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Visa overview

All visas available for Canada

Browse every visa category with key facts like stay limits, work rights, processing times, and whether there is a path to permanent residency.

Visa categories

8

Total visas listed

38

Short Term(4)Study(3)Work, Employment & Skilled(6)Investment(3)Talent(1)Dependent & Family(3)Humanitarian(5)Others(13)

Know Where You Stand Before You Apply

Use our AI Assistant to understand your chances and next steps for visas to Canada.

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Available Visa Categories

Quick glance at every category. Jump into details below.

Short Term

4 visas

Visas in this category

Transit Visa, Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa), Diplomatic, Official and Service Visas, Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Study

3 visas

Visas in this category

Study Permit, Student Direct Stream (SDS), Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

Work, Employment & Skilled

6 visas

Visas in this category

Open Work Permit (various categories), Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP), Intra‑Company Transfer Work Permit, International Experience Canada (IEC) – Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co‑op, Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Employer‑specific Work Permit (LMIA / TFWP)

Investment

3 visas

Visas in this category

Start‑up Visa Program, Self‑Employed Persons Program, Provincial Nominee Program – Entrepreneur / Business Immigration Streams

Talent

1 visas

Visas in this category

Global Talent Stream (Category A and B)

Dependent & Family

3 visas

Visas in this category

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) – Sponsorship, Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents Multiple‑Entry Visa), Family Class – Sponsorship of Spouse, Common‑law Partner, Conjugal Partner and Dependent Child

Humanitarian

5 visas

Visas in this category

Protected Person Status, Refugee Protection Claim (In‑Canada asylum claim), Refugee Resettlement from Abroad (Government‑assisted and Private Sponsorship), Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Considerations – Permanent Residence on H&C Grounds, Canada‑Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

Others

13 visas

Visas in this category

Visitor Record (Extension of Temporary Resident Status as a Visitor), Agri‑Food Immigration Pilot, Caregiver Programs (Home Child Care Provider Pilot, Home Support Worker Pilot and related caregiver pathways), Permanent Resident (Status and Landing), Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l'expérience québécoise – PEQ), Quebec Skilled Worker Program (Quebec-selected skilled workers), Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) – for persons otherwise inadmissible or who require entry for compelling reasons, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Express Entry – Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Category

Short Term

4 visas listed

View all in Short Term

Transit Visa

visa
Entry: single | multipleFee: varies CAD (Transit visa processing fee varies by application; consult IRCC)
View details
Stay:short transit period (see IRCC guidance; typically hours to 48 hours)
Work:no
Processing:varies by consulate
Path to PR:No
Work Allowed:No
Extendable:No

Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa)

visa
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Processing fee varies by application and nationality; see IRCC for current fees)
View details
Stay:6 months per entry
Work:no
Processing:varies by country of application and mode (consulate/on‑line)
Path to PR:No
Work Allowed:No
Extendable:Yes

Diplomatic, Official and Service Visas

visa
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Special categories for diplomatic/official passport holders; see IRCC and Global Affairs Canada)
View details
Stay:varies
Work:conditional
Processing:varies
Path to PR:No
Work Allowed:Conditional
Extendable:Conditional

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

status
Entry: multipleFee: varies CAD (Nominal administrative fee applies for eTA; consult IRCC for current fee and eligibility)
View details
Stay:6 months per visit
Work:no
Processing:minutes to days in most cases
Path to PR:No
Work Allowed:No
Extendable:No

Category

Study

3 visas listed

View all in Study

Study Permit

residence_permit
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Application fee and biometrics may apply; see IRCC for up-to-date fees)
View details
Stay:duration of study program plus 90 days
Work:conditional
Processing:varies by country and program
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Conditional
Extendable:Yes

Student Direct Stream (SDS)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Expedited processing stream for eligible nationalities with upfront documentation requirements)
View details
Stay:duration of study program plus 90 days
Work:conditional
Processing:expedited compared with standard study permit (varies)
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Conditional
Extendable:Yes

Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)

residence_permit
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (PGWP fee structure available from IRCC; totals may reflect work permit and open work holder fee)
View details
Stay:up to 3 years (depends on length of study program)
Work:yes (open work permit)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Category

Work, Employment & Skilled

6 visas listed

View all in Work, Employment & Skilled

Open Work Permit (various categories)

residence_permit
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Open work permits issued under various programs (spousal open work permits, Bridging Open Work Permit, etc.))
View details
Stay:varies (usually up to 2 years or aligned to spouse's status)
Work:yes (any employer, except where restrictions are specified)
Processing:varies by program and applicant location
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Yes

Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)

residence_permit
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Applies to applicants in Canada with eligible in‑process PR applications)
View details
Stay:validity until permanent residence application decision or current status expiry
Work:yes (open work authorization)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Varies
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Intra‑Company Transfer Work Permit

residence_permit
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Subject to policy and employer eligibility)
View details
Stay:varies (commonly up to 2–3 years; skilled executives/managers may have longer terms)
Work:yes (for transferring employer only)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Yes

International Experience Canada (IEC) – Working Holiday, Young Professionals, International Co‑op

pathway
Entry: multipleFee: varies CAD (Quota-based seasonal/annual rounds; fees and eligibility vary by nationality and stream)
View details
Stay:varies by country and stream (commonly up to 12–24 months)
Work:yes
Processing:varies; often quick within invitation rounds
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Yes
Extendable:Varies

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Program administered by ESDC/IRCC; LMIA and permit fees apply)
View details
Stay:varies by LMIA and permit
Work:yes (subject to LMIA and permit conditions)
Processing:varies (LMIA processing times plus permit processing)
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Yes

Employer‑specific Work Permit (LMIA / TFWP)

residence_permit
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Processing fees and employer LMIA fees/requirements apply; see IRCC and ESDC)
View details
Stay:varies (typically up to period in LMIA/offer, commonly up to 2 years; depends on occupation and LMIA)
Work:yes (restricted to employer/conditions)
Processing:varies by country and LMIA processing times
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Yes

Category

Investment

3 visas listed

View all in Investment

Start‑up Visa Program

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Permanent residence application fees and biometrics apply; see IRCC)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence pathway (permits lead to PR)
Work:yes (as PR or with separate work permit while PR processed)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Self‑Employed Persons Program

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (PR application fees and admissibility requirements apply)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence pathway
Work:yes (as PR or with separate work permit while PR processed)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Provincial Nominee Program – Entrepreneur / Business Immigration Streams

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies by province CAD (Each province sets its own investment and net worth thresholds and fees)
View details
Stay:varies (often temporary work authorization leading to provincial nomination for PR)
Work:yes (usually while on provincial temporary work permit)
Processing:varies by province
Path to PR:Varies
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Conditional

Category

Talent

1 visa listed

View all in Talent

Global Talent Stream (Category A and B)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Stream provides expedited processing for high‑skilled positions; employer obligations apply)
View details
Stay:varies (work permit duration assigned; often up to 2–3 years initially)
Work:yes (employer‑specific)
Processing:expedited processing target (e.g., 2 weeks for some work permit processing components); varies
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Yes

Category

Dependent & Family

3 visas listed

View all in Dependent & Family

Parents and Grandparents Program (PGP) – Sponsorship

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Program opens periodically; see IRCC for intake and fees)
View details
Stay:pathway to permanent residence
Work:no (as visitors unless other authorization obtained)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Super Visa (Parents and Grandparents Multiple‑Entry Visa)

visa
Entry: multipleFee: varies CAD (Processing fees apply; see IRCC for amounts)
View details
Stay:up to 5–10 years validity with up to 2 years per visit (as issued)
Work:no
Processing:varies by consulate
Path to PR:Varies
Work Allowed:No
Extendable:Varies

Family Class – Sponsorship of Spouse, Common‑law Partner, Conjugal Partner and Dependent Child

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Processing fees and sponsorship undertaking obligations apply; see IRCC)
View details
Stay:pathway to permanent residence
Work:conditional (sponsored spouses/partners may be eligible for open work permits in some cases)
Processing:varies (inland/outland processing times differ)
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Category

Humanitarian

5 visas listed

View all in Humanitarian

Protected Person Status

status
Entry: not_applicableFee: none for protection claim CAD (Status arises after successful refugee/protection claim)
View details
Stay:permanent (status leads to ability to apply for PR)
Work:yes
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Yes
Extendable:Varies

Refugee Protection Claim (In‑Canada asylum claim)

status
Entry: conditionalFee: none (no application fee for refugee claim) CAD (Processing and settlement services vary)
View details
Stay:status while claim and appeals are processed (varies)
Work:conditional (work authorization may be granted while claim is being processed)
Processing:varies substantially (complexity, hearings, appeals)
Path to PR:Varies
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Conditional

Refugee Resettlement from Abroad (Government‑assisted and Private Sponsorship)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Resettlement and sponsorship involve federal processing and settlement supports)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on arrival (for those approved for resettlement)
Work:yes (permanent residents may work immediately)
Processing:varies (screening, security, medical checks)
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) Considerations – Permanent Residence on H&C Grounds

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Discretionary grounds considered by IRCC; no fixed income threshold but proof of settlement capacity expected)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence if approved
Work:conditional (applicants may apply for work authorization in Canada)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Varies
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Canada‑Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET)

pathway
Entry: multipleFee: varies CAD (Program established as emergency measure; check IRCC for current details and eligibility)
View details
Stay:temporary residence (initially up to 3 years for some authorizations; see IRCC measures)
Work:yes (work and study authorization generally available under CUAET)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Conditional

Category

Others

13 visas listed

View all in Others

Visitor Record (Extension of Temporary Resident Status as a Visitor)

status
Entry: not_applicableFee: varies CAD (Application fees apply for in‑Canada extensions; see IRCC)
View details
Stay:varies (as specified on visitor record; typically to extend stay beyond initial entry)
Work:no
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Varies
Work Allowed:No
Extendable:Yes

Agri‑Food Immigration Pilot

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Employer-specific and occupation-specific requirements apply)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval
Work:yes (eligible agricultural/agri‑food occupations)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Caregiver Programs (Home Child Care Provider Pilot, Home Support Worker Pilot and related caregiver pathways)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Specific caregiver streams have defined criteria and intake windows; check IRCC)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval (pilots lead to PR eligibility)
Work:yes (work permits and PR on approval)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Conditional

Permanent Resident (Status and Landing)

status
Entry: not_applicableFee: varies CAD (Right of Permanent Residence Fee and processing fees applicable)
View details
Stay:permanent
Work:yes
Processing:varies by pathway
Path to PR:Varies
Work Allowed:Yes
Extendable:Varies

Quebec Experience Program (Programme de l'expérience québécoise – PEQ)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Quebec selection stream for graduates and workers with Quebec experience)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval
Work:yes (as PR; temporary work possible under other permits)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Quebec Skilled Worker Program (Quebec-selected skilled workers)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Quebec issues a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ) as part of selection; federal PR fees apply)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval
Work:yes (once PR granted; temporary work permits possible under other programs)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) – for persons otherwise inadmissible or who require entry for compelling reasons

status
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (TRPs are discretionary and issued for compelling reasons; fees and conditions vary)
View details
Stay:temporary (period specified on permit)
Work:conditional
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Conditional
Work Allowed:Conditional
Extendable:Conditional

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies by province CAD (Provincial fees and federal PR fees apply)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval (provincial nomination leads to PR application)
Work:conditional (many PNP streams allow or require work authorization)
Processing:varies by province and IRCC processing
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Employer designation and provincial endorsement required)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval
Work:yes (designated employer job offers required)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Community endorsement required; see IRCC for participating communities)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval
Work:yes (community endorsement and job required)
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies

Express Entry – Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Fees for PR processing and right of permanent residence apply)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval
Work:yes
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Yes
Extendable:Varies

Express Entry – Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Express Entry application fees apply; see IRCC)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval
Work:yes
Processing:varies
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Yes
Extendable:Varies

Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

pathway
Entry: conditionalFee: varies CAD (Application fees and Right of Permanent Residence Fee apply; see IRCC)
View details
Stay:permanent_residence on approval
Work:yes (once PR is granted; applicants may hold temporary permits while PR processes)
Processing:varies (Express Entry processing targets exist but depend on application completeness and IRCC workload)
Path to PR:Yes
Work Allowed:Varies
Extendable:Varies