Canada Immigration Visas and Permits

Canada is a popular emigration destination for many South Africans and aims to attract highly skilled immigrants. Offering opportunities for temporary and permanent immigration, Canada provides safety, security, and an excellent standard of living with a high life expectancy. You can choose from several thriving cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Ottawa, and Vancouver, as well as countless quaint smaller destinations. The second largest country in the world spoils you with choice.

Contact IBN Immigration Solutions, and we’ll ensure your immigration to Canada goes smoothly. We work together with a licensed partner to ensure you have a full range of support

Fun Facts

• Canada has the fourth lowest population density in the world
• English and French are the two official languages of Canada
• Canada has six time zones
• The average life expectancy in Canada is 81 years old
• His Majesty King Charles III is King of Canada and Head of State. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government

There are eight types of visas and permits that provide several travel and immigration options to Canada.

• Express Entry Permanent Residency
• Provincial Nominees Programmes
• Business and Tourist Visa
• Work permit
• Intra-Company Transfer Permit
• Study Permits
• Entrepreneurs and Investors Visa
• Dependents and Family Sponsorship

Express Entry Permanent Residency

The express entry system allows skilled professionals to apply for permanent residency in Canada through a comprehensive points system.

The system is available through the Federal Skilled Workers Programme, the Federal Skilled Trade Programme, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Provincial Nomination Programme.

Provincial Nominees Programmes

The provincial nominees’ programme enables skilled professionals to live in their chosen province, provided their profile meets economic and labour needs.

The programme is run by each province and not the federal government. This enables provinces to select immigrants according to their specific needs.

Business and Tourist Visa

The business and tourist visa (or visitor visa) is for people who want to visit family and friends, see the sights, or attend business meetings or conferences. This particular Canadian visa is valid for up to six months.

Travellers from certain countries are eligible for Electronic Travel Authorisation, which is available through an online application process.

A visitor visa is occasionally required as an entry visa for certain long-term Canadian permits. Often, the visitor visa is issued with the relevant immigration permit, so it’s not necessary to submit a separate application.

Work Permit

In Canada, work permits are employer-specific. Their validity depends on which type of permit you are applying for.

There are two types of short-term work permits:

Exemptions are available to highly skilled workers under skill type 0 or skill level A.

Applicants must still get an entry visa or electronic travel authorisation, if applicable. 

Applicants need a work permit if they are not exempt from short-term work and are entering Canada for long-term work purposes.

There are several types of long-term work permits

Your Canadian immigration specialist will help you determine which stream most applies to your situation.

Long-term work permits are issued for one to three years, depending on the stream, job offer, and individual circumstances.

Can dependent family members accompany the employee to Canada? 

Yes. Spouses, life partners, and dependent children can accompany you to Canada either as visitors, to work, or to study. Both applications can be submitted at the same time. They may be eligible for an open work permit (work permit not linked to a specific employer) if you have applied as a skilled worker in an occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A, or B to work in Canada for six months or longer.

Intra-Company Transfer Permit

The intra-company transfer permit is the most common and accessible of Canadian permits. It enables employees to move within the company to a branch in Canada. Employers needn’t obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment for this type of Canadian permit. As a result, it provides a quick and easy route to get a work permit in Canada.

Validity

The initial Intra Company Transfer Work Permit is generally issued for one year but can be renewed for multiple years.

Can dependent family members accompany the employee to Canada? 

Spouses, life partners, and dependent children can accompany you to Canada either as visitors, to work, or to study. The application can be submitted at the same time as your application for the work permit and visa.

Can an Intra Company Transfer work permit lead to Permanent Residence? 

Yes. After you’ve worked in Canada for at least one year, you can transition into the Express Entry Programme for Permanent Residence through the Canadian Experience Class or one of the Provincial Nominee Programmes.

Study Permits

A study permit allows students to complete a field of study or programme at a designated educational institution in Canada. Students must have been accepted to their higher education institution of choice before they can apply for a study permit.

Students must prove they have sufficient funds to cover their study fees, living expenses, and return travel to their home country or country of residence. They must genuinely intend to leave Canada when their studies are complete.

Validity

Study permits are valid for the duration of the course or programme. There are an additional 90 days that provide prep time to leave Canada. The 90 days also allow you to apply for an extension.

Work

Students can only work if the permit states they can work on- or off-campus.

Typically, students can work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and full-time during scheduled holidays or vacations. Students can usually work on campus full-time.

Note: You must be a full-time student enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional programme that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Note: Spouses, life partners, and dependent children can accompany students as visitors, students, or employees. Their applications can be submitted at the same time as the primary permit holder’s application.

Entrepreneurs and Investors Visa

Entrepreneurs and investors who want to start a business in Canada or invest in an existing business have a range of immigration programmes to choose from. This visa provides a path to permanent residence.

Start-up/Entrepreneur Visa

Applicants can obtain a visa and permanent residence permit via the start-up visa programme. The Canadian government wants to attract entrepreneurs who will establish innovative businesses in the country, stimulate the economy, and create jobs for Canadians.

Investor Programmes

Contact us to help you determine which provincial nomination programmes are linked to investment and net wealth requirements.

Dependents and Family Sponsorship

Spouses, life partners (including same-sex partners), and dependent children (up to 22) can get a Canadian visa to accompany the primary visa holder. They can also be included in an express entry application.

Life partners must prove that you have been living together in a conjugal relationship for at least one year.

Spouses and life partners need to apply for work or study permits independently. Spouses and life partners may be eligible for an open work permit, which is not linked to a specific employer or employment contract. This is provided the primary permit holder is a skilled worker employed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A, or B, approved to work in Canada for six months or longer.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family members to join them in Canada. The following family members can be sponsored:

• Spouse, partner, and dependent children
• Parents and grandparents
• Orphaned siblings, nephews, nieces, or grandchildren under 18.

You can apply to sponsor other relatives under specific circumstances.

Business and Tourist Visa

Requirements

It’s essential you can support yourself financially for the duration of your stay in Canada.
You must also prove you have ties to your home country or country of residence so that you won’t stay in Canada indefinitely.

Depending on the circumstances, you might need an invitation from your host in Canada or employment confirmation from your home country or country of residence.

Express Entry Visa

Qualification requirements

Meeting qualification requirements is a two-step process.

Step 1

Submit an online express entry profile and enter the express entry pool of the ranking system. Points are allocated according to your age, education, English/French language proficiency, and work experience. 

Your Canadian immigration specialist will discuss points and how to score extra points specific to your situation. 

Step 2

When your score is high enough to qualify for entry to Canada, you will get an invitation to apply for your express entry permanent residency permit. 

It’s not ordinarily necessary to have an existing employment offer. However, there are exceptions; for example, you apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Programme or the Federal Skilled Trades Programme and don’t have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family while in Canada. 

Provincial nominees

The only way to qualify for permanent residency through the provincial nominees’ programme (PNP) is to be nominated by a Canadian province or territory. You have three options:

Option 1

Step 1:

You must meet the minimum requirements under the Federal Skilled Workers Programme, the Federal Skilled Trade Programme, or the Canadian Experience Class.

Step 2:

Apply directly to the PNP through their express entry stream.

Step 3:

When you are nominated for the PNP, you can create an express entry profile and include your PNP nomination.

Step 4:

If you’re successful, you will get an invitation to apply, and you can submit your permanent residency application. 

Option 2

Step 1:

You must meet the minimum requirements under the Federal Skilled Workers Programme, the Federal Skilled Trade Programme, or the Canadian Experience Class.

Step 2:

You create your express entry profile 

Step 3:

Interested provinces review your profile and contact you to express their interest.

Step 4: 

Then you apply to the PNP through their express entry stream.

Step 5:

When you receive a nomination for a PNP, you will also receive an invitation to apply.

Step 6:

You can lodge your express entry permanent residency application through the PNP. 

Option 3

Step 1

Apply to the province of your choice through the PNP.

Step 2: 

They will inform the visa office and arrange the relevant certificates and nomination confirmation if you’re selected.

Step 3:

Submit your permanent residency application at the local visa application centre.  

Note: Whether you need a job offer depends on the province.

The processing time is usually six months from the date of submission.

Intra-Company Transfer Visa

Requirements

• You must be employed by a multi-national company and intend to work for a parent, subsidiary, branch, or affiliate in Canada.
• You must have worked for your company overseas for at least one year in the last three years. 

There are three broad categories of qualifying employees: Executives, Senior Managers, and Specialised Workers.

Start-up/Entrepreneur Visa

Requirements

• You must have solid and innovative business proposals. 
• You must provide proof of sufficient financial means to fund your business venture and support yourself and your family after arrival in Canada. 
• You must have obtained a letter of support from a designated organisation, which can be either an angel investor fund, venture capital firm, or a business incubator authorised to perform this function by the Canadian Immigration authorities.

Family of Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

• The Canadian citizen or permanent resident must prove they can support you financially and won’t require social assistance.
• The Canadian citizen or permanent resident must enter into a sponsorship agreement with you, with the commitment to cover certain costs and expenses for your stay.

The costs for the different types of Canadian visas and permits vary. Your Canadian immigration specialist will go through all the fees and expenses related to your specific permit application. 

The consultant will provide you with an accurate estimate so that you aren’t caught out by hidden fees and miscellaneous expenses, such as renewing your old passport.

Business and Tourist Visa

There are two parts to business and tourist visa applications. First, you must submit an online application. Second, you must go to the Canadian embassy or consulate in your country to submit your biometrics and passport in person.

Long-term Work Permit

There are two steps for long-term work permit applications. Your Canadian immigration consultant will assist you and your employer throughout the process.

Step 1: 

Your employer must get a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The LMIA assesses multiple factors, such as the genuineness of the job offer, language requirements, and the impact of hiring you on the local labour market. 

Step 2: 

You must apply for a work permit, entry visa, or electronic travel authorisation. Submit an online application and go to your closest Canadian embassy or consulate to submit biometrics and your passport in person.  

You can travel to Canada and begin work when you get your work permit and visa.

Start-up/Entrepreneur Visa

The first step is to get a letter of support and commitment certificate from a designated organisation. Organisations include Angel Investor Fund, Venture Capital Firm, and Business Incubator programme.

• For an Angel Investor Fund: Secure a minimum of CA$75,000 in investment funding through a written commitment. 
• For a Venture Capital Firm: Secure a minimum of CA$200,000 in investment funding through a written commitment.  
• For a Business Incubator Programme: Obtain a letter of invitation to join the business incubator (no financing is required). 

The second step is to submit your application for permanent residence. You may also apply for a temporary residence visa, so you can go to Canada sooner to start the business. 

The third step is to obtain your permanent residence. The permanent residence is not performance-based, but you must show that you have established and are managing the business in Canada.

Dependents Sponsorship

Step 1:

Contact your Canadian immigration consultant. They will provide detailed advice and guidance on how to get and complete the required forms and documents. Your consultant will review your application pack once it’s complete. 

Step 2:

You must pay the relevant fees once the pack has been reviewed and approved. 

Step 3:

Your consultant submits the application on your behalf to the relevant Visa Application Centre.

Step 4: 

Upon approval, you can travel to Canada. You will receive an entry stamp confirming the duration of your stay at the port of entry.

Family Members of Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents

Step 1:

Contact your Canadian immigration consultant. They will provide detailed advice and guidance on how to get and complete the required forms and documents. Your consultant will review your application pack once it’s complete. 

Step 2:

Your consultant completes the application, paying the relevant fees. 

The Canadian citizen or permanent resident must apply to become a sponsor, and you must apply for permanent residence. 

Step 3:

Both applications must be submitted at the same time via courier or mail. 

Step 4:

You will be requested to submit your medical exams, police clearance certificates, and biometrics during processing. 

Step 5: 

Once the application is approved, you must submit certain documents. You will receive a document confirming you have been approved as a permanent resident and a permanent resident visa if required, with which you can travel to Canada.