Visiting, Working and Studying
Visitor Visas
Persons who are not Canadian citizens or residents are allowed to come to Canada to visit for a short period of time. The point of a visitor visa is to grant temporary entry to Canada to visit, vacation, or even to survey the labor market. However, the entry must be temporary. The standard maximum length of a visitor visa is 6 months. A visitor visa may be extended after a person is in Canada.
Employment Authorization
Foreign nationals wishing to work in Canada, require an employment authorization. Working without this visa will result in your removal from Canada.
The potential employer must first obtain a job validation from Skills Canada; demonstrating that they cannot hire a Canadian to do the job advertised. There are various methods by which this can be done. Skills Canada does not grant permission to work in Canada, they only assess whether the job itself is available to be filled by an immigrant.
After job validation is granted the foreign national can proceed with the work permit application.
Student
A student visa is required, if you wish to come to Canada to study;
- Attending any university or college enrolled in a degree granting program;
- Taking any academic professional or vocational training course at any university, college or other institution.
Foreign students must pass a medical examination, be accepted in an accredited program and be able to show sufficient funds to pay for tuition and their stay in Canada for the term of their study.