The most popular Canada visa people apply for are the visitor visa and students visa. In order for your visa to get approved there are some certain criteria you must meet.
You must have the required documents, and must meet the eligibility requirements to travel or get your application for a Canada visa approved.
What Is A Canada Visa?
A Canada visa gives a person full permission to enter Canada for a period of time or permanently. Applying for a Canada visa is the best way to secure safe and legal passage to Canada.
Who Can Travel To Canada ?
Anyone who has the complete documents to apply for a visa and get approval can enter Canada as long as they fully complies with every rule and regulations guarding Canada.
Types Of Canada Visa Or Visas
Visitor Visas
- This is the type of visa a foreign national needs to enter another country, a visa for a brief visit.
- Visitor visas are available to those who wish to briefly enter the country for tourism.
Student Visas
- International students can enroll in a Canadian university with the help of a student visa or study permit.
Work Visas
- Work visa is a type of visa that allows you or gives you permission to work abroad and live abroad.
- Keep in mind that there are some eligibility criteria depending on the country you want to work in.
Permanent Residence Visas
- Technically speaking, green cards are a kind of visa that permits permanent residence. For a person to be eligible for a green card there are a lot of conditions to meet.
Other
- Business Immigrant visas
- Express Entry Program visas
Also Read: 94 Visa-Free Countries For South Africans
How To Apply For A Canada Visa Step By Step Guide
1: Determine Your Desired Visa
First and foremost you must have to be sure of the kind of visa you need, Visitor visa, Student visa, Work visa, Permanent Residence visa, Business Immigrant visa or Express Entry Program visa.
2. Get The Required Documents
After making a choice of the Visa you want or need, your next step is to get the required documents. You can get the right information on required documents by visiting an immigration office or asking an agent just to be sure.
Documents such as a valid passport, proof of finance or spooner, and a letter of invitation (if applicable), its all depends on the kind of visa you are applying for.
3: Complete The Visa Application
Be it online, gotten from an immigration office or embassy, you will have to complete the form by filling in the required details and submit the required documents.
4: Visa Processing fee
A normal visitor visa fee is estimated to be $CAN100.
Applying for a visa requires you to pay some fees at some point, and you should be ready for that at all times.
5: Book An Appointment (if required)
You will need to schedule a visit to a visa application center for fingerprinting and other biometric data in order to apply for some visa categories.
6: Wait For The Processing
The length or time it takes to process a visa varies, but you can always check the progress of your application on the Canadian government website .
According to the Canadian immigration website, it take approximately 8 weeks to get approved and more for some countries.
Canada Student Visa Direct Stream
Student direct stream is a special program for students who want their student visa to be approved sooner than later though it may attract extra fees ($150 processing fee).
However not all students are qualified for this program.
Eligible Countries For Canada Student Visa Direct Stream
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Brazil
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- India
- Morocco
- Pakistan
- Peru
- Philippines
- Senegal
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Vietnam
Only students from the above countries are eligible for SDS. If you are not in any of the above countries you can apply through a regular stream. The only major difference is priority.

What You Need To Apply For A Canada Student Visa SDS And Regular Stream
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof or letter of acceptance from a designated learning institution (DLI) in Canada after an application later may have been submitted.
- Proof of finance or sponsor (tuition fees, living expenses and other)
- A language test result (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.) a proof of language proficiency in English or French Recommendably
- Proof of a clear criminal record from law enforcement
- Medical examination results, if required
- Proof of relationship certificate (marriage, birth , etc.) if required.

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