Temporary residency

If you wish to study in Canada, you are required to get a study permit (a few exceptions may apply). A foreign student in Canada is allowed to work part-time (up to 20 hours a week) during their studies and can work full-time during the summer break (some exceptions may apply). Their husband, wife or common-law partner, and their dependent children can also come to Canada. A post-graduation work permit can be delivered to the student who successfully completed their program, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

There are several types of work permits in Canada :

• With or without an employment offer.
• “Open” work permit (not linked to a specific employer)
• “Closed” work permit (employer-specific)
• Employer-specific work permit with Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) exemptions
• No permit required for certain types of jobs (such as athletes, performing artist, …) according to the list of exemptions by Immigration Canada.

If you wish to visit Canada, you need to get a valid visitor visa, unless you are from a country exempted from this requirement and in that case, you will need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA).

Visitors are allowed to remain in Canada up to 6 months after they enter Canada. However, they can apply to extend their stay, but this application must be filed before the 6-month expiration date is reached.

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents can apply to a super visa, allowing them to remain in Canada for a maximum of 2 years.