Start with the right information
A Canadian visa, electronic travel authorisation and study or work permit serve different functions. Use IRCC guidance to check both your activity permission and your travel document requirements.
Explore your purpose in Canada
Canada Visitor Visa
Check your travel-document requirement, then organise evidence explaining the visit and how it will be funded.
Explore Study permitCanada Study Permit
Begin with the institution and programme. Review current IRCC instructions for your own study circumstances.
Explore Work permitCanada Work Permit
Identify the relevant work-permit pathway and the employer’s part in it before filling in application details.
ExploreA planning note for your journey
For study planning, start with your school and programme details. For employment, establish the employer’s role before budgeting for a permit application.
Prepare your starting information
Before an assessment for Canada, gather the facts that define your case: your passport nationality, where you legally live, the exact activity you intend to undertake and the length of your stay. Explain whether you will travel alone, with family or with support from a host, school or employer.
- Record intended travel dates and any deadlines that affect your plan.
- Identify who is funding the journey and where you expect to stay.
- Keep relevant previous visa decisions and current immigration status available.
- Use the selected authority’s checklist to confirm document formats and submission steps.
Costs and timing
Build a budget in the currency used for each actual charge. CAD is useful for destination expenses, but application fees may be charged differently by location. Verify official fees, appointment costs and processing information before committing to a travel date. Our service fee is quoted separately in writing.
Can I use a visitor route to work in Canada?
Check the permissions for the exact route. A visit and employment are different purposes; do not assume a visitor permission covers your intended work.
Which checklist should I use?
Use the official checklist for your selected route and place of application. Our checklist generator helps organise preparation but does not replace the authority’s instructions.
What should I do next?
Use the Visa Finder to organise your purpose, then discuss any uncertainty with an adviser before preparing an application.
Official starting point: Government guidance ↗. General planning content; consult the authority for the latest rules, fees and application instructions. This page is not a legal eligibility assessment.