Temporary Residence
Why Is Immigration Important to Canada?
For over a century, immigration has been a means to support the population, economic, and cultural growth in Canada. Millions of eligible people from around the world have chosen to reside in Canada and make it their new home. Whether seeking better economic opportunities, reuniting with family members, or seeking protection as resettled refugees or other protected persons, newcomers to Canada have been a major source of ongoing growth and prosperity. Along with those who migrate to Canada permanently, many individuals come to Canada to stay temporarily, whether as a visitor, international students or temporary foreign workers. Regardless of their pathway into Canada, they all contribute in a meaningful way to Canada’s economy, support the success and growth of various industries, and contribute to Canada’s diversity and multiculturalism. Immigration has helped to build the country that the world sees today – a diverse society with strong economic and social foundations, and with continued potential for further growth and prosperity.
Temporary residents are foreign nationals who are permitted to enter and remain in Canada for a specified period of time if they have a valid passport and a temporary resident visa (TRV), and who must leave by the end of the period authorized for their stay. They may re-enter Canada only if their authorization provides for re-entry; otherwise, they must reapply for permission to do so.
A temporary resident visa (TRV) allows a foreign national to enter Canada.
Study in Canada
International students
IRCC facilitates the entry of students who wish to study at a designated Canadian educational institution. Students approved to study in Canada are issued a study permit. In 2019, 827,586 international students held valid study permits in Canada. Of these, 402,427 new study permits were issued (a 15% increase from 2018). In 2019, 11,566 study permit holders were granted permanent residency.
There are many reasons that studying in Canada may be an attractive option for foreign students:
– the possibility of obtaining a high-quality education
– Canadian work experience after graduation
– the ability to transition to permanent residence
The study permit is a document officer issue that allows foreign nationals to study at some learning institutions in Canada.
There are other benefits to the education pathway. Students can help pay their living expenses since foreign students can work for 20 hours each week. Spouses or common law partners accompanying a student can work fulltime. Their work permits are valid for the same period as the student’s study permit.
1. Application Process
Step 1: Get an Acceptance Letter
A letter of acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is mandatory for your application.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You will need the following documents:
Letter of Acceptance: From your DLI.
Proof of Identity: A valid passport or travel document.
Proof of Financial Support: Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:
Tuition fees
Living expenses for yourself and any accompanying family members
Return transportation costs
Generally, you must show at least CAD 10,000 per year (in addition to tuition) or CAD 11,000 if studying in Quebec.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Apply for a study permit online via the IRCC portal, upload your documents, and pay the study permit application fee of CAD 150.
Step 4: Biometrics and Medical Exam
Provide biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph). Fee: CAD 85.
Undergo a medical examination if required based on your country of residence (costs vary).
Step 5: Interview (if necessary)
Some applicants may need to attend an interview at their local visa office.
Step 6: Study Permit Decision
If approved, you will receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter of Introduction. Your study permit will be issued upon your arrival in Canada.
2. Requirements for a Study Permit
✔️ Valid Passport
✔️ Letter of Acceptance: From a DLI in Canada.
✔️ Proof of Financial Support: Bank certificates, statements, insurance, pay slips, or employment letters.
✔️ Ties to Home Country: Examples include vehicle ownership, property titles, or business documents.
✔️ No Criminal Record: Provide a police certificate for places you have lived for more than six months in the last ten years.
✔️ Medical Examination: Includes blood work, X-rays, and other laboratory tests.
✔️ Letter of Explanation or Intention: Helps the officer understand your purpose and plans after completing your studies.
3. Fees for a Study Permit
Study Permit Application Fee: CAD 150
Biometrics Fee (if applicable): CAD 85
Medical Exam Fee: Varies depending on the country and medical office.
Police Clearance Certificate Fee (if required): Varies by country.
Visa Application Center (VAC) Fee: Additional service fees may apply if applying through a VAC.
4. Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on your country of residence. On average, it can take 8 to 16 weeks or more, depending on the volume of applications.
5. After You Arrive
Work Authorization:
With a valid study permit, you can work:
Up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions.
Full-time during scheduled breaks.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP):
After completing your studies, you may be eligible to apply for a PGWP, which allows you to work in Canada for up to three years.
6. Additional Considerations
Spousal Open Work Permit:
If you're a full-time student (Master’s or Doctorate programs), your spouse or common-law partner may qualify for an open work permit.
Renewal or Extension:
If you need more time to complete your studies, you must apply for an extension of your study permit before it expires.
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows international students who have graduated from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada to work for any employer in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a PGWP, you must:
- Have completed a program of study at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada.
- Have studied full-time and completed a program lasting at least 8 months.
- Have received a degree, diploma, or certificate upon completing the program.
- Apply for the PGWP within 180 days of receiving your final marks or graduation letter.
Required Documents
Ensure you have the following documents for your application:Letter of completion from the DLI.
- Graduation certificate.
- Official transcripts.
- Valid study permit.
- Valid passport.
- Recent digital photo.
- Letter of explanation (optional).
Application Process
Submit your application through the IRCC portal and pay the application processing fee of CAD 255.
Processing Time
The PGWP processing time typically ranges from 2 to 4 months, depending on circumstances and workload.Implied StatusYou may work full-time while waiting for the PGWP decision, provided you have submitted your application before your study permit expires.
PGWP Validity
The validity of your PGWP depends on the length of your study program:
Less than 8 months: Not eligible.
8 months to less than 2 years: PGWP will be valid for the same length as your study program.
2 years or more: You may receive a PGWP valid for up to 3 years.
Extending Your Stay in CanadaIf your PGWP is expiring, you cannot extend it.
However, you may explore other immigration pathways, such as applying for Permanent Residency (PR) through programs like Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Work permit
Work in Canada
RCC facilitates the entry of foreign nationals who seek temporary work in Canada. Canada’s temporary immigration programs help Canadian businesses attract people with the talent they need to succeed in the global marketplace. Notably, the Global Skills Strategy supports Canadian businesses by providing a fast and reliable way to bring in the highly skilled foreign talent needed to succeed in the global marketplace when workers in Canada are unable to fill the need.
Immigrants and temporary foreign workers fill gaps in Canada’s labour force and help employers respond to vacancies in various sectors.
Approximately 1 in 4 workers (26%) in Canada are immigrants.
Immigration will continue to be a key driver in advancing Canada’s economy. Immigrants and newcomers contribute to Canada’s economic growth.
Foreign nationals who wish to work temporarily in Canada must receive permission to do so by applying for a work permit. It is possible a work permit is tied to a specific employer or the work permit may be “open.”
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
The purpose of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program is to help employers who are in need to fill a job position. The employer must prove that there are no Canadians qualified to fill the job.
In order to be qualified under TFWP, foreign workers need to have:
– A job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained LMIA
– Work permit
International Mobility Program (IMP)
The International Mobility Program allows employers to hire foreign workers without the need to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The foreign workers do need work permit. In general, workers are exempt from LMIA because the job is in benefit for Canada or due to international agreements.
Trade agreements
There are international agreements between Canada and some countries, with a purpose to facilitate temporary entry for business persons. The eligible candidates will still need a work permit, but not LMIA.
Parent and Grandparent Visa
The visa is for 10 years and the person can stay up to 2 years in Canada
The Parent and Grandparent Super Visa was created to replace the lengthy sponsorship processing for permanent residence, so that family members may be reunited more quickly. With a Super Visa, the foreign national is allowed to stay for up to two years at a time without the need to renew their visa, and may re-enter as many times as they wish over a ten-year period. Specific to the Super Visa is the requirement that all applicants undergo a medical examination and purchase Canadian medical insurance that is valid for a period of at least one year and provides a minimum coverage of $100,000 for health care, hospitalization, and repatriation and that is valid for re-entry and available for review by the officer at the POE. Applicants must also provide proof of the parent, or grandparent, relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The child or grandchild, must prove that their household meets the minimum necessary income.