How to Apply For a Canadian Visa

Are you looking for a new opportunity, a new experience or even bigger, thinking about a whole new life? Aside from being one of the most beautiful, friendly and affordable countries in the world, Canada has tailored visas to immigrants and travellers for whatever your plans may be. Canada has over 70 different Canadian visas options, which can become a little complicated. Here is a quick breakdown of the major categories of Canadian visas and some of their subcategories:

Visitors (Tourist) Visa

The easiest visa to obtain, the tourist visa is for travellers looking to explore Canada. Whether you want to explore big cities like Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal or take in Canada’s endlessly magnificent nature in places like Banff National Park, Niagara Falls or Vancouver Island. To get a Canadian tourist visa you’ll need to present yourself in person at your closest High Commission, have a valid passport, motivate that you can afford the trip and your intention to return. Tourist visas are typically granted for a period of six months.

Working Holiday

If you’re thinking about taking some time off and want to travel without putting a big dent in your savings, the Working Holiday Visa is probably just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re looking at unskilled work like being a server, an internship or just to get some work experience there are three categories for you to apply within:

Working Holiday Visa

The most popular Canadian visa option is for those looking at seasonal work in places such as ski lodges, farms and restaurants. You can work anywhere in the country on this visa. You will need a valid passport, to be between the ages of 18-35, have at least $2,500, health insurance and a round trip ticket or enough money to cover one.

Young Professionals Visa

For those new international graduates looking to gain work experience. The major requirement for this visa is a signed letter of employment from a designated Canadian company. This visa can be applied for 12-24 months of employment.

International Co-op Internship Visa

For recent university graduates who have received an offer of employment for an internship at a designated Canadain company. This visa is typically granted for a 12 month period as internships generally do not exceed this.

Are you ready for a Canadian adventure? Follow to the link below to get started:

Study in Canada

If you have been accepted to study at a publicly funded post-secondary institution in Canada, you will need to apply for this visa. If you are a full-time student in Canada you are also allowed to work on or off-campus.

Work in Canada

The following visa options are a lot more complex than the information provided. If you are seriously considering immigrating to Canada and need more information, visit our home page and navigate to the different Canadian immigration programs. It is possible to obtain permanent residency under all of the following Canadian visa programs:

Express Entry

Under the Express Entry system, you must create an official profile on the Canadian immigration website. You will upload your supporting documents onto your profile and reach a CRS score. The average CRS score for an application to be successful is 372 points. If you receive a nomination under the Provincial Nomination Program, this alone is worth 600 points out of 1200 possible points. If your application is successful you will be invited to apply for permanent residency.

If you are planning to enter the Canadian labour market and are not applying through the Express Entry system, the first thing you will require to work in Canada is a Work Permit. Once you have a work permit you can begin your application under one of the following streams:

Provincial Nominee Program

Each Canadian province has its own list of in-demand jobs, which vary from unskilled and semi-skilled positions such as labourers and truck drivers to skilled positions such as engineers and IT professionals. In order to receive a visa, you must apply for a nomination from the particular province you are interested in settling and working in.

Business Immigration Streams

Under the PNP program, there are numerous streams, but the overall requirements for a business visa remain fairly consistent across the four categories:

• Self-Employment Program – applicants must demonstrate they have the relevant artistic, athletic or agricultural experience to support themselves and contribute significantly to the economy of Canada.
• Start-up visa – for start-up businesses that want to open in Canada that will create jobs for Canadians and contribute to the economy. The major part of your application will be a letter of support from a venture capital firm, angel investor group or business incubator.
• Entrepreneur Visa – applicant must have a net worth of at least $300,000, two years of ownership or business management experience and if you are buying into an existing business, acquire at least a 33.33% interest in that business.
• Business Visitor Visa – for individuals coming to Canada temporarily to engage in business activities without directly entering the Canadian labour market. In other words, your company must be based outside of Canada and your purpose is to either look for ways to grow your business, invest or advance business relationships.

Caregiver Visa

Home Child Care visa

For caregivers who will be caring for children under the age of 18. The applicant does not need to reside with their employer to apply for this visa.

Home Support Worker visa

For caregivers who will be caring for elderly or incapacitated people in their own homes or their employer’s homes. The applicant does not need to reside with their employer to apply for this Canadian visa.

We Make The Visa Process Simple

With all of these immigration and visa options to choose from, the process can become quite overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will not only improve your chances of success in the Canadian visa application process, but you will get expert advice on which program is best for your specific needs. Our RCICs are highly qualified and are granted permission by the ICCRC to assist you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and application forms and submit them to the Canadian government for you. Why take the chance of having your application denied because your forms are incorrect or sent in too late. Contact us at sober immigration and make your way to settle in Canada !