1. Visitor Visa

The Visitor Visa is the most commonly issued TRV. It allows individuals to travel to Canada temporarily for tourism, visiting family or friends, or attending short business events.

Visitor visas are usually valid for up to six months per entry, though the final decision on the length of your stay is made by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer at the port of entry.​

Strong visitor visa applications typically include:

Proof of financial capacity, such as bank statements or employment letters;

Ownership of assets, such as property or a vehicle;

Emotional and financial ties to your home country (e.g., family, job, responsibilities);

A clear travel history, especially prior visas to countries like the U.S., UK, or Schengen Area;

A well-written explanation letter demonstrating the purpose of the visit and intent to return home.​

2. Study Permit

If you're planning to study in Canada for more than six months at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you must obtain a study permit. Although the permit allows you to stay and study in Canada, a TRV or eTA may still be required to enter the country.

Key elements of a strong study permit application include:

Proof of tuition payment, ideally at least one full year in advance;

A Letter of Acceptance from a DLI;

A well-crafted study plan explaining your choice of program, its connection to your past education and career goals, and why you’ve chosen to study in Canada;

Demonstration of financial sufficiency to cover living expenses;

Evidence of your intent to return home after completing your program.

3. Work Permits

There are two primary types of work permits:

a. Closed Work Permit

This permit is employer-specific and often requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that hiring a foreign worker is necessary due to a lack of available Canadian workers.

You’ll need:

A valid job offer;

An LMIA (in most cases);

Proof that you meet the qualifications for the job (e.g., education, experience, language proficiency).

b. Open Work Permit

An open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer in Canada and does not require a job offer or LMIA.

Who may qualify:

Spouses or common-law partners of international students or skilled workers;

Recent graduates of Canadian post-secondary institutions under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program;

Individuals applying for permanent residence under certain streams, such as through the Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

Example: If your spouse holds a valid study permit and is enrolled full-time at a public post-secondary institution in Canada, you may be eligible to apply for an open work permit as their accompanying partner.

4. Visitor Record

If you are already in Canada as a visitor and wish to extend your stay, you may apply for a visitor record. This document is not a visa and does not allow re-entry into Canada once you leave. Instead, it simply extends the length of time you are permitted to remain in Canada as a visitor.

Important Notes:

You must apply before your current status expires.

A visitor record does not guarantee re-entry into Canada.

5. Super Visa for Parents and Grandparents

The Super Visa is a special type of visitor visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. It allows for multiple entries and permits stays of up to 5 years at a time.

To qualify, the Canadian host must meet minimum income requirements, and the applicant must:

Undergo an immigration medical exam;

Provide proof of private health insurance from a Canadian company;

Submit a letter of invitation from their child or grandchild in Canada.