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Canada
Home/Visas/Canada
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Canada

North America
Β·49 visa pathways

Visa Pathways to Canada

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Top Visa Pathways

Most popular and desirable options for skilled professionals

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Canada flagCanada

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Points-based permanent residence for skilled workers via Comprehensive Ranking System draws.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
Cost990 CAD
View Visa Details
C43 β€” Post-Graduation Work Permit
Canada flagCanada

C43 β€” Post-Graduation Work Permit

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Open work permit for international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions, valid up to 3 years.

Validity8 months
Processing7-9 months
Cost155 CAD
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IMP β€” International Mobility Program (IMP)
Canada flagCanada

IMP β€” International Mobility Program (IMP)

Employer-based work program not requiring Labour Market Impact Assessment. Includes intra-company transfers, Canadian-linked workers, and other economic benefits. Open or employer-specific permits.

ValidityVaries (Duration varies based on employment contract and work permit issued.)
ProcessingVaries
Cost155 CAD
View Visa Details

All Visa Pathways(49 visas)

A75 β€” Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) / Quebec CSQ Work Permit
Canada flagCanada

A75 β€” Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) / Quebec CSQ Work Permit

An open work permit allowing foreign nationals currently working in Canada to maintain their employment status while their permanent residence application is being processed.

Validity2 years
Processing9 months
Cost155 CAD
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AIP β€” Atlantic Immigration Program
Canada flagCanada

AIP β€” Atlantic Immigration Program

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Employer-driven permanent residence pathway for skilled workers and international graduates in Atlantic Canada.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing38 months
Cost990 CAD
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ARC β€” Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)
Canada flagCanada

ARC β€” Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC)

An ARC is required for individuals who have been issued a removal order and wish to return to Canada.

ValidityVaries
ProcessingVaries
Cost492.5 CAD
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B-1 β€” Business Visitor
Canada flagCanada

B-1 β€” Business Visitor

Business Visitor (entering under a Temporary Resident Visa / Visitor Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization - eTA).

Validity6 months
ProcessingVaries
Cost100 CAD
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C-1 β€” Courtesy Visa
Canada flagCanada

C-1 β€” Courtesy Visa

A Courtesy Visa is a type of Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) issued to individuals who do not qualify for diplomatic or official visas but are granted privileges due to their rank, the importance of their visit, or their role in an international organization or foreign government.

Validity6 months
Processing14-60 days
CostFree
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C10 β€” Significant Benefit Work Permit (newjob/temporary)
Canada flagCanada

C10 β€” Significant Benefit Work Permit (newjob/temporary)

An employer-specific (closed) work permit issued to foreign nationals whose employment in Canada will bring significant social, cultural, or economic benefits.

Validity1 to 3 years
Processing7 months
Cost155 CAD
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C11 β€” Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Work Permit
Canada flagCanada

C11 β€” Entrepreneurs and Self-Employed Work Permit

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

A work permit for foreign nationals who wish to establish or operate a business in Canada that will generate significant economic, social, or cultural benefits.

Validity18 months
Processing2-6 months
Cost155 CAD
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C12 β€” Intra-Company Transfer (LMIA-exempt)
Canada flagCanada

C12 β€” Intra-Company Transfer (LMIA-exempt)

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Transfer to a Canadian branch as an executive, senior manager, or specialized knowledge worker.

Validity3 years
Processing14-56 days
Cost155 CAD
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C16 β€” Francophone Mobility Work Permit (MobilitΓ© Francophone)
Canada flagCanada

C16 β€” Francophone Mobility Work Permit (MobilitΓ© Francophone)

An LMIA-exempt, employer-specific work permit for French-speaking skilled workers destined for Canadian provinces or territories outside Quebec.

Validity3 years
Processing14-56 days
Cost230 CAD
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C41 β€” Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of High-Skilled Workers
Canada flagCanada

C41 β€” Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of High-Skilled Workers

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

An open work permit allowing spouses or common-law partners of high-skilled foreign workers in Canada to work for any employer.

ValidityTied to principal applicant's work permit validity; typically matches the principal's permit expiry date
ProcessingVaries
Cost155 CAD
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C42 β€” Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of Full-Time Students
Canada flagCanada

C42 β€” Spousal Open Work Permit for Spouses of Full-Time Students

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

An open work permit allowing spouses or common-law partners of eligible full-time international students in Canada to work for any employer.

ValidityValid for the same duration as the principal applicant's study permit; cannot exceed the study permit expiry date.
Processing1-3 months
Cost155 CAD
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C43 β€” Post-Graduation Work Permit
Canada flagCanada

C43 β€” Post-Graduation Work Permit

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Open work permit for international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions, valid up to 3 years.

Validity8 months
Processing7-9 months
Cost155 CAD
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C50 β€” Religious Worker LMIA-Exempt Work Permit
Canada flagCanada

C50 β€” Religious Worker LMIA-Exempt Work Permit

This is an employer-specific work permit under the International Mobility Program (IMP) for foreign nationals performing religious duties.

ValidityDetermined by contract
Processing14-56 days
Cost155 CAD
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CEC β€” Canadian Experience Class
Canada flagCanada

CEC β€” Canadian Experience Class

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
Cost990 CAD
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Caregiver Immigration Pilots
Canada flagCanada

Caregiver Immigration Pilots

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Pathways for home child care providers and home support workers.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1-2 years
Cost990 CAD
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D-1 β€” Diplomatic and Official Visas
Canada flagCanada

D-1 β€” Diplomatic and Official Visas

Issued to foreign diplomats, consular staff, and government officials on official missions.

ValidityDuration of mission
ProcessingVaries
CostFree
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Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)
Canada flagCanada

Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Points-based permanent residence for skilled workers via Comprehensive Ranking System draws.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
Cost990 CAD
View Visa Details
F-1 β€” Facilitation Visa
Canada flagCanada

F-1 β€” Facilitation Visa

A Facilitation Visa is a specialized, exceptional Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) counterfoil placed in a foreign passport to allow a Canadian citizen (who lacks a Canadian passport) to travel to Canada.

ValidityDuration of emergency visit
Processing1-15 days
Cost150 CAD
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FSTP β€” Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canada flagCanada

FSTP β€” Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

A permanent residence pathway for qualified skilled tradespeople.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing0-6 months
Cost990 CAD
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FSWP β€” Federal Skilled Worker Program
Canada flagCanada

FSWP β€” Federal Skilled Worker Program

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing6 months
Cost990 CAD
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Family Sponsorship
Canada flagCanada

Family Sponsorship

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Sponsored by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident β€” spouse, partner, dependent children, parents, grandparents.

ValidityPermanent residence
Processing12-24 months
Cost90 CAD
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Francophone Community Immigration Pilot
Canada flagCanada

Francophone Community Immigration Pilot

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

ValidityPermanent Residence
Processing6 months
Cost990 CAD
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Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot
Canada flagCanada

Home Care Worker Immigration Pilot

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

ValidityPermanent Residence (PR upon arrival)
ProcessingVaries
Cost990 CAD
View Visa Details
IEC β€” International Experience Canada β€” Young Professionals
Canada flagCanada

IEC β€” International Experience Canada β€” Young Professionals

ValidityUp to 24 months
Processing1 month
Cost184.75 CAD
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IEC-Coop β€” International Experience Canada - International Co-op (Exchange/Temporary)
Canada flagCanada

IEC-Coop β€” International Experience Canada - International Co-op (Exchange/Temporary)

A youth mobility program allowing students from eligible countries to complete a work placement or internship in Canada related to their field of study.

Validity1 year
Processing1-2 months
Cost184.75 CAD
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IEC-WH β€” International Experience Canada - Working Holiday
Canada flagCanada

IEC-WH β€” International Experience Canada - Working Holiday

Youth mobility program allowing young adults (18-35) from eligible countries to work and travel in Canada. Open work permit valid up to 2 years depending on country agreements.

ValidityVaries (Duration varies by country of citizenship. Two years for some countries, one year for others.)
Processing56 days
Cost184.75 CAD
View Visa Details
IM-1 β€” Single-Entry Immigrant Visa
Canada flagCanada

IM-1 β€” Single-Entry Immigrant Visa

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

The ca-im-1 is a single-entry visa counterfoil issued to approved permanent residence applicants from visa-required countries to facilitate their initial entry to land in Canada.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing14-28 days
Cost990 CAD
View Visa Details
IMP β€” International Mobility Program (IMP)
Canada flagCanada

IMP β€” International Mobility Program (IMP)

Employer-based work program not requiring Labour Market Impact Assessment. Includes intra-company transfers, Canadian-linked workers, and other economic benefits. Open or employer-specific permits.

ValidityVaries (Duration varies based on employment contract and work permit issued.)
ProcessingVaries
Cost155 CAD
View Visa Details
O-1 β€” Diplomatic and Official Visas
Canada flagCanada

O-1 β€” Diplomatic and Official Visas

Issued to foreign diplomats, consular staff, and government officials on official missions.

ValidityDuration of mission
ProcessingVaries
CostFree
View Visa Details
PG-1 β€” Parents or Grandparents Super Visa
Canada flagCanada

PG-1 β€” Parents or Grandparents Super Visa

The ca-pg-1 is the official visa counterfoil code for the multi-entry Super Visa, allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents to stay in Canada for extended periods.

Validity5 to 7 years
Processing4 months
Cost100 CAD
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PRTD β€” Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)
Canada flagCanada

PRTD β€” Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD)

For permanent residents outside Canada without a valid PR card.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing14-56 days
Cost50 CAD
View Visa Details
PV2 / PNC β€” Provincial Nominee Program
Canada flagCanada

PV2 / PNC β€” Provincial Nominee Program

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Provincial/territorial nomination for permanent residence, often combined with Express Entry for +600 CRS points.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing7-14 months
Cost990 CAD
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R-1 β€” Passed Residency Obligation Travel Document (Relocate/Immigrant)
Canada flagCanada

R-1 β€” Passed Residency Obligation Travel Document (Relocate/Immigrant)

The R-1 is a Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) counterfoil issued to a Canadian permanent resident abroad who has successfully met their residency obligation.

ValidityIndefinite
ProcessingVaries
Cost50 CAD
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RA-1 β€” Presence at Appeal Travel Document
Canada flagCanada

RA-1 β€” Presence at Appeal Travel Document

Coded as "RA-1" on the visa counterfoil. This is issued to a permanent resident abroad who has appealed a negative residency decision but has not been physically present in Canada within the past 365 days. They are only issued this document if the IAD determines their physical presence is necessary for the hearing.

ValiditySingle entry, valid for 6 months
Processing8-14 months
Cost50 CAD
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RX-1 β€” Attendance at a PR Hearing Travel Document
Canada flagCanada

RX-1 β€” Attendance at a PR Hearing Travel Document

Coded as "RX-1" on the visa counterfoil. This is issued to a permanent resident abroad who has appealed (or is within the timeframe to appeal) a negative residency decision, provided they have been physically present in Canada at least once within the past 365 days.

ValiditySingle entry, valid for 6 months
Processing14-56 days
Cost50 CAD
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Rural Community Immigration Pilot
Canada flagCanada

Rural Community Immigration Pilot

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

ValidityPermanent Residence
Processing12 months
Cost990 CAD
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S-1 / SW-1 β€” Study Permit
Canada flagCanada

S-1 / SW-1 β€” Study Permit

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Full-time study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a letter of acceptance.

ValidityDuration of program + 90 days
Processing28-84 days
Cost150 CAD
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SWSP β€” Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)
Canada flagCanada

SWSP β€” Skilled Worker Selection Program (PSTQ)

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Quebec's points-based permanent residence pathway for skilled workers. This program officially replaced the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) on November 29, 2024.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing17-21 months
Cost940 CAD
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SX-1 β€” Study Permit-Exempt Student
Canada flagCanada

SX-1 β€” Study Permit-Exempt Student

This designation applies to individuals authorized to study in Canada without a formal study permit.

Validity6 months
ProcessingVaries
Cost100 CAD
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Self-Employed Persons Program
Canada flagCanada

Self-Employed Persons Program

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Program for self-employed individuals with relevant experience to start or buy businesses in Canada. Point-based assessment with 35-point pass mark.

ValidityIndefinite
Processing3650-0 days
Cost1895 CAD
View Visa Details
Super Visa β€” Parent/Grandparent Super Visa
Canada flagCanada

Super Visa β€” Parent/Grandparent Super Visa

Multi-entry visa for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs, allowing stays up to 5 years per visit.

Validity5 years
Processing2-5 months
CostFree
View Visa Details
TFWP β€” Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Canada flagCanada

TFWP β€” Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Employer-specific work program for Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers. Requires positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). 2025 target reduced to 82,000.

ValidityUp to 3 years
Processing8-12 weeks
Cost155 CAD
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TRP β€” Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)
Canada flagCanada

TRP β€” Temporary Resident Permit (TRP)

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Special permit issued under exceptional circumstances for inadmissible foreign nationals. Available to victims of trafficking, family violence, or those in state care. Valid 6-12 months.

ValidityUp to 3 years
ProcessingVaries
Cost246.25 CAD
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V-1 β€” Visitor Visa / eTA
Canada flagCanada

V-1 β€” Visitor Visa / eTA

Tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. eTA for visa-exempt nationals; TRV for others.

Validity6 months
Processing14-56 days
Cost100 CAD
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VH-1 β€” Transit Visa
Canada flagCanada

VH-1 β€” Transit Visa

Official document for transiting through Canada en route to another country. Valid for 48 hours or less. No application fee required.

Validity2 days
ProcessingVaries
CostFree
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W-1 β€” Work Permit
Canada flagCanada

W-1 β€” Work Permit

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Temporary Work Permit for foreign nationals authorized to work in Canada.

ValidityVaries by contract
Processing2-6 months
Cost155 CAD
View Visa Details
WP β€” Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)
Canada flagCanada

WP β€” Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA)

PR Pathway Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.

Work for a specific Canadian employer with an approved Labour Market Impact Assessment.

ValidityDuration of employment
Processing2-4 months
Cost155 CAD
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WX-1 β€” Work Permit-Exempt Worker Visa
Canada flagCanada

WX-1 β€” Work Permit-Exempt Worker Visa

The ca-wx-1 is a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) counterfoil issued to foreign nationals who are authorized to perform specific, short-term work in Canada without a work permit under Section 186 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations (IRPR).

ValidityVaries by category (15 to 120 days)
Processing14-84 days
Cost100 CAD
View Visa Details
eTA β€” Electronic Travel Authorization
Canada flagCanada

eTA β€” Electronic Travel Authorization

Digital pre-screening for visa-exempt nationals entering Canada by air.

Validity6 months
Processing0-3 days
Cost7 CAD
View Visa Details

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