Canada Visa Consultation: Types, Requirements & Application Process (2024-2025)
If you’re planning to visit, study, work, or immigrate to Canada, you will likely need a visa. Canada offers multiple visa categories based on travel purpose, duration, and applicant eligibility. Iranian citizens must obtain a visa before traveling to Canada.
What is a Canada Visa?
A Canada visa is an official document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada legally, either temporarily (visitor, student, work visa) or permanently (immigration visa).
📌 Important Note:
Even with a valid visa, the final decision to grant entry lies with Canadian Border Services Officers (BSO) at the point of entry. If they suspect you are ineligible or find inconsistencies in your application, they can deny entry despite having a visa.
Who Needs a Canada Visa?
Citizens of about 148 countries, including Iran, require a visa to enter Canada.
However, some nationalities can enter with:
✔ Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) – for visa-exempt countries
✔ Visa-Free Entry Agreements – for certain travelers
Iranian citizens MUST apply for a visa before traveling to Canada.
Types of Canada Visas
Canada offers multiple visa categories based on the applicant’s travel purpose. Below is a comprehensive list of visas and their purposes:
🔹 Temporary Visas
| Visa Type | Code | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | TRV | Short-term tourism, family visits, business |
| Super Visa | SUPV | Long-term visit for parents/grandparents |
| Work Permit | WP | Temporary work authorization |
| Open Work Permit | OWP | Work for any employer in Canada |
| Study Permit | SP | Study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) |
| Temporary Resident Permit | TRP | Entry permission for otherwise ineligible visitors |
| Electronic Travel Authorization | eTA | Required for visa-exempt nationals traveling by air |
🔹 Permanent Residence (Immigration) Visas
| Visa Type | Code | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Express Entry Visa | EE | For skilled workers (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, etc.) |
| Provincial Nominee Program | PNP | For those nominated by a Canadian province |
| Family Sponsorship Visa | FS | For family members sponsored by Canadian citizens/Permanent Residents |
| Start-Up Visa | SUV | For entrepreneurs starting businesses in Canada |
| Self-Employed Visa | SEPP | For self-employed individuals in cultural, arts, and sports sectors |
| Investor Visa | IP | For high-net-worth individuals investing in the Canadian economy |
| Humanitarian & Compassionate Visa | HCG | For special humanitarian cases |
| Refugee Visa | RC | For asylum seekers fearing persecution |
| Bridging Open Work Permit | BOWP | Work authorization while waiting for permanent residence approval |
📌 Canada Temporary Visa Requirements
If you plan to visit Canada temporarily, you must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV). This includes tourist visas, business visas, and super visas for parents/grandparents.
✅ Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Resident Visa (TRV):
✔ Valid passport
✔ Good health (medical exam may be required)
✔ No criminal record (police clearance certificate)
✔ Strong ties to home country (job, family, financial assets)
✔ Sufficient funds to cover stay
✔ Intent to leave Canada at the end of your trip
📌 Processing Time: Varies by country (typically 2-6 weeks)
📌 Visa Fee: C$100 per applicant
📌 Canada Study Visa (Study Permit)
Foreign students must obtain a Study Permit if their course duration exceeds 6 months.
✅ Eligibility Criteria for Study Permit:
✔ Acceptance letter from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
✔ Proof of financial support (tuition + living expenses)
✔ No criminal record (police clearance if required)
✔ Medical examination (if applicable)
✔ Intent to leave Canada upon study completion
📌 Processing Time: 6-12 weeks (depends on country of application)
📌 Visa Fee: C$150 per applicant
📍 Steps to Apply for a Study Permit
1️⃣ Get accepted by a DLI in Canada
2️⃣ Gather required documents (passport, acceptance letter, proof of funds)
3️⃣ Complete application form online or at a Visa Application Center (VAC)
4️⃣ Pay processing fee (C$150)
5️⃣ Submit biometric data (fingerprints, photo – C$85)
6️⃣ Attend interview (if requested)
7️⃣ Wait for approval and receive Study Permit
📌 Canada Work Visa (Work Permit)
To work in Canada temporarily, you need a Work Permit.
📌 Types of Work Permits in Canada:
1️⃣ Employer-Specific Work Permit – Requires a job offer from a Canadian employer
2️⃣ Open Work Permit (OWP) – Allows work for any employer (not job-specific)
✅ Eligibility Criteria for a Work Permit:
✔ Valid job offer from a Canadian employer
✔ Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) approval (in most cases)
✔ Proof of relevant skills/experience
✔ Medical exam (if required)
📌 Processing Time: 4-12 weeks
📌 Visa Fee: C$155 per applicant
📌 Canada Permanent Residency Visas (PR Visas)
If you want to immigrate to Canada permanently, you need a Permanent Resident (PR) Visa.
📌 Most Popular PR Programs:
✔ Express Entry – For skilled workers (points-based system)
✔ Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – For applicants nominated by Canadian provinces
✔ Family Sponsorship – For spouses, children, parents/grandparents
✔ Start-Up Visa (SUV) – For entrepreneurs launching businesses in Canada
✔ Self-Employed Visa – For cultural, artistic, and athletic professionals
📌 Processing Time: 6-18 months
📌 Visa Fee: C$1,325 per applicant
📌 Canada Visa Processing Time & Costs (2024-2025)
| Visa Type | Processing Time | Visa Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visa (TRV) | 2-6 weeks | C$100 |
| Study Permit | 6-12 weeks | C$150 |
| Work Permit | 4-12 weeks | C$155 |
| Express Entry (PR) | 6-18 months | C$1,325 |
| PNP (Provincial Nominee) | 6-18 months | Varies |
📢 Final Advice on Canada Visa Applications
✔ Apply early – Visa processing times vary
✔ Ensure accuracy – Incorrect/incomplete applications lead to delays or rejections
✔ Show strong home ties – Increases approval chances
✔ Provide proof of funds – Financial stability is key
✔ Use authorized agents if needed – Avoid visa fraud or misrepresentation
📌 Need Expert Help? Contact Elite Immigration Consultants for professional Canada Visa Assistance! 🚀
