Canada hosts millions of visitors annually, with over 35 million choosing the country as their destination. Individuals who want to work or study in Canada need to obtain a temporary resident visa. You need to apply for a Canada visitor or tourist visa if you only want to visit the country temporarily unless you come from a visa-exempt country.
It’s important to remember that work and study permits are only given to people who are involved in certain activities in Canada. While visitor visas cover a wider range of purposes, work and study permits are only granted to people engaged in specific activities within Canada. Visitors to Canada are still restricted from engaging in certain activities. This should be understood.
An overview of Canada visitors visa
Canada offers both single-entry and multiple-entry visitor visas. As long as the entries are valid, multiple entries allow an unlimited number of entries. Multiple entry visas are automatically granted to applicants; single entry visas are only granted in exceptional circumstances.
At the officer’s discretion, multiple-entry visas may be issued for ten years and allow stays of up to six months. In most cases, multiple entry visas are issued to those with employment or study permits. It is not necessary to apply for a new visa if both the permission and the visa are still valid after briefly leaving Canada.
Visitor visas are mandatory for individuals who are not citizens, permanent residents, or exempt from visa requirements. Canadian permanent residents must possess a Permanent Resident Travel Document, while all Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, need a valid Canadian passport. People traveling for business purposes may need a business visitor visa.
Individuals from countries without visa requirements are exempt, although they may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for flights. U.S. citizens only need a valid passport for stays of up to six months, while U.S. permanent residents must have both an eTA and a valid Green Card.
Eligibility criteria of Canada visitor visa
To obtain a visitor visa, you should:
- Possess a valid travel document, such as a passport.
- Maintain good health.
- Have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.
- Demonstrate ties to your home country, such as employment, residence, financial assets, or family, to ensure your return.
- Convince an immigration officer of your intent to depart Canada after your visit.
- Sufficiently fund your stay, the amount depending on the duration and accommodation arrangements.
- Depending on your circumstances, you may require a medical examination and an invitation letter from a Canadian resident.
- Confirm your specific document requirements based on your situation.
Permitted activities in Canada
Arrive and reside in Canada
The main purpose of a visiting visa is to grant entry to Canada and authorize admission. This visa provides temporary legal standing upon arrival in Canada, enabling you to reside and move freely throughout the nation. It should be noted that this standing is merely temporary. Visitor visas typically allow for stays of up to six months; the specific duration is determined by the immigration officer who grants the visa. Your visa will cease to be valid at the conclusion of this period, thereby terminating your legal status as a tourist in Canada.
Travel through Canada
Despite not being your final destination, you may still need to obtain a Canadian visitor visa if you will be passing through Canada on the way there.
Seek employment opportunities in Canada
While visa holders can look into career options while they are in Canada, visitor visas are generally for traveling and not for job searching there. Employers frequently prefer to meet in person. However, it’s important to be truthful with immigration agents. You still need to prove that you intend to leave Canada once your visa expires and that you won’t be working there without a legitimate work permit.
Submit an application for the extension of your stay in Canada
If you wish to stay in Canada longer than the duration of your visa, you can apply for an extension. In general, visas are valid for up to six months. Whether an immigrant’s stay can be extended depends on the discretion of the immigration officer reviewing his or her application.
Submit application for work permit
Normally, tourists to Canada are not permitted to apply for a work permit while they are there. However, there is a short-term policy in place until February 2025 that enables travelers visiting Canada with a legitimate job offer to apply for a work permit without having to leave the country. Prior to this policy change, people usually had to apply for their initial work visa before entering Canada or, if already in the nation with visitor status, they had to leave Canada to do so. This policy does away with the need to leave Canada in such circumstances.
Activities that are not permitted in Canada
You are not allowed permanently in Canada
You can enter Canada by obtaining a visitor visa, which provides temporary legal standing in the country. However, the duration of your visa determines how long you can stay. It is essential to leave Canada once your visa has expired, as it is against the law to remain with an expired visitor visa. While a visitor visa allows for short stays only, it does not grant permanent residency. If you wish to prolong your stay, you can request an extension. But this is contingent upon receiving permission from immigration authorities. Ensuring that you maintain your legal status is crucial, as exceeding the authorized period of a visitor visa may result in adverse immigration consequences.
You are not allowed to work in Canada
To work in Canada, it is necessary to possess a legitimate work permit. Note that having a visitor visa does not grant you automatic authorization to work. Thus, it is vital that you abstain from participating in any job-related tasks that entail direct involvement in the Canadian job market while you are in the country as a temporary tourist. This distinction underscores the importance of complying with Canadian immigration regulations and obtaining the required work permit if you intend to work there. Failure to do so may lead to legal complications and immigration consequences.
You are not permitted to study with Canada visitor visa
It is crucial to remember that pursuing education in Canada while being on a visitor visa is generally prohibited unless specific situations, as explained, allow for it. In all other instances, obtaining a study authorization is necessary to engage in academic pursuits within the country. Adhering to these regulations is vital as studying without the appropriate study authorization can lead to legal and immigration complications. Hence, securing a study visa is imperative if your intention is to successfully finish your education in Canada. Also, abide by all relevant immigration regulations and laws.
Conclusion
Canada’s visitor visa provides individuals with an opportunity to briefly visit the country. While it grants the freedom to travel, keep in touch with loved ones, or even participate in short-term educational programs. It is crucial to be mindful of the limitations it imposes. Without proper authorization, the visa does not permit individuals to engage in work or study. As well as it is not recommended to prolong its duration. To ensure a favorable and legally compliant stay in Canada, visitors must consistently adhere to Canadian immigration regulations, uphold honesty, and comply with the specific conditions of their visa.
