exam
How to get this document
Book a medical examination with a doctor or, where required, a clinic on the consulate's approved-panel list. Tests may include a general exam, a chest X-ray/TB screening and blood tests; the clinic issues the certificate directly.
Issued by
Licensed doctor / panel clinic
Typical cost
$30–$200
Typical time
1–2 weeks including results
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Internship/job offer letter
How to get this document
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
Issued by
Employer (HR) / labour authority
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
A few days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Health insurance
How to get this document
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
Issued by
Accredited test provider
Typical cost
$100–$300
Typical time
2–6 weeks including results
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Educational credential assessment (ECA)
How to get this document
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
Apply for a police clearance or good-conduct certificate from the national police or a designated portal (and from any country where you lived long-term). It typically needs an apostille and translation and must be recent — issued within the last 3–6 months.
This is a destination- or programme-specific supporting document. Follow the exact instruction on the official consulate or immigration checklist for your visa; if it is unclear, contact the consulate or visa application centre for guidance on how to obtain it.
Issued by
Destination consulate / immigration authority
Typical cost
Varies
Typical time
Varies
Verified 11 Jun 2026
SAWP employment contract
How to get this document
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
Issued by
Employer / labour authority
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day–1 week
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of corporate relationship
How to get this document
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
Provide documentary proof of the qualifying investment: a bank confirmation of the deposit or transfer, share or title certificates, an escrow or blocked-account statement, or a notarised purchase contract, depending on the programme's rules.
Issued by
Bank / notary / company registry
Typical cost
Varies
Typical time
1–4 weeks
Verified 11 Jun 2026
CV/resume
How to get this document
Write an up-to-date CV/résumé listing your education and work history. Some visas ask for the Europass format or a signed and dated version; you prepare this yourself.
Issued by
Self-prepared
Typical cost
Free
Typical time
Same day
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Sponsorship application (sponsor)
How to get this document
Have your sponsor sign a letter or affidavit of support undertaking to cover your costs, attaching their ID and proof of funds or income. Some countries require a notarised affidavit or an official guarantee form.
Issued by
Sponsor (sometimes notarised)
Typical cost
free–$50
Typical time
Days
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship
How to get this document
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
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