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Canada Entry Visa

Do You Need a Visa?

Everyone who enters Canada must have a valid passport or other acceptable travel document. If you hold a passport or permanent resident status for several countries or regions, you do not need a visa to visit Canada for short visits. The length of time you may stay in Canada without a visa varies according to your country of origin and other factors. However, in most cases you may stay for up to six months.

Obtaining a Temporary Residence Visa

If you do not hold a passport for a visa-exempt country, you need to obtain a visa to visit Canada for any length of time. You will also need a visa if you are a resident of a visa-exempt country and plan to stay in Canada for an extended period. You must apply for a temporary resident visa from outside of Canada. Once you are in Canada, you may apply to extend your stay; however, you must submit your application at least 30 days in advance of the expiration date of your visa.

In some instances, you must present proof of health insurance or provide a letter of introduction from someone inside Canada along with your temporary visa application. You may also be required to undergo a medical examination, present proof of employment or offer of employment, provide a copy of your planned itinerary for your visit or conduct an interview with a visa processing officer to qualify for a temporary resident visa. In all cases, you will need to present the following documents. Allow sufficient lead time for processing; lead times vary according to your country of citizenship and other factors.

Necessary Documents for a Temporary Residence Visa Application

Valid Passport or Other Travel Document
Two (2) Color Headshot Photographs
Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources for the Entire Duration of Your Visit
Non-Refundable Application Fee

Obtaining a Work Visa for Canada

Anyone who comes to Canada to work needs to apply for a work permit. This can be as a skilled worker, a temporary worker or a provincial nominee. Most applicants must apply before entering the country. Sponsored applicants have a shorter wait period. In some cases you may be required to submit to a medical examination in addition to your application.

Permanent Resident Card in Canada

A permanent resident card entitles a foreigner to stay in Canada. There are several different options: an investor or an entrepreneur; the Family Class designation; a Skilled Worker; self-employed workers. The wait time for processing a permanent resident visa application can be extremely lengthy, especially if you do not have sponsorship or a job offer in hand.

Customs and Duty-Free

If you are moving to Canada for the first time, your personal and household effects can be moved to Canada duty-free if the goods were owned before arriving in Canada and if you are taking up residency in Canada. Customs must be cleared at the first point of entry to Canada, such as an airport.

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Margin	Regul.	Fee	Mini	Ccy	Service
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