Canada Visa – Your Complete Guide to Moving to Canada

Overview

The Canadian Temporary visas, also known as Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) are designed for short-term stays, allowing individuals to visit or study in Canada for a limited period. All individuals, except those from visa-exempt countries, Canadian nationals or permanent residents intending to enter Canada temporarily, must obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

Holding a TRV does not guarantee your entry into Canada as the Canadian Border Service Agency can refuse your entry if you’re inadmissible.

Single-entry and multiple-entry visas are the two main Canadian Temporary Resident visas. A single-entry Temporary Resident Visa allows a foreign national to enter Canada once and leave after staying there for a maximum of 6 months. Foreign nationals can apply for a single-entry visa if they travel to Canada for a one-time tour, event, or celebration. This visa can also serve individuals coming to Canada for short-term studies, or work.

Multiple Entry TRV

The multiple-entry Temporary Resident visa allows foreign nationals to enter and leave Canada severally while staying for up to 6 months per visit during the visa’s validity period. The multiple-entry visa was previously issued with an automatic 10-year validity period. On November 6, 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced new rules ending the automatic 10-year validity period for multiple-entry visas. Canadian immigration officers will now decide whether to issue applicants single-entry or multiple-entry visas on a case-by-case basis while considering applicants’ ties to their home countries, financial sufficiency, purpose of visits, etc.

Some types of Canadian Temporary Resident visas include:

• Canada Visitor Visa
• Canada Super Visa

Canada Visitor Visa

The Canada Visitor Visa, also known as the Canada Tourist Visa, allows foreign nationals (requiring visas) to enter Canada for holidays, tourism, short business trips, or visiting family. Foreign nationals must fulfill the Visa requirements to qualify for the visa. Canada Visitor Visa processing time is typically 2 to 4 weeks on average. Applicants must provide all documents required for a Canada Tourist Visa for a higher chance of a successful application.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Visitor Visa

Individuals intending to obtain a Canada Visitor Visa must fulfill requirements, including:

• Be 18 or older to apply for a Visitor visa (as the primary applicant).
• Have a clean criminal record.
• Complete and sign a Visa Application Centre (VAC) consent form.
• Attend visa appointments and submit your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs).
• Provide English translation and certification of documents in a foreign language.
• Prove to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that they’ll return to their countries after their visit.
• Provide copies of their valid immigration status in Canada or another country.
• Take medical examinations if the Canadian Consulate requires them to do so.
• Prove they don’t intend to work in Canada.
• Hold a current government-issued passport with blank pages where their visa can be attached.
• Have sufficient finances to cover their expenses.
• Pay their visa application and processing fees.
• Sign and date all appropriate documents as required.

How to Apply for a Canada Visitor Visa

The documents applicants must submit and how they apply depends on why they visit Canada. Those seeking to obtain a Canada Visitor Visa can do so by:

• Confirming their eligibility for the visa. Depending on their country of origin, individuals must determine if they’re eligible for a Canada Visitor Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
• Providing all the required documents for their application. Applicants must submit all the documents necessary to obtain the visitor visa.
• Submitting their visa application form.
• Awaiting the processing of their application and providing additional information if required.
• Bring their passport for stamping.

Canada Super Visa

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are the beneficiaries of the Super Visa. It allows these individuals to join their children (Canadian citizens or permanent residents) and remain in Canada for up to 5 years per visit. The Super Visa grants multiple entries for up to 10 years. However, the officer reviewing the application will consider several factors, such as purpose of visit, ties to home country, finances, etc., to determine how long an applicant will stay in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria for Canada Super Visa

Applicants intending to obtain a Super Visa must meet some eligibility requirements, including that they must:

• Apply from outside Canada
• Take a medical examination
• Meet all criteria set for temporary residence in Canada
• Provide evidence of an eligible host
• Proof of an eligible co-signer (if applicable)
• Be biological parents or grandparents of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be a legal partner of a Canadian citizen’s or permanent resident’s parents or grandparents
• Confirm their Canadian host meets the financial eligibility requirement
• Have a valid health insurance
• Provide an invitation letter from the host (Canadian citizen or permanent resident)

Other types of Canada Temporary Resident visas include:

• Dual Intent Visa: This visa is designed for individuals who intend to remain in Canada temporarily but also have the option to obtain permanent residency in the country.
• Facilitation Visa: This visa is issued to Canadian citizens with dual citizenship who don’t have Canadian passports due to circumstances beyond their control.
• Diplomatic and Official Visa: This Temporary Resident Visa type allows governmental diplomats or officials of foreign countries to enter Canada.
• Courtesy Visa: This visa is designed for those with importance or ranks but are not government officials or diplomats and are ineligible for the Diplomatic and Official Visa.
• Business Persons and Business Delegations Visa: This visa is issued to businesspeople going to Canada for business meetings, workshops, conferences, interviews, etc.
• Intending Organ Donors Visa: This visa is designed for those intending to enter Canada and donate their organs to those (Canadian citizens or permanent residents) in need of organ transplants.
• Persons wishing to enter Canada to give birth: This visa allows women intending to give birth in Canada since children born in Canada become citizens of the country.

Overview

Canada offers various pathways for those intending to become permanent residents. Permanent residence visas allow individuals to live, work and study in Canada. They are not citizenship documents but grant many of the same rights Canadian citizens have, such as:

• Access to most social benefits, including healthcare coverage
• Protection under the Canadian law
• Live, work and study anywhere in Canada
• Higher-income
• Retirement benefits
• Job opportunities
• Employment insurance

Each permanent residence program is designed to meet specific immigration needs, ranging from skilled workers and family reunification to region-specific opportunities. Some Canada residence visas include:

• Express Entry Program
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Family Sponsorship Visa
• Atlantic Immigration Program

Express Entry Program

The Express Entry Program is an immigration scheme based on points that attract skilled workers to Canada. The Express Entry assists in overseeing 3 programs, including:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program: This program is for skilled workers with foreign or Canadian work experience. Individuals must meet eligibility criteria for education and other factors.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for skilled workers with qualifying Canadian work experience gained in the last 3 years.
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program: This program is for skilled workers with a professional trade qualification. Applicants must have a valid employment offer or proof of qualification to partake in the program.

CRS Score and Eligibility

A point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores applicants in the Express Entry pool for permanent immigration to Canada. It is used to assess a candidate’s potential for economic success in Canada. The total score is out of 1,200. The pool of candidates is narrowed down to the top scorers, who are then asked to apply for permanent residence.

All applicants need to register for Express Entry and receive a ranking in the candidate pool. They must also meet the requirements of one of the three programs. Below are the eligibility criteria for the CRS score:

• Age
• Language proficiency
• Education
• Provincial nomination
• Work experience
• Canadian connections
• Skill transferability
• Arranged employment
• Spouse or common-law partner

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The PNP program allows provinces and territories to designate immigrants who can positively impact their respective economies and societies. This program offers applicants the opportunity to relocate and settle in Canada permanently. The PNP is designed to attract skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and graduates who intend to settle in specific regions of Canada. While the provinces don’t have the right to grant permanent residency to applicants, the federal government addresses all permanent residency issues at the national level.

Region-specific Pathways for Provincial Nominee Program

Every province and territory customizes its PNP programs to attract candidates aligned with their economic goals. Here are some region-specific pathways:

Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) targets skilled workers, entrepreneurs and French-speaking candidates. It includes paths like Human Capital Priorities (aligned with Express Entry) and In-Demand Skills for labour shortages.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP)

The British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) prioritizes technology workers, healthcare professionals and entry-level positions. It offers the Tech Draw under the Skills Immigration and Express Entry categories.

Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) also targets sectors with labour shortages, including healthcare, agriculture, construction, tourism and hospitality. This program attracts immigrants to smaller communities through a Rural Renewal Stream.

Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP)

The Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) focuses on international graduates, skilled workers with ties to the province and individuals with family connections. The pathways in this program include the Skilled Worker Overseas Stream, International Education Stream, Business Investor Stream, etc.

Family Sponsorship Visa

Canada’s Family Sponsorship Visa program allows Canadian citizens or permanent residents to sponsor close relatives for immigration and get Permanent Residence (PR) in Canada. It enables family members to unite and settle together in Canada. You must agree to provide your close relative basic needs and financial support. The sponsored individual doesn’t have to meet the point system or discretionary selection criteria applicable in other application categories.

Eligibility for Sponsoring Relatives to Canada

You and the individual you’re sponsoring must be eligible for them to immigrate to Canada and become permanent residents. Here are the eligibility criteria to sponsor a relative to Canada:

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be a Canadian citizen
• Be a permanent resident in Canada
• Be an Indian registered under the Canadian Indian Act in Canada.
• Reside in Canada to sponsor your relatives unless:
• • You are a Canadian citizen living abroad
  • You intend to return to Canada when your relative immigrates
  • You wish to sponsor your conjugal or legal partner, spouse or dependent children (without dependent children).
• Sign a sponsorship agreement to prove you’ll support your relative financially.
• Meet certain income requirements
• Prove that you’re not receiving social benefits.

Your relative must be any of the following to qualify for a Family Sponsorship Visa. They can:

• Be related to you by blood or adoption
• Meet background, medical and security checks
• Receive support and care from you
• Be a member of the family class, including:
• • A parent
  • A dependent child
  • An orphan under 18, who could be a niece, nephew, brother, sister or grandchild.
  • A spouse, legal or conjugal partner.
• Be your last remaining relative: This is a situation where you can sponsor any relative because you don’t have any relatives in Canada who are permanent residents or citizens.
• Be your dependent children who are 22 years or older, incapable of providing for themselves because of their physical or mental health.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) helps skilled foreign workers and international graduates from Canadian institutions become permanent residents in the 4 Atlantic provinces of Canada:

• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador
• Nova Scotia
• Prince Edward Island

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) encourages employment offers from designated employers in the 4 provinces. This program helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire qualified candidates for jobs they can’t fill locally.

Start-up Visa

The Start-up Visa lets entrepreneurs start a business in Canada and help boost the economy. These entrepreneurs must develop innovative ideas that can create jobs and compete globally. You don’t need prior management experience to be eligible for a Start-up Visa in Canada. You can apply for this visa alone or together with 5 other founders.

Eligibility Criteria for a Start-up Visa

Here are the eligibility criteria those seeking a Canada Start-up Visa must meet:

• Have proof of financial sufficiency to start the business.
• Prove they can meet their financial needs in Canada.
• Provide medical examination results.
• Present a valid police certificate (if required).
• Pass a language test in English or French to prove they meet the Canadian Language Benchmark 5.
• Obtain a designated organization’s support letter.
• Own 10 or more percentages of the corporation’s voting rights.

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs on Start-up Visa

Entrepreneurs on a Start-up Visa have many opportunities in Canada, including:

• Permanent residence to the founding partners.
• Access to one of the most promising economies with a stable business environment.
• Networking with Canadian investors and businesses.
• Expanding operations in North America, leveraging Canada’s strategic location and trade agreements.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stopped accepting certain types of Canada Business Visa applications to clear backlogs of applications and consider ways to reform the programs. Some of the paused Canada Business visas include Self-employed and Investor visas. If you have an innovative idea, intend to enter Canada and set up a business, you can consult an immigration lawyer for guidance.

Overview

A work permit lets non-Canadian residents legally work in Canada for a given time, after which they’ll renew the permit or return to their home countries. The Canadian work permits fall into 2 primary categories:

• Open work permits
• Employer-specific work permits

Open Work Permits

Foreign nationals with an open work permit can work for any Canadian company without a job offer. The only exception is that you won’t be allowed to work for ineligible or non-compliant employers. Individuals with open work permits are exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Some examples of open work permits include:

• Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWPs): This program is intended for foreign students who have completed their studies at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Spousal Open Work Permit: This permit is designed for spouses or common-law partners of skilled workers, students or Canadians.

Employer-specific Work Permits

An employer-specific work permit ties workers to a particular job and employer only under specified conditions. This permit indicates the name of the employer you can work for, your job location and the length of time you can work. Your company must give you an employment contract before you can apply for an employer-specific work permit.

They will also give you a copy of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or an offer of employment number (for workers who don’t need LMIA). Caregiver and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Programs are some examples of employer-specific work permits.

Canada Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

The Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) issues a document called Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to employers to help them hire foreign workers. This proves that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident could be selected for a job in a Canadian company. Through the LMIA, the government ensures that employing foreign workers won’t harm the Canadian labour market.

Some individuals exempt from LMIA include:

• Applicants for jobs under international agreements such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
• Open work permit applicants
• Intra-company transferees.

Key Canadian LMIA Requirements

Canadian employers must meet several LMIA requirements including:

• Prove efforts to hire locally: Canadian employers must show evidence of attempting to recruit Canadian citizens or permanent residents through job postings and advertisements.
• Justify hiring a foreign worker: If local candidates are unavailable, the employer must explain why the position needs to be filled by a foreign worker.
• Pay the minimum wage: Canadian employers must pay foreign workers the going rate for the job and location.
• Meet the advertising standard: When advertising, Canadian employers must advertise the job on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, and on other recruitment channels for 4 consecutive weeks. When appropriate, advertising efforts should target underrepresented groups, such as indigenous peoples or new immigrants.
• Present a transition plan: Employers must provide a plan to show how they will reduce reliance on foreign workers over time.
• Employ the required number of workers: There are caps on the number of foreign workers hired by certain businesses yearly.

Canada Study Permit

A study permit lets international students study in a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for a predetermined period. Students must obtain a study permit before coming to Canada.

Requirements for International Students

International students must fulfill some requirements to apply for a study permit, including that they must:

• Have a valid passport or travel document.
• Provide a police certificate to prove good character (if required).
• Be issued a Canadian DLI acceptance letter.
• Prove financial sufficiency to cover their tuition, living expenses and return trip. The required funds depend on the province and whether the student has dependents.
• Undergo a medical examination to prove you meet health standards (if required).
• Meet the language proficiency requirements (if needed).

Eligible Institutions Issuing Study Permits in Canada

In Canada, only Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) can provide study permits to international students. To receive a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), international students who plan to work in Canada must complete their studies at aDLI.

International students intending to remain in Canada and work after completing their studies must study at a DLI to obtain a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Each province and territory in Canada has its list of DLIs, including:

• Institutions offering professional or vocational training.
• Public universities and colleges.
• Private institutions authorized by provincial governments.

Working While Studying in Canada

The study permit conditions determine students’ ability to work while studying in Canada. If they participate full-time at a post-secondary DLI, international students can work on campus without a work permit.

From November 15, 2024, international students no longer need a work permit to work off-campus. They used to work 20 hours weekly, but now they can work up to 24 hours weekly. If you fulfill the requirements of your study permit, you can work multiple jobs during those 24 hours.

Eligibility to Work Off-Campus While Studying in Canada

For international students to work off-campus without a work permit, they must fulfill these requirements. They must:

• Study full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
• Be enrolled in one of the following:
  • A secondary-level vocational training program (only in Quebec).
  • A post-secondary training, vocational or professional program.
• Have a study program that:
  • Leads to a certificate, diploma or degree.
  • Lasts for at least 6 months.
• Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
• Have started studying.

International students studying part-time at a DLI can work off-campus if:

• They meet all the abovementioned requirements (except the full-time student requirement).
• They’re only studying part-time instead of full-time, because:
• • They were full-time students in their program until their last semester.
  • They don’t require a full course load to finish their ongoing program because they are in the final semester.

Off-campus employment is prohibited for students on approved leave from their studies or who are changing institutions and not enrolled in classes.

Overview

Applicants must meet several key eligibility criteria when applying for a Canadian visa. Here are the critical requirements that influence the approval process for a Canadian visa:

• Language proficiency such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF)
• Proof of funds
• Medical and criminal inadmissibility

Language Proficiency

You may be required to demonstrate your language proficiency to apply for a Canada visa. The program you’re applying for determines the test version you must take and the required score. Applicants may need to prove their language proficiency with an English test like the IELTS or a French test like the TEF.

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) evaluates English language proficiency with a band score of 0 to 9. An expert receives a score of 9, a completely incompetent person gets a score of 0 and a 6 or 7 is typically regarded as respectable. The IELTS result can only be valid for 2 years. An IELTS score between 5.5 and 6.5 corresponds to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) level B2.

TEF

French language proficiency (Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF)) valid for 2 years is evaluated on a 7-level scale, ranging from level 0 (lowest competency) to level 6 (complete fluency). TEF level 7 is the minimum standard for competency in the French language in Canada. It’s equivalent to the Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR) level B2. The tests are rated on a 7-level scale ranging from level 0 (fundamental competencies) to level 6 (full fluency).

Proof of Funds

Applicants must demonstrate financial sufficiency to support themselves and their dependents in Canada without relying on public funds. To show enough funds to cater to needs while in Canada, you must provide certain documents, including:

• Investment statements: This document proves your access to funds.
• Student or education loan: You can get proof of a student or education loan from a bank.
• Bank statements: You can get official letters from financial institutions or banks to show your:
  • Account numbers
  • Opening dates
  • Current balances
  • Average balance for the last 6 months.
• Scholarship letters (if you’re a student on a scholarship).
• Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC).

Applicants must show that the funds in their account are transferable and not tied up in long-term investments. They cannot borrow money from people to use as evidence of financial sufficiency. Applicants must also provide a history of the funds in their accounts to prove their legitimacy.

Medical Inadmissibility in Canada

Medical inadmissibility is when an individual is deemed ineligible to enter or remain in Canada based on health conditions. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses applicants to ensure they don’t burden the Canadian healthcare system.

Reasons for Medical Inadmissibility

There are no specific medical conditions that automatically make someone inadmissible to Canada. However, medical inadmissibility is determined based on 3 reasons or general principles:

• Danger to public safety
• Excessive demand for health or social services
• Public health risk

Avoiding Medical Inadmissibility

Taking proactive steps can help applicants avoid medical inadmissibility to Canada. They can start by:

• Undergoing a pre-application medical assessment with a certified physician to identify and address potential health concerns.
• Using only panel physicians approved by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for medical exams. The applicants must complete all required tests, such as x-rays, blood tests and physical assessments.
• Being transparent during the medical exam by providing detailed medical history and current health conditions.
• Taking the required vaccinations and ensuring treatment for communicable diseases like tuberculosis is finished before applying.
• Seeking legal assistance if concerns about medical inadmissibility arise. Also, be ready to address any procedural fairness letters from IRCC with professional support.
• Exploring options like Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) applications or Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs).

Criminal Inadmissibility in Canada

Criminal inadmissibility refers to situations where an individual cannot enter or remain in Canada because of a criminal offence or conviction. This could be for crimes committed within or outside Canada.

Reasons for Criminal Inadmissibility

Common reasons for criminal inadmissibility to Canada include:

• Having a criminal record that includes misdemeanor or felony.
• Having a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction.
• Committing an offence that is regarded as a crime in that country and would be punishable by indictment in Canada.
• Being convicted of an indictable offence in Canada.
• Being found guilty of a crime committed outside of Canada, that in Canada, would be punishable by indictment.
• Having a criminal history that includes a felony or several misdemeanors.
• Being convicted of two offences that are not related in Canada.

Overcoming Criminal Inadmissibility in Canada

Here are the things you can do to reduce the risk of being deemed inadmissible to Canada:

• Be honest and always disclose convictions because withholding information can worsen your situation.
• Consult an immigration lawyer to evaluate your criminal history and determine your eligibility to enter Canada.
• Apply for rehabilitation if 5 years have passed after the completion of your sentence.
• Get a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) if you are inadmissible but have a good reason to enter Canada. You must convince the Canadian immigration authorities that you won’t be a danger to Canadians.
• Suspension of record or pardon can help seal your criminal record from public view and give you a clean criminal history.

Overview

Below is a common checklist of the documents needed for a Canada visa:

• A filled visa application form.
• A valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Application fee payment receipt
• Police certificate
• An invitation letter (if you’re visiting family)
• Medical examination report
• Proof of ties to your home country
• Civil status and identity documents including birth, marriage or divorce certificates
• Purpose of travel document
• Proof of funds such as bank statements (for the last 4 to 6 months)
• Proof of accommodation

The documents above are not exhaustive as your travel purpose and situation will determine the specific paperwork to provide. You can use the Canada Visitor Visa checklist pdf to gather all the documents needed for a Visitor Visa (if you’re applying for a Visitor Visa). Provide English translation of all documents in a foreign language. They must also be signed and notarized.

How to Organize and Submit Required Paperwork

Here are tips on how to organize and submit the required documents for your Canada visa application:

• Consult an immigration lawyer: An immigration lawyer can help you assemble all the required documents for your desired visa type.
• Organize your documents by category: Group your documents using labelled folders or digital files.
• Adhere to IRCC guidelines: Use the document checklist for your visa type and ensure they’re in the required format, such as scanned PDFs.
• Double-check for completeness: Verify the accuracy of all personal information and dates in your application form and documents. Cross-check your file for missing or incorrect documents which typically cause visa refusal.
• Submit online or by mail: Depending on your situation, you can apply for a Canada visa online via the IRCC portal or by mail (neatly organized in an envelope).

Overview

Here are the processing times for some Canada visas:

Factors Affecting Canada Visa Processing Times

Canada visa processing times can vary due to many factors, including:

• The visa type
• The visa office
• Peak seasons such as holidays, popular tourist seasons, etc.
• Applicant’s country of residence
• Completeness of application
• Where you’ll be living in Canada (in or outside Quebec), if you intend to live in Quebec, your application will also be processed by the Government of Quebec. This will increase the processing time of your visa application.

Tips for Expediting the Processing Time of a Canada Visa

Here are the tips for expediting your Canada visa processing time:

• Apply early
• Apply online for a faster application
• Follow application guidelines
• Submit a comprehensive application
• Respond promptly to IRCC requests for supporting documents or information
• Pay all required fees to avoid delays
• Use super-priority service (if you’re eligible)
• Let an immigration lawyer help you prepare an error-free application.

Set Up a Canadian Bank Account

After arriving in Canada, you can explore banking options to help you carry out financial transactions there. Major banks in Canada, such as Toronto-Dominion (TD), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Scotiabank and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) offer newcomer packages with low fees and perks.

Here are the documents applicants may be asked to provide to open a bank account in Canada:

• Passport
• Visa
• Proof of address
• Social Insurance Number (if applicable)

Ensure you choose accounts designed for newcomers, offering free banking for the first year or discounted fees.

Accessing Healthcare and Housing

Whether visiting Canada long-term or short-term, foreign nationals must have proof of health insurance to cover any medical cost. If you’re a new immigrant in Canada, it can take up to 3 months for government health insurance coverage to start. Therefore, you should request and secure private health insurance during this waiting period.

As a part of your visa application requirements, you must provide proof of accommodation. This proves you have a place to stay when you enter Canada and not burden the Canadian government. You can secure a hotel Airbnb, or stay with your friends when you enter Canada.

At Total Law, our immigration lawyers can help you secure accommodation that suits you more appropriately in Canada. Our concierge services can facilitate applicants’ smooth transition from their countries to a new life in Canada. Call us at +1 844 290 6312 or visit us online for immediate assistance.

Finding Employment Opportunities in Canada

Finding employment in Canada can be challenging. Here are the tips for finding employment in Canada:

• Join professional groups and attend job fairs in your town or city.
• Explore job search websites such as Job Bank. Indeed, Glassdoor, etc. for job opportunities.
• Check for job posts on companies’ websites where you wish to work.
• Let your family and friends know you need a job. Some jobs are not advertised and you may not know about such opportunities if you don’t speak to people.

Agri-Food Pilot

The Agri-food pilot is a pathway to permanent residence designed to address labor shortages in Canada’s agricultural and food processing industries. This pathway focuses on skilled non-seasonal professionals with particular occupations in specific industries. The Agri-food pilot focuses on regions that rely heavily on agriculture.

Eligibility Criteria for Agri-Food Pilot

Here are the eligibility requirements you must meet to qualify for the Agri-food pilot program:

• Possess at least 1 year of full-time, non-seasonal job experience in a qualifying Agri-food occupation during the previous 3 years.
• Have a valid job offer.
• Have a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 4 in English or French.
• Have at least a high school education.
• Prove you can cover your expenses in Canada.
• Maintain your temporary resident status if you’re already in Canada.

Caregiver Programs

Canada offers pathways for caregivers who provide essential care to children, elderly or people with disabilities. The Home Child Care Provider Pilot and the Home Support Worker Pilot programs in this category were recently closed on June 17, 2024. They were 5-year pilot programs allowing qualified caregivers and their dependents to enter Canada and become permanent residents.

New caregiver pilot programs are replacing these programs and will grant permanent residence to home care workers when they enter Canada. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not set the date for the new program. However, additional information is expected before the program starts, possibly in late 2024 or 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for Caregiver Programs

The eligibility requirements include that applicants must:

• Have a job offer in Canada
• Meet a minimum language proficiency of CLB 5
• Meet education criteria, which is at least Canadian secondary school equivalent.
• Have at least 6 months of work experience in a caregiving role

Global Talent Stream

The Global Talent Stream (GTS) program helps Canadian employers bring in highly skilled foreign workers on temporary permits to fill labor shortages. It’s part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which targets skilled professionals in tech and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Eligibility Criteria for Global Talent Stream

The eligibility criteria for Global Talent Stream, include that applicants must:

• Apply for the role from outside Canada.
• Get an employer-specific role.
• Have a role under skill type 0 (managerial) or skill type A (professional).
• Have an employer who must have submitted an employment offer using the Employer Portal and have paid the employer compliance fee.

Budgeting Tips for Newcomers in Canada

You need to budget for initial expenses such as travel tickets, temporary accommodation, and first-month utilities and rent costs. Allocate funds for groceries, transportation, and essentials like winter clothing. Ensure you secure private healthcare insurance until you’re eligible for provincial coverage.

What to Pack for Your First Days in Canada

There are certain things you may bring for your first days in Canada, including:

• Crucial documents such as your passport and other travel documents.
• Essential medications (if you’re unwell).
• Weather-appropriate clothing especially for Canada’s cold climate.
• Sunscreen and bug repellent if you’ll be outside in the spring or summer.
• Money.
• Water bottle.
• Phone and accessories.
• Hygiene kit.

Canada Visa-Free Countries

The US, UK and Japan are among the countries whose citizens can enter Canada and remain visa-free for up to 6 months. However, citizens of visa-free countries must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before entering Canada. Canada offers visa-free entry to citizens of more than 50 countries.