Maple News reports that international students, foreign workers, and tourists entering Canada often need clarity on the types of visas and permits required for legal entry and stay. Understanding the distinction between visas and permits is key for a smooth immigration experience.
A visa is a travel authorization that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada, while a work or study permit grants legal status to live, work, or study once inside the country. The visa is used at the border as proof that an individual is allowed to enter, whereas the permit governs their activities once they are in Canada. These documents are typically issued together, depending on the applicant’s nationality and purpose of stay.
Canada offers two main types of work permits: Open Work Permits (OWPs), which are not tied to a specific employer, and employer-specific permits issued based on a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Similarly, study permits allow international students to attend approved institutions in Canada. Both categories may require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), unless the applicant is from a visa-exempt country, in which case an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required instead.
Payment for visas and eTAs is usually available in local currency, depending on the applicant’s country of residence. Applicants can check with the relevant Canadian visa office that processes applications from their region to determine accepted currencies and payment methods.
Those applying for a work or study permit do not need to apply separately for a TRV or eTA. If the application is approved, the corresponding visa or travel authorization will automatically be issued. However, applicants must submit their passport to a Canadian visa office in order to have the visa affixed.
Canada issues both single-entry and multiple-entry TRVs. Single-entry visa holders can re-enter Canada only under limited conditions, such as travel to the U.S. or certain French territories, and with a valid status. Multiple-entry visas allow travelers to leave and re-enter Canada as often as needed during the visa’s validity.
Temporary residents can find the expiry date of their legal stay on their permit or visitor record. If no date is specified upon arrival, tourist status defaults to six months from the date of entry. In rare cases, border officers may write the date by hand or issue a special document indicating how long a visitor can remain.
For individuals holding a valid visa in an expired passport, re-entry into Canada is still possible. They must carry both the old passport with the visa and their new valid passport. However, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recommends applying for a new visa in the current passport for a smoother travel experience.
By understanding these key elements, newcomers can better navigate their travel plans and legal responsibilities during their stay in Canada.