Thinking about applying for a Canada visa?
Before you start, it’s important to check if you meet the basic requirements for the type of visa you want. This guide breaks it down and gives you the official links to check your eligibility.
1. Identify Your Visa Type
- Visitor visa (Tourist/Family/Business): Check basic eligibility—valid passport, no criminal record, proof you’ll leave Canada, enough funds, etc.
- Study permit: You must be enrolled at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), show funds for tuition and living, no criminal record, good health, and intent to leave when it expires
- Work permit: Requirements vary depending on whether you’re applying from inside or outside Canada. In all cases, you must respect the law, prove financial support, and more
- Permanent residency (Express Entry, PNP, etc.): You’ll be assessed via the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on age, education, work experience, language ability, etc.
2. Take the Official Eligibility Quiz
IRCC offers a questionnaire to point you toward eligible programs—whether you want to visit, study, work, or immigrate permanently. You’ll receive a personalized pathway and guidance.
Check it here: “Do you want to come to Canada, or extend your stay?” Quiz
3. Review Specific Program Requirements
- Visitor/Temporary Resident Visa: Full requirements → IRCC official page
- Study Permit: Must be enrolled at a DLI, financial proof, no criminal record, etc. → IRCC details
- Work Permit: Can apply from inside or outside Canada under certain conditions. Includes categories like open, employer‑specific, IEC, Post‑Grad Work Permit, etc. → IRCC details
- Permanent Residency (Express Entry/PNP): Understand how CRS scoring works and calculate your points
4. Use Online Tools
- Express Entry CRS Calculator: Get an estimate of your score (out of 1200) based on personal details
- Physical Presence Calculator: For citizenship applicants — check residency requirements (1,095 days)
5. Stay Updated on Policy Changes
Canada sometimes modifies its visitor, study, or work permit rules—most recently tightening study permits and “maintained status” extensions, and offering new options under the IEC program
📌 Useful Links
- Visitor visa eligibility (IRCC)
- IRCC eligibility tool: “Do you want to come to Canada…”
- Study permit eligibility
- Work permit eligibility
- Express Entry CRS calculator (CanadaVisa)
- Physical Presence Calculator (for citizenship)
(All provided by Government of Canada or vetted immigration authorities)
✅ Steps Recap
- Choose your visa type (visit, study, work, or PR)
- Take the IRCC eligibility quiz
- Study the detailed requirements for your chosen program
- Use calculators to estimate scores and status
- Monitor updates to rules and procedures
Whether you’re planning a short visit or a permanent move, taking these steps ensures you’re informed and prepared before applying. Good luck! 😊
