Canadian visas can be categorized into several main groups, accommodating many different purposes and duration of stays:
Temporary visas
Under temporary visas you will find visitor visas, student visas, and work visas. All of these provide temporary access to Canada for varying periods, such as single-entry visitor visas lasting up to six months and multiple-entry visitor visas valid for up to ten years.
- Visitor Visas – For tourism or business visits.
- Student Visas – To study in Canada.
- Work Visas – For those who are interested in employment opportunities in Canada.
Study permits
These are issued to international students accepted by recognized Canadian educational institutions.
Work permits
Granted to foreign workers seeking employment in Canada, via general labor market impact assessments or specialized programs such as NAFTA work permits or live-in caregiver work permits.
Super visas
Designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian permanent residents or citizens. Super visas feature multi-year multiple-entry visas valid for up to ten years, allowing the visa holders to remain in Canada for a maximum of 2 years at a time.
Express entry
An online system managing applications for permanent residence, focusing mainly on skilled workers, international students, and Canadian Experience Class candidates.
Provincial nominee programs (PNPs)
Offered by each Canadian province and territory, aiming to address local labor market needs and to facilitate the settlement of qualified migrants.
Family reunification
These visas make it possible for Canadian citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close relatives for permanent residency.
Business visas
Business visas cover a wide variety of business-related immigration alternatives, including investor, entrepreneur, and startup visas.
For how long is a Canadian visitor visa valid?
Canadian visitor visas can stay valid as long as 10 years, although the exact validity period is determined by the visa officer issuing the visa. In practice, multiple-entry visitor visas are commonly issued with a validity period of up to five years or one month before the expiration date on the visitor’s passport/re-entry visa, whichever occurs first.
During the validity period, visitors may enter and exit Canada as often as they wish, as long as they abide by the terms of their admission and do not exceed the maximum length of stay allowed per visit, which is generally six months.
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Required from visa-exempt foreign nationals who want to enter Canada by air.
Please note that specific eligibility criteria and application procedures for the above types of visas may differ depending on individual situations and current immigration policies.
For how long can I stay in Canada at a time with an ETA?
With an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), a visitor to Canada can stay in that country for a short period, usually no longer than six months at a time. The eTA itself can remain valid for a maximum of 5 years – or until the expiry date of the linked passport, whichever comes first.
What are the benefits of applying for an ETA instead of applying for a Canadian visa?
If you qualify for a Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), you can still choose to submit an application for a visitor visa. However, the eTA offers several benefits, including simplicity, convenience, security, and cost-effectiveness.
The eTA is obtained through an online application process, which eliminates the need to visit a Canadian embassy or consulate. It allows travelers to plan their trips in advance and streamlines the entry process into Canada.
Additionally, the eTA is relatively inexpensive, with an embassy fee of only 7 CAD per application, making it a cost-effective option compared to a traditional visa.
The eTA is a multiple-entry travel document with a validity period of up to five years, allowing holders to remain in Canada for a period of as long as 180 days per visit. It has been specially designed for visa-exempt foreign nationals traveling to Canada by air who want to visit that country for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
At this stage, it is important to be aware that an eTA is not a substitute for a visa if you plan to work, study, or stay permanently in Canada. If your travel plans, therefore, change and you require a different type of authorization, such as a work or study permit, you will have to apply for the relevant visa or permit.
The eTA is available to most visitors from countries whose citizens do not require a visa and who are entering Canada by air, even if they are just transiting through that country. This means that individuals with a Canadian visa, Canadian permanent residence, or Canadian citizenship do not need an eTA to enter Canada.
The bottom line is that, although an eTA offers quite a few advantages for short-term visits to Canada, such as simplicity, convenience, and cost-effectiveness, it’s essential to assess your specific travel needs and eligibility requirements before deciding between an eTA and a visitor visa.
Why does Canada require a tourist visa from some people and an ETA from others?
The answer is quite simple: Citizens of countries with which Canada has a visa exemption agreement do not need a visitor visa to enter Canada for tourism or business purposes. Instead, they can use an eTA to speed up their entry process.
On the other hand, citizens of countries that do not have a visa exemption agreement with Canada typically have to apply for a Canadian visitor visa to enter the country.
Apart from that, some travelers may need a visitor visa even though they are from visa-exempt countries because of special circumstances, such as having a criminal record, being deemed medically inadmissible, or having previously violated Canadian immigration laws.
What are the main reasons why people choose to visit Canada?
People choose to visit Canada for many different reasons. The following is just a brief summary:
Natural beauty: Canada features diverse landscapes, such as the Rocky Mountains, the Canadian Shield, and the Arctic tundra, offering ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and appreciation of nature.
Cultural diversity: Canada celebrates its rich Indigenous culture and hosts a mosaic of ethnic backgrounds, resulting in a vibrant mix of traditions and customs.
Bustling urban centers: Major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal offer cosmopolitan living alongside historical and architectural marvels.
Wildlife: Canada is home to a wealth of animal species, including polar bears, grizzly bears, and whales, providing thrilling wildlife experiences.
Seasonal variety: Canada enjoys four distinct seasons and can therefore offer a wide range of activities throughout the year, from ice hockey in winter to camping in summer.
Delicious cuisine: Canada’s culinary scene includes regional dishes like poutine, seafood, and maple syrup products, as well as international fare.
Festivals & events: Throughout the year, Canada hosts numerous festivals and events, catering to interests such as music, film, and food.
The hospitality of its people: Canadians are famously friendly and welcoming. This creates many memorable interactions for the vast majority of tourists.
Ease of accessibility: As a neighbor to the U.S., Canada is easily accessible for American travelers and there are excellent air links to countries from across the globe.
Safety: Canada is consistently ranked as one of the safest countries in the world, a factor that significantly contributes to its popularity as a tourist destination.
What is the public transport system in Canada like?
The majority of Canadian cities and large towns have a public transport system that is easily accessible, with the bus being the most common type of urban transport. Additionally, some cities provide other public transportation services such as trains and subways, light-rail trains, and streetcars (trams).
For longer distances, air travel, trains, and inter-city bus services are available. In coastal regions like the Atlantic and British Columbia, ferry boats have also become a common transport mode, often transporting both people and vehicles.
Canada also has a large network of highways, making long-distance travel by car possible between most places. Hiking and cycling are both also popular (and healthy) ways of getting around Canadian cities and towns.
Public transportation payment systems typically involve purchasing tickets or transit passes, with the latter allowing for unlimited usage of the system for a specific period of time at a reduced cost than when buying multiple tickets. One can typically buy tickets from the bus driver, large transport stations, and convenience stores.
We can’t stress enough that it is important to research public transportation options before booking your accommodation to ensure convenient access to your preferred modes of transport.
Does Canada have a wide variety of accommodation establishments to suit everyone from backpackers to luxury travelers?
Yes, Canada offers a wide variety of accommodation establishments suitable for every kind of traveler, including backpackers and luxury travelers. There are numerous hostels and budget guesthouses for budget-conscious travelers, with prices starting at around $25 for dormitory beds and $35 for basic private rooms.
The country also boasts a selection of luxury hotels with upmarket facilities like fine dining restaurants, spa and wellness facilities, and personalized concierge services.
Camping and rural accommodations, such as guest ranches and farm-stays, are popular choices for travelers who want to the great outdoors.
Can I slip in a visit to the US while visiting Canada?
If you qualify for a Canadian ETA, chances are that you also qualify for the US equivalent, which is called an ESTA.
Where can I quickly find out if I need a visa or an ETA to visit Canada?
One of the quickest ways to find out whether you qualify for a Canadian ETA or whether you should apply for a tourist visa is to visit the Canada eligibility page. It has a lot of information on the topic and if your country is on the list, you can apply for an ETA straight from this website.