Visiting Canada

Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

A TRV, often called a Visitor Visa, is your official authorization to enter Canada, on a temporary basis, and is affixed to your passport. This document allows you to enjoy multiple entries, with stays of up to six months per visit. This flexibility allows you to fully immerse yourself in Canadian life, whether you're visiting family, pursuing business opportunities, or simply exploring our cities and wilderness.

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

For visitors from visa-exempt countries, the eTA offers a streamlined entry process, designed specifically for air travel to Canada. This simple yet effective authorization is linked to your passport, and remains valid for up to five years, making any future visits simple and straightforward.

In general, to work in Canada, a Temporary Foreign Worker needs:

• a valid job offer and usually, a valid Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Workers need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, typically supported with a positive LMIA.

• a valid work permit: Workers must apply for a work permit through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This permit specifies the employer, role, and duration of employment.

• to meet Canada’s admissibility criteria: Applicants must meet Canada’s admissibility requirements, which include having no security risks, and no criminal or medical inadmissibility concerns.

Types of Work Permits in Canada:

• Employer-Specific Work Permits

  • Issued via the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and typically require a Canadian employer to get a LMIA.

  • Are restricted to a specific employer, job, and location in Canada.
    

• Open Work Permits

  • Issued via the International Mobility program, and typically do not require a LMIA.

  • Allow workers to work for any employer in Canada (with some exceptions).

  • Are typically issued via specific programs or criteria, such as:

    • International Trade Agreements: e.g. Canada-United States-Mexico (CUSMA, formerly NAFTA) agreement; and many others.

    • International Experience Canada (IEC): a program allowing foreign nationals of specific ages and citizenships to travel and work in Canada for up to two years. There are three categories under IEC: Working Holiday; International Co-Op; and Young Professional.

    • Provincial/Territorial Agreements: when a foreign national is nominated by the province or territory through a nomination program for permanent residency, the province can provide support to obtain a work permit while the applicant’s permanent residency application is in process.

    • Intra-Company Transferees: a category which allows multi-national companies to temporarily transfer qualified employees to their Canada-based branch or subsidiary.

    • Accompanying Spouse Work Permit: When a common-law partner or spouse accompanies a student or worker to Canada, it may be possible for the spouse to obtain an open work permit valid for the same duration as the other spouse’s study or work permit.

    • Student Post-Graduate Work Permits: A Post-Graduation Work Permit allows graduates from eligible post-secondary institutions to work for up to 3 years, depending on the length and type of their study program.

Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA)

An LMIA is a document that Canadian employers must apply for and be granted by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) before hiring foreign workers. This requires the employer to recruit nationally before offering the job, following strict guidelines, and applying for an assessment as to whether or not the hiring of a foreign worker will have a negative impact on Canada’s labour market. A Positive LMIA confirms there is a legitimate need for the foreign worker, and that no Canadian citizens or permanent residents were available for the role.

Most employer-specific work permits require a positive LMIA.

Studying in Canada

A Canadian study permit enables qualified international students to pursue education at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) across the country, in academic, vocational, or professional programs. Study permits are required for programs of study of six months or longer.

We are also able to assist with extensions or changes to temporary resident status.

It’s important to remember that the extension or change of status application must be received by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada prior to your initial status expiring.

Be sure to contact us for assistance in advance.