Canada visas

Canada's immigration system is run by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Most applications are made online. Many applicants also need to give biometrics, meaning fingerprints and a photo.

The main routes

Visitor visa

A visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa, is for tourism, family visits or business. Some nationalities do not need a visitor visa but must get an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) to fly to or through Canada. IRCC says you must convince an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, and show ties to your home country, such as a job, home, financial assets or family.

Study permit

For study at a designated learning institution (DLI). You need a letter of acceptance and, in most cases, a provincial or territorial attestation letter (PAL or TAL). Since January 2026, some master's and doctoral students at public institutions no longer need one. You must also show enough money for tuition and living costs. Canada limits the number of new study permits each year.

Work permit

There are two main types. An employer-specific work permit lets you work for one employer under set conditions. Often, the employer first needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An open work permit lets you work for most employers. Since January 2025, open work permits for spouses of students and workers are limited to certain programmes and occupations.

Express Entry

Express Entry is the online system for three permanent residence programmes for skilled workers. You create a profile, receive a score, and may be invited to apply in a round of invitations. IRCC's Express Entry pages set out the steps, and our blog has a plain-language guide.

Before you apply

• Check whether you need a visa or an eTA, using IRCC's tool.

• Read IRCC's document checklist for your exact application.

• Check current required funds and fees on IRCC's pages, as they change.

• Plan for biometrics, and medical exams if required.

• Gather evidence of your ties to home, such as employment, study and family.

• Declare every previous refusal, for any country.

• If you pay anyone to help, check they are an authorised representative.

Common reasons for refusal

IRCC's guidance says temporary applications are often refused because the officer was not satisfied you would leave Canada at the end of your authorised stay, or because you are inadmissible. In practice, officers look at:

• the purpose of your trip and whether it makes sense;

• your ties to your home country;

• whether you have enough money for your stay;

• for students, whether your study plan is consistent with your background;

• whether all information is true. Misrepresentation can lead to a ban of at least five years.

IRCC now includes officer decision notes with many refusals, which explain the officer's reasoning in more detail. There is no formal appeal for temporary resident applications.

Paid representatives

IRCC only deals with paid representatives who are authorised: Canadian lawyers and paralegals, Québec notaries, and licensed members of the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants. This applies in Canada and abroad. Where your case needs an authorised representative, we will tell you.

How long to allow

IRCC updates its estimates regularly. Check the processing times tool before you plan travel or give notice at work.

Official sources

• Government of Canada: Immigration and citizenship

• IRCC: Visit Canada

• IRCC: Study permit

• IRCC: Work permit

• IRCC: Biometrics

This guide is general information, not legal advice.