Temporary Immigrants

Temporary Resident Visas (TRV)
a.k.a. travel visas

Every year Canada welcomes thousands of visitors as tourists. If a person wishes to visit Canada and they are not from a Visitor Visa Exempt country, they must submit a Visitor Visa application to a Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate abroad.

Citizens of certain countries require a Visitor Visa to visit Canada. To find out whether your country is one of them, visit TRV Countries/Territories.

Work Permits

Most foreign nationals who wish to work in Canada must obtain a temporary work permit. These documents are usually valid for a specific job, employer and time period.

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

Overview of LMIA work permit:

The Canadian employer applies to ESDC/Service Canada for a LMIA by providing proof of recruitment and other supporting documents

WHEN the LMIA IS APPROVED, the foreign national takes the LMIA and applies for a work permit at the Canadian Embassy,High Commission or Consulate in his/her home country

IRCC office abroad issues the foreign worker a work permit approval if they meet all the necessary requirements (such as health, character, security, job qualifications and other country-specific criteria)

The foreign national from a visa-exempt country applies for a work permit at the port of entry

International Agreement/Special Categories

There are various international agreements and special programs under which a foreign worker may apply for a work permit. Some of these do not require approval of the ESDC/Service Canada office and may be obtained at the port of entry.

Business Travel

A business visitor is someone who comes to Canada to engage in international business activities without directly entering the Canadian labour market. Foreign nationals may qualify as a business visitor if they are visiting Canada temporarily to look for new business opportunities, to invest or to advance existing business relationships.