Temporary Resident Visa

If you plan to visit Canada for tourism or to spend time with your family and friends, you might need either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

A Temporary resident Visa is an official, government issued document that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a temporary stay. It is required for nationals of visa-required countries who wish to enter Canada to visit family and friends, or for tourism or business purposes. The visa-required are most countries in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America.

The TRV is typically valid for up to 6 months, and it does not permit its holder to work or study during their stay.

An applicant must meet specific requirements and demonstrate their eligibility for a TRV:

·       Valid Passport (Passport must be valid for the entire duration of visit)

·       Purpose of Visit (Purpose of visit must be clearly stated, such as tourism, business meetings, or visiting family and friends)

·       Proof of Financial Support (Applicants must demonstrate financial resources to cover their expenses in Canada. Funds need to be sufficient to cover accommodation, transportation, daily expenses, etc. This can be corroborated with bank statements, employment letters, or other Proof of Income)

·       Ties to Home Country (Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to their home country, such as employment, property ownership, family commitments, business obligations, indicating applicants’ intention to return to their home country and eliminate likelihood of overstaying their visa.)

·       Invitation Letter (if visiting family or friends in Canada an invitation letter may be required. This letter should include the host’s status in Canada, the nature of the relationship, the duration of visit, etc.)

·       No Criminal Record (Applicants must have no criminal record, nor to pose security risk to Canada)

·       Medical Examination (if required)

·       Biometric Information (Unless exempt, applicants need to give their fingerprints and photo when apply for a visitor visa.

Meeting these requirements is essential for a successful temporary resident visa application.

Generally, the following steps are necessary for TRV applications:

1.      Determine Your Eligibility (make sure that your passport is valid, have sufficient funds, and clear purpose of your visit).

2.      Gather Required Documents (prepare in advance all necessary documents, such as a valid passport, proof of financial support, a detailed itinerary, biometric information – if required).

3.      Complete the Application Form (Fill out online application form accurately, providing all required information about your visit).

4.      Pay the Application Fee

5.      Submit Your Application

The processing time for TRVs vary depending on applicants’ country of residence, the completeness of the application and whether additional documentation or interviews are required. It can range from a few weeks to several months.

Typically, if no specific date-stamp is placed in your passport, you are permitted to stay for six months from the date you entered Canada. However, if a CBSA officer specify a shorter period, you are required to leave Canada by that date. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension, before your status expires.

If you stay in Canada beyond the period you have been authorized by the CBSA officer, you are in violation of Canadian immigration laws, which may lead to serious repercussions, such as issuance of removal order against you and ban to return to Canada. It may have a negative impact of overstaying record on your future visa applications.

Electronic Travel Authorization

Foreign nationals of visa-exempt countries coming to Canada by air are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before commencing their trip.

In general, there are four types of travelers regarding an eTA:

1.      Travelers who need an eTA. Citizens of visa-exempt countries need an eTa to fly to or to transit through a Canadian airport. They don’t need an eTA when arriving by car, bus, train or boat.

2.      Travelers who may be eligible to apply for an eTa. Citizens from select visa-exempt countries may be eligible to apply for an eTA, instead of a TRV to travel to Canada by air. If these travelers coming to Canada by car, bus, train, or boat, they need a TRV.

3.      Travelers who cannot apply for an eTA and need to carry other identification (Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents and travelers from visa required countries).

4.      Travelers who are exempt from the eTA requirements. U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents of the United States who hold a valid status in the U.S., etc.

This authorization can be obtained through the Canadian federal government website, and the fee is $7 CAD.

An eTA is electronically linked to the applicant’s passport or travel document and is valid for five years or until a passport/travel document’s expiration date, whichever comes first.

Parent/Grandparent Super Visa

The Super Visa is a long-term, multiple-entry visa that allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to visit Canada for extended period, for up to five years per visit, with multiple entries over up to 10 years.

Study Permit

Canada is globally recognized for its top-tier education system, offering high-quality academic programs and exceptional learning experiences. Institutions like the University of Toronto, McGill University, and the University of British Columbia consistently rank among the world’s best, providing students with outstanding educational and research opportunities.

Before embark on your academic journey to Canada, you need to obtain a study permit. It is an official document that allows foreign nationals to study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada. A study permit grants temporary resident status, meaning students must leave Canada when their authorized stay ends unless they meet the requirements to extend their stay or transition to another status.

Open Work Permit:

Post Graduation Work Permit - If you have recently graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and want to stay in Canada to gain work experience, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit. This open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, helping you build professional connections, gain Canadian work experience, and potentially transition to permanent residence. However, not all programs make you eligible for a PGWP.

Open Work Permits for Spouses of international students and foreign workers - You may be eligible for an open work permit if your spouse or common-law partner studies or working temporarily in Canada.

Employer Specific Work Permit:

This type of work permit (also called a closed work permit) is a permit that ties you to a single employer, job position, and location for the duration of your authorization. Unlike an open work permit, this type of permit does not allow you to switch employers freely.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Managed by Express Entry system, allows qualified foreign nationals from all over the world to immigrate to Canada. It is tailored for professionals who have the skills, education, and work experience that Canada needs to fill labor shortages and strengthen the economy.

The FSWP is a point-based immigration program using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess and score candidates in the Express Entry pool. Every few weeks, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds draws to invite the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence. If selected, candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and must submit their full application within 60 days.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

This program is a pathway for skilled tradespeople to become permanent residents of Canada. It is designed to attract workers qualified in skilled trades such as construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, including work experience, language proficiency, and a job offer or certification in their trade. This program is part of the Express Entry system and offers a skilled tradespeople a chance to build future in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This program is also part of the Express Entry system, designed to provide permanent residence for skilled workers who gained work experience in Canada.

British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program

BC PNP is an economic immigration program, administered by the province of British Columbia to attract talented individuals who can contribute to its economy. It provides an opportunity for individuals and families looking to establish their life and career in British Columbia. BC PNP encompasses two program components:

1. Skills Immigration: Ideal for workers and recent graduates who have the skills and experience needed by BC employers.

2. Entrepreneur Immigration: Tailored for experienced entrepreneurs who want to establish and actively manage a business in BC.

Family Class

Canada strongly values family reunification, and the Family Class program allows Canadian citizens and permanent residents to bring their loved ones to Canada. They, by sponsoring, may become Canadian permanent residents and allowed to live, study and work in Canada.

If you are eligible as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may sponsor your:

• Spouse (legally married)

• Common-law partner (living together )for at least one year

Conjugal partner (in a committed relationship but unable to live together due to legal or immigration barriers)

Our firm provide expert guidance and representation for both the Spouse or Common-Law Partner in Canada Class (Inside Canada) and Sponsorship of Spouses under the Family Class (outside Canada) applications.

After sponsor and principal applicant’s eligibility assessment, we assist our clients in preparation of a complete and compelling application, correspondence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and potential interviews requests.

Citizenship Applications

Becoming a Canadian citizen is a significant milestone, offering stability, rights, and opportunities in Canada.

To qualify for Canadian citizenship, generally, you must meet the following requirements:

• Permanent resident status - You must hold a valid PR status in Canada with no immigration or inadmissibility issues.

• Physical presence in Canada for at least 1,095 days (3 years) in the last 5 years before applying.

• Income tax filing for at least 3 years within the last 5 years.

• Language proficiency - Applicants between 18 and 54 years old must provide proficiency in English or French (CLB 4 or higher).

• Citizenship test and interview - You may need to pass a test on Canada’s history, values, institutions, and laws.

  We provide assistance with Canadian citizenship eligibility assessment, application preparation and submission, residency and tax obligations verifications, application follow-ups and updates.