Visa to Canada
Canada is known for its spectacular natural scenery and modern cities such as Vancouver and Toronto, making it an increasingly popular tourist destination. Millions of travelers from all over the world come every year to explore this amazing country of North America.
A prerequisite for visiting Canada is to obtain a visa - an official document issued by the competent authorities, which is an authorization to enter Canada and stay for a specified period of time. The Canadian Immigration Service offers the possibility of issuing different types of visas for those wishing to visit the country.
However, Canada is a very loyal and hospitable country. And, thanks to the country's flexible visa policy, a number of countries, including European Union countries, including Germany, have a simplified visa regime with Canada.
Citizens of these countries do not need a visa for a short-term stay in Canada for up to 6 months. It is sufficient to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). This online procedure was introduced in 2016 for visa-free countries, and replaces the traditional visa for short-term travel for many citizens of visa countries who previously had a visa for this country. This permit allows you to enter Canada by air, as well as travel in transit through Canadian airports.
We offer you detailed information about different types of visas for Canada, basic requirements and necessary documents to obtain an eTA permit.
If you need assistance in preparing your trip to Canada, we will be happy to help you prepare all the necessary documents. Our experts will provide you with comprehensive travel planning support, including advice on visa requirements and entry regulations, eTA processing, translation and notarization of documents or health insurance.
Apply for Canada's electronic travel authorization - eTA - easily on our website
Does Canada require a visa?
Most foreign nationals need a visa or electronic travel authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada.
The eTA is mandatory for those who could previously enter Canada without a visa for up to 6 months. This applies to citizens of the EU, US, UK, Australia and some other countries.
The eTA permit is issued for short-term visits to Canada, such as for tourism or business purposes (up to 6 months) and when transiting through Canada to third countries, and is only required for air travel. If you are a citizen of a visa-free country and are traveling to the country by land or water transportation, including car, train, bus or cruise ship, in this case you do not need an eTA permit or a visitor visa to the country.
It is worth noting that an eTA permit does not entitle you to work or take long-term courses at a Canadian university - you must obtain a special visa for this.
If you are not a citizen of a country that is on the list of countries with visa-free and simplified regime with Canada, then to enter the country for tourism, business or transit you need to apply for the appropriate visa, regardless of whether you are traveling by plane, car, bus, train or cruise ship.
Also, for longer trips, including for work or study in Canada, foreign nationals of most countries need to apply for the appropriate visa, such as a student, work or immigration visa.
Types of visas and permits for travel to Canada:
The Electronic Travel Authorization is not an alternative to a visitor visa to Canada, it is required for travelers who do not require a visa to travel to Canada, arriving by air.
The eTA is valid for 5 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
The eTA is tied to the passport that the traveler uses when applying. This means that the permit will automatically expire if the identity document expires or is lost.
The eTA allows multiple entries into Canada and stays of no more than 180 days per visit.
The purpose of the trip can be for any purpose - tourism, business travel, short-term study or a transit stopover.
Temporary Resident Visa or Visitor Visa allows foreign nationals of visa countries to visit Canada for various purposes: vacation, meeting relatives or friends, business travel and other short-term visits, including short-term studies or courses not exceeding 6 months.
The TRV visa can be either single-entry or multiple-entry. The standard validity period is 6 months.
The TRV temporary resident visa is suitable for those who want to get to know Canada without applying for a permanent or long-term residence permit.
To study in Canada for more than 6 months, you need a special permit - Study Permit. Its duration is equal to the duration of the study course plus an additional 90 days.
It is important to note that Study Permit is not a visa. Once approved, a Visitor Visa (TRV) is automatically issued for entry into Canada.
An official invitation from an accredited Canadian educational institution is required to obtain a Study Permit.
In order to be officially employed and work in Canada for more than 6 months, you need to apply for a special permit - Work Permit.
The standard period of validity of a work permit in Canada is from one to three years. The terms of employment may be limited to a specific employer, place of work or field of activity.
It is important to note that a Work Permit is not a visa. Once approved, a Visitor Visa (TRV) is automatically issued for entry into Canada.
Canadian graduates can get a special work permit called a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
This type of permit allows for employment after graduation.
Completion of your studies in Canada does not guarantee employment under the PGWP program.
The duration of this permit is calculated and approved on an individual basis.
Permanent residency programs in Canada provide foreign nationals with the opportunity to obtain permanent residency in the country.
There are many programs of immigration to Canada, each of which has its own conditions and criteria for selecting candidates. The most popular are economic immigration programs, federal workers and provincial nominees.