Each category of Canadian visas and permissions is intricately tied to your immigration and entry goals in the country. Therefore, the starting point is to clearly understand what your goal is: visiting, transiting, studying, or residing? Do you need a temporary or permanent visa?
In this article, we will explore the various types of visas and permissions offered by the Canadian government, organized according to your immigration goals!
- Canadian Visas - Purpose 1: Tourism or Visit
V1 - Tourist Visitor Visa
This is the most requested type of visa in Canada. It is applied for by those who wish to visit the country for business meetings, events, and courses with a duration of up to 24 weeks.
The V1 has a validity of up to 6 months and allows multiple entries into the country. The application process can be done online, with issuance taking place approximately 15 days from the date of application.
If there is a need to stay in Canada for a longer period, an extension of the visa can be requested, preferably up to 30 days before the expiration.
- Canadian Visas | Purpose 2: Transit
VH-1 - Transit Visa
This visa is valid for up to 48 hours and is intended for individuals who will be making connections or stopovers in the country. It allows the traveler to move freely within the Canadian territory during that period. To obtain it, it is necessary to provide information about the flight and the journey.
Note: VH-1 does not apply to cruises (in this case, a tourist visa is recommended).
- Purpose 3: Visiting Family in the Country and Establishing Temporary Residence
PG-1 - Super Visa - Parent and Grandparent Visa - Temporary Resident
The PG-1 goes by various names, such as the super visa, parent and grandparent visa, and temporary residence. It is an exclusive visa for relatives who wish to visit Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada.
This visa allows the relative to stay in the country for up to 2 years without the need for renewal. The validity varies, and the visa is issued within 15 days from the date of application.
To apply for this visa, the Canadian citizen or permanent resident must have the financial means to support the relative, and the relative must undergo medical examinations and have health insurance.
- Canadian Visas | Purpose 4: Travel Authorization
eTA - Electronic Travel Authorization
The eTA is an electronic travel authorization for individuals who have a valid U.S. visa, had a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or are European citizens (with a passport).
This authorization is only valid for entry into Canada by air. The application process is done electronically and is quite simple: the applicant fills out a form, pays a fee, and the eTA is issued within 48 hours. The authorization is valid for 5 years.
- Canadian Visas | Purpose 5: Study
For those who wish to study in Canada, there is the option of a student visa (SX-1) and study permits (Study Permit), which are subdivided into S-1 and SW-1.
SX-1 - Visitor Visa
SX-1 is a temporary study visa for individuals who want to take courses lasting less than 24 weeks. The validity of this visa is related to the duration of the course, and issuance is expected within 15 days from the date of application.
Since it is an entry justified by study, it is necessary that the educational institution be a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/study-institutions-list.asp), meaning it is authorized to receive foreign students. Additionally, the educational institution must provide the candidate with a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for visa purposes.
S-1 - Study Permit
S-1 is a study permit for individuals who wish to study in Canada and undertake courses with a duration of more than 24 weeks.
In this type of visa, it is also necessary for the institution to be a DLI and provide an LOA. It is important to note that S-1 does not allow work.
SW-1 - Study and Work Permit
This permit is for those who wish to study and work in Canada for more than 24 months. Only individuals enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate courses that include a Co-Op program (mandatory internship) are eligible to apply for this permit.
SW-1 allows the person to work for up to 20 hours per week, and its validity is correlated with the study period. After the application, the expected issuance time is 10 weeks, but it may vary depending on demand.
- Canadian Visas | Purpose 6: Work
W-1 - Work Permit
This is a permanent work permit for individuals to work in Canada. It is intended for those with a job offer or a paid scholarship related to an undergraduate or postgraduate program that requires an internship or training.
The required documentation varies depending on the program. To apply for the visa based on a job offer, the company must issue a document with information about the position and the activities to be performed.
B-1 - Business Visa
This visa is intended for professionals who will spend a short time in Canada for business purposes, visiting companies, or attending events. To apply for this visa, a document from the company outlining the activities to be conducted in Canada is required.
The visa allows entry and exit from the country, is valid for 10 years, and takes around 15 days to process after being requested.
WX-1 - Visa for Temporary Professional Activities
WX-1 is intended for professionals who will engage in brief and specific activities in the country, such as lectures and performances.
Working Holiday Visa
The Canadian government allocates quotas of work visas to some countries that have agreements with government programs. Brazil is not included in the list of countries with these agreements.
Visa Validity
It's important to note that all types of visas have an expiration date, but this date will never exceed the passport's expiration date. If your passport is about to expire, it's advisable to renew it to ensure the longest possible validity for your visa.
Change of Visa Status
It is possible to enter Canada with one type of visa and request a change of status, but the request cannot be processed within Canadian territory. Therefore, the best way is to contact us to help you with the process.
Visa Extension
You can request an extension of your visa (of the same type, without changing the category) within Canadian territory. Pay attention to the deadlines.
Once you have determined the Canadian visa that best suits your immigration goal, simply gather the necessary documentation and apply for the desired visa!
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