Canada

1. Determine the Visa Type

Start by identifying the most appropriate visa based on the purpose of the applicant's visit:

  • Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa - TRV)

  • Study Permit

  • Work Permit

  • Express Entry (Permanent Residency)

  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

  • Family Sponsorship

  • Business/Investor Visas

  • Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)

  • Refugee/Asylum claims

  • Caregiver Program

✍️ Visitor Visa (TRV)

2. Purpose of Visit

  • Tourism, family visit, business, short courses.

  • Duration of stay (usually up to 6 months).

3. Eligibility Criteria

  • Valid passport.

  • Proof of financial support.

  • Ties to home country (job, property, family).

  • Travel history (if applicable).

  • Invitation letter (for family or business visits).

4. Required Documents

  • IMM 5257 (Application Form).

  • Invitation letter (if applicable).

  • Proof of funds.

  • Travel itinerary.

  • Photographs (as per specifications).

  • Biometrics and medical (if applicable).

5. Processing Time

  • Varies by country (generally 2–8 weeks).

  • Biometrics may add additional time.

🎓 Study Permit

6. Eligibility Criteria

  • Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).

  • Sufficient financial support.

  • Clean background.

  • Clear intent to leave Canada after studies (initially).

7. Required Documents

  • IMM 1294 (Application Form).

  • Letter of Acceptance.

  • Proof of funds (tuition + living expenses).

  • Academic transcripts.

  • Language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL, if applicable).

  • GIC (for SDS – Student Direct Stream applicants).

8. Student Direct Stream (SDS)

  • Faster processing (20 days).

  • Must be from eligible countries (e.g., India, China, Philippines).

  • Requires upfront payment of tuition and GIC.

💼 Work Permit

9. Types of Work Permits

  • Employer-Specific (LMIA-based) – employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment.

  • Open Work Permit – doesn’t require LMIA (e.g., spousal open work permit, post-graduate work permit).

10. Required Documents

  • Job offer letter.

  • LMIA (if required).

  • Proof of qualifications.

  • Work history/resume.

  • Police clearance and medical exam (if required).

🏠 Permanent Residency Pathways

11. Express Entry

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • Canadian Experience Class

Key Factors:

  • CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score.

  • Language proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP).

  • Work experience.

  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

12. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

  • Apply through a specific province.

  • May be linked to Express Entry or non-Express Entry.

13. Family Sponsorship

  • Sponsor must be a Canadian citizen or PR.

  • Eligible relatives: spouse, partner, children, parents, grandparents.

🧓 Super Visa (for Parents and Grandparents)

14. Eligibility Criteria

  • Invitation from a child/grandchild who is a citizen/PR.

  • Proof of income (meeting LICO).

  • Medical insurance coverage for at least one year.

  • Medical examination.

💼 Business and Investor Visas

15. Types

  • Start-Up Visa Program.

  • Self-Employed Persons Program.

  • Provincial Entrepreneur Streams.

Key Considerations:

  • Investment requirements.

  • Business experience.

  • Business plan.

  • Net worth verification.

📝 General Application Process Overview

16. Steps

  1. Determine Eligibility.

  2. Gather Required Documents.

  3. Create Online IRCC Account.

  4. Submit Application and Pay Fees.

  5. Provide Biometrics (if required).

  6. Attend Interview (if required).

  7. Wait for Decision.

  8. Get Visa and Prepare for Travel.

⚠️ Important Legal and Procedural Advice

17. Misrepresentation

  • Always be truthful; misrepresentation can lead to a 5-year ban.

18. Visa Refusals

  • Review reasons under Section 179(b) or 216(1) of IRPR.

  • Reapply or appeal only after improving the application.

19. Dual Intent

  • It’s possible to apply for a temporary visa while intending to apply for PR in the future.

20. Hiring an RCIC

  • For complex cases, consult a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) or an immigration lawyer.